Renewing Lease

I read with interest your advice to Kevin. I have been living in a townhouse rental (large apartment community) in CA since May 99. I originally signed a 12 month lease for $955 ($925 rent, $30 carport rent) which reverted to a month to month lease in May 00. In May 00, my rent was increased $50. OK by me, I expected a standard yearly increase. In Sep 00 I was informed that because most rentals in the area were charging monthly "pet" fees that my rent would be increased another $30.
(Even though I had already paid a pet deposit of $300 when I moved in). I love my cats, so I re-budgeted and paid it on Oct 1st. Yesterday I received another rent increase (due Dec 00) of $60!!!!!!! That is $140 in seven months. I have been reading up on CA civic code 827 which allows greedy landlords to basically raise rents whenever they fancy IF you are on a month by month lease. I wish to renew my yearly lease so that they cannot mess with me like that. My annual raise (fixed, military) was only about $75 this year so my budget is suffering. In addition, I have noticed a huge structural crack (I have not notified the landlords) running down the length of my two-story townhouse. Is there anyway I can get my lease renewed on a set rental rate?

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by JAH:
I read with interest your advice to Kevin. I have been living in a townhouse rental (large apartment community) in CA since May 99. I originally signed a 12 month lease for $955 ($925 rent, $30 carport rent) which reverted to a month to month lease in May 00. In May 00, my rent was increased $50. OK by me, I expected a standard yearly increase. In Sep 00 I was informed that because most rentals in the area were charging monthly "pet" fees that my rent would be increased another $30.
(Even though I had already paid a pet deposit of $300 when I moved in). I love my cats, so I re-budgeted and paid it on Oct 1st. Yesterday I received another rent increase (due Dec 00) of $60!!!!!!! That is $140 in seven months. I have been reading up on CA civic code 827 which allows greedy landlords to basically raise rents whenever they fancy IF you are on a month by month lease. I wish to renew my yearly lease so that they cannot mess with me like that. My annual raise (fixed, military) was only about $75 this year so my budget is suffering. In addition, I have noticed a huge structural crack (I have not notified the landlords) running down the length of my two-story townhouse. Is there anyway I can get my lease renewed on a set rental rate?<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Talk to the property management company and ask them for a one year lease.