Government only regulates a small portion of rents across the US. California and New York were the first to create rent stabilization as an effort to stop landlords from taking advantage of tenants in areas where there are few rental properties and many tenants. Before rent stabilization landlords would run their rentals like a casino and offer to the highest bidder. This practice is not acceptable in rent controlled areas. Most cities however, don’t have any type of rent control. The HUD published rent amounts only apply to section 8 tenants receiving housing welfare.

I know so much about this subject because I once had a landlord double my rent… I though is was illegal too. Then I found out that he had right to charge what he wanted. He did it to get me to move out. He knew I couldn’t afford the new rental amount and would be forced to move. Don’t worry, I filed a complaint with the RPA so that it would be documented against him. (At least I got the last word!!) My landlord was banned by the RPA and now has a negative record. Yay!

What can you do about it? Not much! The best answer is that you could threaten to not renew your lease. That might make management more willing to keep your rent the same.