Can my landlord charge me more for my apartment than the other renters in the same building just because my boyfriend lives with me?

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Can my landlord charge me more for my apartment than the other renters in the same building just because my boyfriend lives with me?

I live in a building that has 3 of the same exact apartments as far as blue print. I am being charged $635 a month. My boyfriend and live together. My neighbor below is only pay $400 for just herself. I feel like I am being over charged and the people across from us in a different building owner by the same person. This couple isn’t married just like us and has a little boy, plus their apartment is way bigger and they only pay $550 a month. Can she charge us that much?

Asked on December 1, 2011 under Real Estate Law, Iowa

Answers:

FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 12 years ago | Contributor

Unless the apartments that you are writing about are subsidized by a governmental entity, a landlord on the free market can charge whatever amount he or she desires for a rental and what a willing tenant is willing to pay.

In your situation you are paying more than your neighbors because you agreed to pay the amount that the landlord wanted for the rental. You could have negotiated the ultimate monthly rental. Many people do so.

From what you have written, I see nothing wrong with the monthly amount that you are currently paying for rent.


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