Lease Renewal with Rent Increase

[digigeek]

I have a small dilemma. I have a one year lease
on a single family house. The lease ended
recently. The agent mentioned to me that the
owner wished to increase the rent by $100.
She finally sent me a *new* lease roughly
20 days before the first lease ended.

Here's the problem: In my original lease, there
is a clause stating that:

- Renewal, Extension, and Termination of Lease

A written notice of 60 days prior to the expir-
ation of the lease shall be req'd by either
party to terminate an annual rental. But in
default of such notice this lease shall
continue upon the same terms and conditions
contained herein for a further period of one
year and son on until terminated by either
party...

Now, the ugly issue is that the agent just up
and sends me a completely new lease with the
new rental amount listed AND the original
security deposit and such ALSO listed as if
this is a completely new lease and not a renewal.
I'm extremely hesitant to sign it and return
it since it is technically bogus. Even if
wanting to raise the rent on a date LESS than
60 days from expiration of the first lease
were okay...I can't sign this thing as it is
since the entire security deposit is listed
again. This is just sloppy business and I don't
like it.

What can/should I do and where do I stand?

I don't want to be a jerk to the actual owner,
he's a decent guy who is far away right now. The
problem is with the agent, she is so totally
irresponsible every time I deal with her. She
always leaves me needing more questions
answered than having answers from her. The actual
lease (new) that I have in my hand is bogus.
I *know* what she means by it, but it is wrong
in at least the deposit area and probably in
the rental increase since she screwed up and
did not talk to me at least 60 days prior; she
waited too long.

Ideas?

Thanks for any help,
James

[consigliere]

From what you have written, it looks like your old lease was renewed for another year at the same rent.
 
Too bad, so sad for the landlord for using an incompetent managing agent.