The apt. increases rent 5% before my lease’s expiration date

Yes, its legal to offer a new lease agreement. But, don’t sign it!! They will say anything to get you to sign the new lease, but you don’t have to. If they pressure you to sign a new lease agreement with worse terms, you can file a complaint with the RPA. Whatever you do don’t ever sign a new agreement when the terms are worse. You made an agreement with the landlord for specific terms & they have to honor that contract. If you do sign the new agreement, all bets are off. DON’T SIGN THE NEW AGREEMENT!!!

This is a very common trick used by landlords. Like Jeff mentioned above, don’t fall for it because if you do, you are out of luck. It makes no sense to sign a new agreement that will cost you more money. Don’t be rude, but be firm. Tell them that you’re already under contract and won’t consider signing another lease for another year. Be nice, it will get you further.