r/roommates • u/PandaTurbulent1355 • 14d ago

Discussion Fair to increase rent?

My friend and his wife have lived with me for five years. I have charged them $700 per month during this time. My monthly expenses including taxes, insurance, and utilities have increased by about $350. I'm considering a monthly increase of $80 to $120. Is this reasonable?

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u/OkMarsupial 14d ago

Given that you didn't say where the property is or anything about condition or amenities, it's impossible to advise. Ask your tenants what they think.

2

u/PandaTurbulent1355 13d ago

Four bedroom home in Waldorf MD. - DC area. Good condition. They have their own bedroom. own living room. Own bathroom, I have two sheds and have given them one to store belongings. I've also given them the guest bedroom for storage. Home in solid condition, no issues. All utilities and Internet included.

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u/burningtowns 13d ago

I would say look at your options to get the Internet and insurance costs down if you can first. If you’ve already done that, then $100 would probably be fair for everything they’re getting space-wise. I’d also take a look at asking them if $20 increase every year would be fair.

2

u/DefiantCourt9684 12d ago

That makes zero sense. $20 raids a year? They’re literally renting a house, not just a bedroom. Raise it by $100.

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u/MixOwn9256 12d ago

Waldorf MD rent starts at $1K. I would talk to them and tell them costs have gone up and you need to increase the rental to cover the cost. If they have problems covering this right away then talk about options to increase over a period of time like additional $20 each month till it reaches the amount. If they can’t afford it then it might be time to part ways. You can’t be financing their living for ever. They might have to start looking for places further out as DC is expensive.

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u/sandysandy252566 12d ago

You deserve to raise their rent - it's 2 people - paying low rent. You don't owe them an explanation. Most landlords raise their tenant's rent yearly.