I think the landlord has a right to raise the rent to the market level. After considering what value keeping these good tenants bring to the deal, the decision must still be the landlord’s. If tenants don’t want to chance the market going up, they can sign a longer term lease.
The house I rented when I lived in California had been rented to the previous tenant - for 25 years! I’m sure the landlord had raised the rent a few times but was still getting a lot less than it was worth. This is her income property and she deserved a raise too.
Agreed that landlords deserve to make a living and in our crazy property tax area, deserve to not shoulder the increases without a contribution from the tenant.
Young Hoss, I appreciate your honest comments that it is not charity and you are providing a service. There is an ethical point however, given the meaning of home and the importance in our emotional as well as economic lives. In my line of work, health care, I need payment as well, but hopefully act out of compassion as well as providing the needed service. In the old days before billing was insurance involved and complicated, many hospitals and Drs provided a certain level of free service as part of practice. Others pay full freight who can afford it. My hospital provides a good deal of free service each year.
Landlords of course need to be paid, but a certain amount of compassion for tenants is also part of the bargain.
A longer term lease is also an interesting idea.
Anyhow, the issue was settled today, with a small increase. Somehow the owners decided no increase, and I protested, saying that they need to recoup some of their costs and not resent the tenant in the long run! The tenant is happy and I am relieved, not that that especially matters.
Thanks for all the comments and perspectives!