Raising rent by double because I didn't raise rent before

[Vitaliy Merkulov]

I have a tenant that moved in on September 2016 that paid $1300 per month with an agreement that they would pay $1450 per month starting from January 2017. I never actually raised the rent to $1450 because they were immigrants and I wanted to give them some more time. Now, most 4 bedrooms are going at $2000 per month in our area. Can I raise rent to $1450 + 10% on top? Or I can only raise it to $1450 right now?

[Colleen F.]

So you have in the lease$1450 and you are not collecting it? follow your lease. You can indicate a percentage will occur on renewal and agree to do less but you shouldn't make an agreement and just not enforce. If lease is expired with no standing agreement give notice of increase per local law. 30 or 60 days usually. Be fair and consistent in your policies. Favoring someone on thier immigrant status doesn't pay your bills...