I have a commercial building I'm leasing. my lease was over in Feb. The landlord sent me a letter in the mail on March 3rd stating he wants ...

Question

I have a commercial building I'm leasing. my lease was over in Feb. The landlord sent me a letter in the mail on March 3rd stating he wants to increase the rent as well as have me responsible for utilities if the bigger unit next to me becomes vacant. The problem with this is that unit and mine share a meter. If I don't agree to this new provision by April 1st he has given me less than 30 days to find a new location. We have also been to court last year where I filed suit and won for a breach of contract and I know this is his way of retaliation by his comment "you had to have known this was coming." What can I do? Please help!

Answer

You would really need an attorney to review the lease and then advise you as the answer is going to be in the terms of the agreement. Generally, with proper notice, a landlord has the right to change terms (i.e. increase rent) after an agreement expires or is terminated.

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