Rajiv Mehra, who has been like an older brother to me, has lived in his apartment in Delhi for the past five years. It’s a modest but comfortable place, close to his office, and he’s always spoken fondly of the sense of community in the neighborhood. We’ve visited him many times, and it’s clear how much he loves his home—he’s built a life there. In January 2024, when his lease was up for renewal, he had a conversation with his landlord about the terms. The landlord, whom Rajiv had always trusted, gave him a verbal assurance: the rent wouldn’t increase for the next two years. Relieved by this promise, Rajiv stopped considering other options and renewed his lease without worrying about future hikes. But things took a sharp turn six months later, in July 2024. Rajiv received a notice out of the blue from the landlord, informing him that the rent would be increased by a shocking 20%, effective immediately. I still remember how upset he was when he called us that evening. He had budgeted carefully, made decisions based on the landlord’s promise, and suddenly, this increase felt like a betrayal. Rajiv had been relying on that verbal commitment to plan his expenses, and now, moving out wasn’t even an option without facing serious financial strain. It’s not just the financial burden—it’s the principle of it. Rajiv trusted his landlord’s word, and this sudden shift felt unfair. He’s considering contesting the rent increase legally, but he’s also torn because the landlord had been reasonable for years. However, Rajiv feels strongly that the landlord should honor the promise he made. What legal remedies are available to Rajiv if the court finds in his favor?
