Raising Amenity And Trash Fees

Summary

Landlords can generally raise fees with each new lease term, provided its not discriminatory or retaliatory. If your current lease says they will pay for trash, they cant change it until a new lease is signed. Local laws may limit pet fees, so its important to check Old Bridges specific regulations. Laundry facilities can be considered an amenity even if tenants have to pay to use them. In New Jersey, there isnt a specific statute that limits the increase of amenity fees, but any increase should be reasonable and not discriminatory or retaliatory. Always review your lease agreement and consult a local attorney for personalized advice.

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My apartment complex just raised amenity fees last year. They went from $* to $* to now $* (in my new lease to be signed by June *). They also want to charge a new trash fee. Are they allowed to raise amenity fees and add a trash fee? My current lease says they will pay for trash and I do not see any provisions in my current lease regarding changes to a trash fee in the future. I have not spoken to the office, but others have. And they don't have any reason to why they're continuing to raise charges. As far as the amenity fee, we have dog walking areas that they took bags away from because they claimed someone was stealing them, but they don't have cameras anywhere. They do not remulch the dog park when they should. We have a pool that is closed a lot of days in the summer. And we have laundry facilities that we have to pay to use. Also, people from outside of the complex dump their garbage in our dumpsters. So if they're adding a fee for excess garbage disposal, how is that the tenants responsibility? They also are increasing cat fees per month from $* to $*. They did not charge a deposit per pet. Are they allowed to increase cat fees? In the town code, it says they cannot charge more than $* for dogs.
Hi Samantha, your situation is quite complex. Could you please tell me which city and state you are currently residing in? This will help me to provide you with the most relevant legal information.
Old Bridge, NJ
Thank you for providing the details, Samantha. Here's some general information:
*. Landlords can generally raise fees with each new lease term, provided it's not discriminatory or retaliatory.
*. If your current lease says they will pay for trash, they can't change it until a new lease is signed.
*. Local laws may limit pet fees, so it's important to check Old Bridge's specific regulations.
Please consult with a local attorney for personalized advice.
Can they consider laundry facilities an amenity when we have to pay to use the washer and dryers?
Yes, landlords can consider laundry facilities as an amenity even if tenants have to pay to use them. The amenity is the provision of the facility, not the cost of operation. Please check your lease regarding this.
Thank you
You're welcome, Samantha! If you have any more questions or need further clarifications, feel free to ask. Remember, consulting with a local attorney can provide you with personalized advice tailored to your situation.
Is there a maximum increase per year for an amenity fee?
The regulations surrounding maximum increase per year for amenity fee can vary by state and city. In New Jersey, there isn't a specific statute that limits the increase of amenity fees. However, any increase should be reasonable and not discriminatory or retaliatory. Always review your lease agreement and consult a local attorney for personalized advice.