Educational screener — not legal advice. Retaliation laws vary; consult a tenant-rights attorney or legal-aid clinic for a determination on your facts.

Retaliation Screener

Was the rent hike retaliation?

A rent increase that arrives soon after you exercised a tenant right (asking for repairs, filing a complaint, organizing) may be illegal in most states. This screener flags the warning signs.

State

In the last 6 months, did you do any of these?

Asked landlord (in writing) for repairsFiled a complaint with a code/health/housing agencyJoined or organized a tenants' unionWithheld rent or used repair-and-deduct for habitabilityExercised a legal right (court action, lawful complaint)Reported discrimination or harassment

Days between that act and the rent-increase notice

My unit currently has unresolved habitability issues (no heat/hot water, leaks, mold, pests, structural safety).