Page 4 of Neighbors' Omega
In the event of a rent increase of more than ten percent, the lessee can terminate the lease without penalty with thirty days notice.
I blinked and read the line again. “Wait… does this mean…?”
“She wouldn’t have been able to increase the rent during the lease period. So it makes no sense for her to include that, unless she expected the house to pass to somebody else. Luckily, while the rent increase is legal, the terms of the lease are also binding otherwise. This clause still applies, even if handwritten. You both initialed and dated it, so your new landlord would have difficulty contesting it.”
I sighed. “It’s something, I guess.”
He nodded. “If you ask me, I think taking the out is the best option. People like this don’t stop at one sketchy action. If you decided to stay long enough to renew, you’d likely find a host of unfavorable changes.”
I groaned. “I hate moving.”
He chuckled. “I think that’s universal.”
I stood and extended my hand. He mirrored the motion as we shook.
“Thank you for your time today,” I said. “Do I pay Ryan up front for the consultation?”
“You’re welcome. Yes, he can process your payment.”
I made sure that I had my copy of the lease, then headed back out to where Ryan sat.
“Good news?” Ryan asked hopefully.
I sighed. “Not really. My options are to either take the outrageous rent increase, or move.”
“Damn, I’m sorry.”
I nodded. “He helped at least. He pointed out an addition to my lease that the landlady made in the last renewal. It gives me an out.”
“I guess that’s something.”
“Yeah…” I pulled my wallet out and passed over my debit card, which Ryan ran.
“So have you received an invitation to Anna’s baby shower yet?” I asked as I signed the slip.
Ryan shuddered. “No, and I hope they forget to invite me.”
I thought about it for a few seconds then sighed. “You’re right. Aunt Sharon will probably be there…”
“And nagging all the single omegas to find a mate and have kids.”
“Blech… she’d have us all settling for the first knot on offer if it were up to her.”
“Yep.”
“Maybe they’ll forget me too.”
“Wishful thinking for both of us…”
“Probably.”
I slid my card back into my wallet, then returned it to my pocket. “Brunch on Sunday?”
“Sure.”
“I’ll text you.”
“Cool. See you then.”
