I want to thank everyone for the advice -
Here's a new one for ya.
The landlord got the heat working - been one for 2 days now - When I got home yesterday there was a note on my door stating the my rent is going up an additional $25 starting March 1st. I do believe they need to give me at least 30 days notice. I am going to pay the origiinal rent amount and I will be looking for a new place to live starting today - I fear it's only going to get worse and I don't need the stress.
Rent Increases: If an apartment is either rent controlled or publicly
subsidized, the landlord cannot increase the rent without receiving prior
approval of the local Rent Control Board or the proper housing authority,
respectively. Rent for a Tenant with a Lease can be increased only when
the lease term expires. Rent for a Tenant-at-Will can be raised only when
both parties agree to the increase. However, if you do not agree to it,
the landlord can have you evicted. If your landlord wants to raise your
rent, s/he must send you proper legal notice terminating your current
tenancy. This notice may contain an offer to remain in the apartment for
the increased rent. You must receive this notice at least one full rental
period, but not less than 30 days, before it becomes effective. The
rental increase may be any amount the landlord wishes to charge, and s/he
may increase the rent as often as s/he wishes, provided that proper
notice is given each time the rent is increased.
Note: Some cities or towns (e.g., Boston) allow rental increase limited
to the increase in the Consumer Price Index for elderly, handicapped and
low/moderate income tenants. Check with your local housing authority or
rent control board to see if this applies to your city or town.