Can your property manager charge a larger amount than what's on your lease agreement?

She can most definitely up the rent if your lease is ending (and this is a common practice with many landlords). However you can take your previous lease (you should still have a copy) to her and show her what your rent was for the previous year, so she can adjust it by the correct 8%.

Could just be a mistake…That happened to me, she told me one number then the letter had a larger number on it, I just called her and reminded her what we agreed on and it changed to the original agreement.

I’m sure she (or the computer program she used) made an error. Just give her a call and explain the dilemma.

BTW-the manager works for the owner. Likely it was the owner’s decision to up the rent, not hers. Just an FYI from a former property manager.

I was wondering what are my chances of geting to pay the lower amount if I tried to argue the price. (the lower amount was on the memo and signed by the manager)

@miki Can you take the note & the lease to her and ask her? That’s what I would do.

@miki, first of all read the lease. Most leases stipulate a maximum increase per year upon renewal. Read the lease in detail so you know what you’re talking about. She will demand the larger amount if you just go in and ask which I should pay. Everything is negotiable if it is not in writing. Take the old lease in with the new rent based on the old rent X 1.08 and show her the calculated amount. Don’t act sheepish about it, be strong and ask her to check her math, because this is what you came up with.

Have you been a good tenant, paying rent on time and not being a noise or maintenance nuisance, if so your position is even stronger?

I’m have been a landlord at different times. Just, say “Your math doesn’t appear to be correct, am I missing something?” in a very non agressive non emotional way.

I will definitely take another look at the lease. We are actually on very good terms. I don’t know her personally, but our tenant/landlord relationship is outstanding. Unfortunately her math is incorrect. She added the wrong percentage. This is on a signed document referencing the lease renewal, not the actual lease.

@miki Again, it sounds like human or computer error. Give her a call, or go see her today and clear this up.

It sounds like the mistake was made in your favor. You should make a written amendment to the old lease to solidify the new rate and term (1 year?) and have both tenant and landlord sign it. That way there will be no argument in the future. However, this may bring to the attention of the owner the miscalculation. Or, you take the risk and hope they never ask for the correct amount. You have to be careful the landlord doesn’t try to back bill you later if they undercharged you. Best to have things in writing so things are clear or keep some money in reserves in case they ask for it.