Lease Agreement Rent Dispute

Summary

In South Carolina, landlords cannot increase rent during a fixed-term lease unless the lease agreement allows for it. If a tenant signs an addendum agreeing to a rent increase, it becomes legally binding. Misunderstandings about lease terms and additional charges can lead to disputes. Its crucial to communicate concerns and seek written clarification before signing any documents. If you believe the lease language is vague and causing financial hardship, consulting a lawyer can help address the issue.

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I signed a lease agreement in may which stated my rent for 5 months was a certain figure. Two months later I was instructed to sign an addendum that increased my rent by * dollars if I wanted to move in on my agreed upon move in date. I was still under the impression that the money I gave them earlier would cover my base rent but they told me today that I would still owe about * when I move out
What state are you located in, Arden? Different states have different laws regarding lease agreements and rent increases.
South Carolina
What was the reason given for the increase in rent? In South Carolina, landlords cannot increase rent during a fixed-term lease unless the lease agreement allows for it.
I was told in person that the increase was due to my short term premium but I was told on the contract that the number given to me would cover that as well
What does your lease agreement say about rent increases or additional charges? In South Carolina, landlords can't increase rent during a fixed-term lease unless the lease allows it.
the lease says the number may or may not include other fee or charges. However, I was also not told that the money order I gave them would not cover my full rent.
Did you receive a written notice about the rent increase? In South Carolina, landlords must provide a written notice before increasing the rent.
I was give an addendum in July. However, I was still under the impression that my rent was still covered
Did you sign the addendum? In South Carolina, if a tenant agrees to a rent increase by signing an addendum, it becomes legally binding.
yes
Did you consult with a lawyer before signing the addendum? In South Carolina, once an addendum is signed, it becomes legally binding.
no. My main argument is that the language in the lease was purposefully vague which is causing me undue financial hardhship
Did you express your concerns about the vague language to your landlord before signing the addendum?

In South Carolina, it's important to communicate any concerns about lease terms before signing.
no because I was still under the impression my rent was covered
Did you receive any written or verbal clarification about your rent coverage before signing the addendum?

In South Carolina:
- Lease terms should be clear and understandable.
- Misunderstandings can lead to legal disputes.
no
What does the addendum you signed specifically state about the rent increase?
it states that the price below is for the full term and lease. but my lease states that the lower number is for term.
What does the term "full term and lease" and "term" specifically refer to in your lease and addendum?
term refers to my stay at my apartment
What is the duration of your stay (term) as mentioned in your lease agreement?
5 months
What is the exact wording in the addendum regarding the rent increase?
it says "rent for this exclusive bed space shall be a total amount under this lease contract of *,*"
Did the addendum specify that the increased amount of $*,* was in addition to the original rent amount you agreed upon in the initial lease?
no it does not mention the inital lease at all
What was the original rent amount stated in your initial lease agreement?
*,*
Did the addendum clearly state that the new rent amount would be $*,*, or was it implied that this would be an additional charge on top of your original rent?
it says it may or may not include other fees. however I was told in person this price would cover the entireity of my rent
Did you get any written confirmation about the in-person conversation where you were told the price would cover your entire rent?
No. I received verbal confirmation
Did you record or have any witnesses to the verbal confirmation about the rent coverage?
no.
What was the exact wording of the clause in the lease agreement that mentioned other fees or charges?
"this amount may or may not include or exclude other fees and charges as outlined in your lease package" it should be noted, I did not receive any other information until about one or two months before I was supposed to move in. This addendum was signed AFTER i already gave them the amount signed on the intial lease
Did you receive any written notice or document outlining these additional fees and charges before or after signing the addendum?
no. the fees were vaguely listed at the bottom but were not concrete about what I was being charged with
What were the fees listed at the bottom of the document?
"parking, pet, utlity, short term premiums, or other fees associated" BUT it shoud be noted that on the initial lease, the number I was given already calculated my short term premium
Did you receive a breakdown of these fees and charges in writing at any point?
I was given a sticky note that confirmed my initial understanding
What does the sticky note say exactly?
i dont have it anymore
What was written on the sticky note?
it had the number of base rent added to the short term premium
Did you keep a copy of the sticky note or any other document that could prove your initial understanding of the rent calculation?
no i did not but the guy who gave me the note still works at the office
Can you ask him to provide a written statement confirming what he told you about the rent calculation?
i was told only my lawyer could contact the office from now on
What is the reason you were told only your lawyer could contact the office?
i told them i was seeking legal counseling
What is the name and contact details of the office where you signed the lease agreement?
clemson edge *-*-*
What is the exact amount you were told you would owe when you move out?
*
What is the exact amount you have paid so far?
no the total i was told i owed was *. the total i owe now is *
What is the breakdown of the new total amount of $*?
im not sure since the math they gave me still does not make any sense
Can you provide a copy of both your initial lease agreement and the addendum you signed? This will help in understanding the exact terms and conditions.
yes
What is the exact wording of the clause in the addendum that increased your rent?
there is no clause. it just states "other fees"
What are the "other fees" mentioned in the addendum? Are they specified or explained anywhere in the document?
ive already listed them
What was the total amount you paid initially when you signed the lease agreement?