Question
Can you refuse to continue to sign a lease if there's a fee increase that was not disclosed until the last pg?
When I went to sign my lease renewal, I did not notice that that my water and trash fee would be doubling and there was going to be two additional new fees that I would have to pay each month. This was not revealed to me until I was well into signing the lease (about the 6th page). When I got the notice about renewal my lease a month before, it was not revealed to me. When I talked to the leasing manager the day before about renewing my lease, it was not revealed to me. Since I had already signed the beginning of the lease and it was in the addendum was I liable to continue? Note: I decided to suck it up and just go with it since it just was a short term lease and I had no choice. I'm just curious in case this happened again. Also, my co-sign, whose name it also on the lease had not signed it yet. And to top the cake...After I finished signing everything with the assistant the leasing manager (smiling) came out of her office and asked if I had seen the fee increase. ***eye roll**** So it turns out that they are raising the fees for ALL residents next month, even those that haven't signed a new lease. Can they do this without having residents sign a new lease? The complex is at a least 25% vacancy right now. I guess they are striving for 50% vacancy.
5 months ago - 5 answers
Best Answer
Chosen by Asker
the term "meeting of the minds" is unambiguous. The Landlord had an obligation to mention what was in writing that was new. regardless, you have accepted the new components. luck
Source(s)
RE Broker
by kemperk
5 months ago
Asker's Rating: 
Other Answers
Next time, read the WHOLE document before you sign anything.
by jlf- 5 months ago
Hi, Great lessons learned - it is always recommended that you read the entire document before you sign.
by Trilliana- 5 months ago
I believe you have to sign all adendum pages. You might have a case if you signed the lease page before. Technically, you should be initialling each section of the lease, indicating that you agree with the rules and regulations set forth by the tenant landlord agreement. You might actually be able to fight the fees. Or negotiate with them. As for the co-signer, if they don't renew with you, you are liable for all of them, and they might not see your co-signer as a resident to the apartment, and if they find out he or she resides there they can evict that individual. You could always call your local housing authority or attorney generals office. They might be able to clear it up better for you.
by Calindra- 5 months ago
They do not legally have to explain every detail to you before hand. It is your responsibility to read it before you sign it. If you fail to do so, that is your mistake. This is a prime example of why you do not sign anything before reading it!! You really have no choice. When a landlord is renewing your lease you have 2 options. You either agree to any new terms or you find another place.
by Wildcat- 5 months ago