How can a tenant dispute a rent increase?

In Delaware, tenants can dispute a rent increase if it is unreasonable or if there has been a lack of proper notice issued by the landlord. Tenants should first check their rental agreement to see if it includes information about how rent can be increased and the amount by which it can be increased. If there is a lack of proper notice, a tenant can take legal action against their landlord. The tenant should contact their local housing office to file a complaint. The tenant should be able to provide evidence to support their claim that the rent increase was not reasonable or that proper notice was not given. The tenant also has the right to request a hearing before the Rent Board, which is a group of local housing officials who will listen to both the landlord and tenant’s side of the story and then issue a decision. This decision is legally binding and can be used in a court of law if the parties cannot settle the dispute between themselves. Lastly, the tenant should consider speaking with a lawyer to discuss their legal options and whether they have a case for rent increase dispute. A lawyer can provide the tenant with advice on the best course of action to take in order to receive fair treatment.

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