Limit on rent increases

Limit on rent increases "I am a student in one of the schools in the University Belt. I have been renting the same boarding house near my school for two years. The owner talked to me yesterday and told me he would be increasing the monthly rental fee. I asked the owner if he could give me six more months before the increase, but he insisted that he needs it due to the rising prices of basic commodities. Were the actions of the owner valid?Miggy   Dear Miggy,To answer your question, we shall refer to Section 4 of Republic Act 9653 or “An Act Establishing Reforms in the Regulation of Rent of Certain Residential Units, Providing The Mechanisms Therefor and for Other Purposes.” The said law provides: “Section 4. Limit on Increases in Rent. — xxx Provided, That after such period until Dec. 31, 2013, the rent of any residential unit covered by this Act shall not be increased by more than seven percent (7%) annually as long as the unit is occupied by the same lessee: Provided, further, That when the residential unit becomes vacant, the lessor may set the initial rent for the next lessee: Provided, however, That in case of boarding houses, dormitories, rooms and bedspaces offered for rent to students, no increase in rental more than once per year shall be allowed. xxx” (Emphases supplied).Applying the said law in your situation, the owner of the boarding house you are leasing can increase the monthly rental payment. Based from the aforementioned facts, you have been renting the same boarding house for two years already. The law authorizes the owner of a leased property for rent to students to increase rental payment not more than once per year. Hence, the actions of the owner were valid. But it is important to note that the increase in rental payment shall not be more than 7 percent annually. This opinion is solely based on the facts you have narrated and our appreciation of the same. Thus, the opinion may vary when the facts are changed or further elaborated. We hope that we were able to enlighten you on the matter. Editor’s note: Dear PAO is a daily column of the Public Attorney’s Office. Questions for Chief Acosta may be sent to dearpao@manilatimes.net" - https://www.affordablecebu.com/