Commercial rent increase

[John G.]

While I am a landlord in the residential world, I am a tenant in the commercial world and am un familiar with my rights.

Currently I am not in any type of lease nor have I been for 6 years with the current owners.  They want to force me to pay 6% increase per year for being month to month tenant.  What are my rights on such an increase.  In the residential world if he told me that Jan 15th....the increase would not go into effect until end of Feb.  BUT, in the commercial world I have a feeling its different.

Any thoughts are appreciated

[Kevin M.]

It's my understanding that @Spencer Gray is correct. My wife is a commercial real estate attorney and says that is the exact reason why commercial terms are typically for multiple years. Many give the tenant rights to renew as well. Might be worth asking a lawyer about the best way to handle but I think having a written lease is important.