Florida Woman Was About to Sign Her Lease Renewal. Her New Rent Rates Made Her Jaw Drop.
With rent going up in the United States, people either renew their lease or pack up and leave. Emily Rose Therrien (@emlegssssss) has been living in Tampa, Florida, for two years. But just as she was about to sign her new lease contract, she noticed that her rent has skyrocketed to astronomical numbers.
“I got my lease renewal today sent to my email, and the numbers that were presented to me made my jaw fall to the ground,” Therrien told TikTok. She’s currently living in Channelside, Tampa, known for its high-rises and family-friendly attractions. Notably, the area has a 17% higher cost of living compared to other districts in the city. But nothing could have prepared Therrient for the numbers she saw on her email.
“If I want to sign another twelve-month-long lease, which is the lease term I’m currently on, they are going to raise my rent over a thousand dollars,” Therrien said. It’s a steep price to pay, but it’s not the most outrageous price increase for rent. However, her landlord presented another option—one that left Therrien in shock.
It’s like she’s paying NYC rent prices
“If I want to go month-to-month, the rent will be $11,438,” Therrien revealed. She showed the email sent to her by her landlord. Just as she described, if Therrien renews her lease, she will have to be paying $11,438 on a month-to-month rate.
“I don’t even know how that number is calculated. It’s almost as if they pulled it right out of their [expletive],” Therrien stated. She explained that her current base rent is just $3,800. If she re-signs her lease, her landlord will be raising the rent to $4,900, which is a $1,100 increase from her previous rental price. However, if she wanted to pay month-to-month, Therrien would have to pay the five-figure price.
“Respectfully and disrespectfully, no thank you. I’m out,” Therrien said of her situation. Nevertheless, many social media users were just as perplexed as Therrien.
One commenter said in disbelief, “Typo? Maybe they meant $1438… That’s crazy.”
Another person joked, “Are you renting at the White House?”
Some social media users in Therrien’s comment section were rallying behind rent control after having heard of her predicament. Others even suggested she sue, like this woman who did exactly that and won against her landlord.
But there were also people curious about the home Therrien was currently renting. For its month-to-month rate, shouldn’t it be a single detached home with four bedrooms at the minimum?
Is she living in a huge house somewhere in Tampa?
Apparently not, as seen in Therrien’s apartment tour. It has two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and one den. Upon entering, she has a storage den where she could fit additional clothes and shoes. She didn’t give the exact measurements of her apartment, but the bedroom could fit two side tables and a full-size bed and still have ample space.
The living room and kitchen featured a 360° view of the location because it has many windows. There was natural light seeping through the property, making it look bright from the inside without having to turn the lights on.
“I think I have the best view in all of Tampa,” Therrien said as she stepped onto her balcony. From the apartment, she could see a view of the city—of buildings and some greenery. It was objectively a good view, but not worth $11,438. Therrien will not be renewing her lease after the valuation she was given.
(featured images: Emily Rose Therrien)
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