However, it is important to note that the acceptance of a bona fide monetary offer is voluntary.
The tenant shall not be pressured by anyone, including the person making the offer to accept any
offer to vacate the property. Pressure tactics include but are not limited to:
1) Mischaracterizing or misrepresenting the rights of the tenant under the law;
2) Implying the tenant is obligated to accept the offer;
3) Implying that there will be consequences against the tenant for failing to accept the
offer;
4) Harassment, including but not limited to discontinuance of utilities, failure to
maintain common areas or facilities, or any other failure to maintain the premises in a
habitable condition; and
5) An increase in rent in excess of any rent control or rent leveling ordinance, or if the
property is not subject to rent control, an unreasonable or unconscionable rent
increase.
If a landlord imposes an unconscionable or unreasonable rent increase on a tenant in an attempt
to get the tenant to move, the tenant should contact the local rent control board in the city or
town where the property is located to file a complaint. If the rental unit is not controlled by rent
leveling, then the tenant must dispute the unreasonable increase by going to court. See our Rent
Increase Bulletin for information on unconscionable rent increases.