Landlord faces backlash for trying to double tenant's rent

The soaring property and rent rates have left many struggling with the cost of living. Despite these challenges, some landlords continue to extort tenants. One such landlord is Raul Bolufe, a TikTok user with the handle @therealraulbolufe, who has shared a series of recorded conversations with a tenant informing her that he plans to more than double her monthly rent.

According to Bolufe, he purchased a Miami house from the tenant's previous landlord, where she has lived for over a decade. Despite her long-term tenancy, Bolufe told her he intends to raise her rent from $1,100 per month to a "competitive" rate of $2,500 per month. The tenant was understandably shocked, responding, "Are you kidding me? That has to be a joke. $2,500. That's over double my current rent. I can't afford that sh*t. I have kids and I'm already working two jobs as it is; where do you want me to go now?"

In subsequent videos, Bolufe insists that the tenant must either pay the significantly higher rent or vacate the property within 30 days. However, BuzzFeed noted that his actions don't comply with local laws, which require a written notice of at least 60 days for any rent increase exceeding 5%. Bolufe argues that his costs for taxes and insurance exceed $1,100 per month, justifying the rent hike as an attempt to offer the tenant the best possible price. Nevertheless, this rationale seems implausible to many renters. Ultimately, they agreed on a rent of $1,900 per month, still an $800 increase.

Despite Bolufe's portrayal of his videos as educational content for aspiring real estate investors, most viewers did not support his actions. One TikTok user, @biancadeltaco69, commented, "Being nice and calm doesn’t make you right. Doubling it?? I’m with her." Another user, @colmex2, added, "That’s immoral and this is coming from a landlord. Everything is so expensive right now."

Many pointed out that the dramatic rent increase was the core issue, regardless of whether Bolufe thought the tenant was paying too little. Some viewers even speculated that the situation might have been staged due to its shocking nature. In response to the criticism, Bolufe released another video claiming that the previous property owner sold the house because he no longer wanted to deal with the tenant. Bolufe also expressed frustration that even doubling the rent to $2,200 per month wouldn't maximize his profits given the property's Miami location.

This situation highlights the pressing need for fair rental practices, especially during these challenging economic times. It also underscores the importance of tenant rights and the necessity for landlords to adhere to local regulations. As property values and rental rates continue to climb, finding a balance between fair rent and landlord profitability remains a significant challenge.

In the meantime, for those facing similar challenges, knowing your rights and seeking legal advice can make a crucial difference. For tenants, understanding local housing laws and regulations can provide protection against unjust practices. If you or someone you know is struggling with unreasonable rent increases, organizations like the National Low Income Housing Coalition offer resources and support to help navigate these complex issues.

Editor's Note: The article was originally published in July 2024.