Hello, I need a couple of questions answered regarding a lease offer i just received, please.

As my lease was coming up for renewal this past summer, I realize I hadn’t been extended an offer yet,

so I reached out to management and it turned out that the manager who had been overseeing our apartment complex was no longer with the company, and that he had made a mess of things before he left. I was on them all summer long, trying to get the renewal in place but the end came and went without signing a new lease agreement which I assumed put me into a month to month situation, until they hired replacement manager. They finally did offer a lease renewal agreement beginning 10/1 and are wanting me to pay what that additional rent would’ve been for the two months I was without a lease. Can they do that? Also, my wife just recently moved out before the lease was renewed and I want to change the door locks but they want to charge for that. if I was in the middle of the lease, I could understand that, but I’m at the start of a new lease which they would’ve had to change the locks out anyway if I’ve moved out and not renewed for the next tenant. Can they do that? Last question, since I signed the lease beginning 10/1 isn’t that technically a new lease agreement period of time as they hsve dated it retroactively. It wasn’t my fault they took so long to offer the renewal.

Sounds like you have already signed in agreement, why?

I don't know how they would be able to do the lease like that, but you have already agreed.

The locks, however, you should pay for new locks if you want them.

If you sign a retroactively dated lease, then you could be liable for the additional back rent. This would be a good question for a lawyer.

What does your lease say about what happens if no one says anything at the end of the lease period? Mine has an automatic renewal clause that we agree to up front, so if no one does anything, the lease renews for another year with an automatic rent adjustment.

What does your state law say happens if the lease doesn't say what happens? In most cases I've seen, the lease turns into a M2M rental agreement. That's both good and bad. It's good because you still have some rights, but it's bad because they can give you 30 or 60 days notice and you're out the door. So if you fail to sign the new lease agreement that includes back rent, they may just non-renew you and then you're paying for a moving truck and x-days off work vs. a modest rent increase. As NE says, do you really want to fight this battle over a few bucks? If yes, the sure, kick up a fuss and see what happens. Just keep in mind that you remain in their housing unit at the owner/manager's pleasure, so it's a good idea to keep them pleased within reason, and 2 months back dated rent shouldn't be a major deal.

Locks are on you. Btw, you wife moving out doesn't affect your lease agreement in any way, shape or form. She's still on the hook for all the lease terms and payments and she still has a legal right to come back. So any associated costs are yours to pay. Your personal situation is not the landlord's fault or responsibility. Second BTW, contrary to popular tenant-belief, landlords are NOT required to rekey locks between tenants in many areas, especially not if it's the tenant's fault that the rekeying becomes necessary. The landlord agreed to rent to BOTH of you; but where she chooses to sleep is up to her so long as she abides by the lease terms. Might want to let her know so she doesn't do something stupid to spite you and that gets you both evicted.

Oregon has some VERY specific laws concerning this.

It gets a little complicated in your situation due to your wife moving out...

If the tenancy has been in a residence for more than a year, the landlord can not refuse to continue renting unless "for cause". Because your wife is no longer on the contract, your tenancy has changed and the time clock starts over. Technically if tenancy has been established for over a year, they can not force you to sign a new one year lease and it goes month to month. They can end your month to month only "for cause" after you have had tenancy for over 1 year.

Also under Oregon law-- a 90 day notice of rent increase HAS to be given using very specific language. NO, they can not go and charge additional rent for the non lease period. I am not a lawyer and am not giving legal advice. You may want to check with one.

You didn't state if you paid the rent after going month-to-month. If you didn't pay, of course you should pay for the back rent. If you did pay for those two month and they now want to charge you again for those same two months isn't appropriate and I would challenge that part of the charge.

at the end of the day, it's their building, their rules... you either accept it or find somewhere you think you will be happier. remember the grass is always greener on the other side.

The most recent offering on a unit that I am marketing had a $50 discount if the resident signed a two year lease instead of just a one year lease.

Turn overs cost everyone money.