I have a commercial store in Pasadena, CA. I have been a tenant for 13 years and it's a month to month now. The building changed hands and t...

Question

I have a commercial store in Pasadena, CA. I have been a tenant for 13 years and it's a month to month now. The building changed hands and the new landlord had someone slip a notice under my door, after hours...dates April 12, but not delivered until April 19th stating there would be a rent increase from $945 to $1500 effective May 1st. Does he have to give me 30 or 60 days notice first? Is there a legal limit on how much he can raise the rent? If I can't pay that hike.....does he have to give me 30+ days to vacate, without charging me more? I wasn't able to find much information online about this. THANK YOU so much

Answer

The owner has to give you 30-days notice unless your rental agreement says something different. The 60-days for tenants of a year or more is only for residential tenants. There is no limit on the amount of a commercial lease rent increase. If you can't pay the rent the 30-day notice of the increase IS your 30-day notice to vacate. If you don't pay the new rent when due, they can give you a 3-day notice to pay or quit and then begin eviction proceedings if you do not pay in full in the three days.