![Are Bozeman Landlords Capitalists or Criminals? Could It Be Both?](http://townsquare.media/site/12/files/2022/04/attachment-RS16444_506978155-scr.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Are Bozeman Landlords Capitalists or Criminals? Could It Be Both?
Let me ask you this, at what point do we say enough is enough?
I was on social media yesterday and saw that one of the tenants in an apartment complex here in town is looking at a rent increase. Well, that certainly isn't anything new here in Bozeman, however, this was a 550 dollar rent increase.
Yep, 550 bucks...a month...more.
The person was shocked, I was shocked, and the other people commenting were shocked. I mean think about that for a minute, 550 dollars a month, over a 12-month lease that comes out to be an increase of 6,600 bucks a year, extra for rent. Unbelievable, right? Unfortunately, that is becoming the norm here in Bozeman and there isn't a whole lot that renters can do about it. You either pay it, or you move and they put someone else in your place that will.
Seems a little heartless, huh?
Let me give you an example. I know someone that was looking at a rent increase of right around 350 bucks a month, so they decided to get out and find someplace cheaper. The one apartment alone had over 300 people apply for it. Throw in the fact that they charged folks 60 bucks a piece for an application fee and do the math on that one. The worst part? That person just moved into the complex that is raising rent by 550 dollars a month.
Is this a case of good 'ole American capitalism or is this criminal? (I know, I know it's not REALLY criminal per the law) but it certainly is morally questionable, isn't it? I don't begrudge anyone from making a buck, heck, that's just the way of the world, but at what point do you say "Yea, I've probably crossed the line"?
I understand raising rent, I really do. Property taxes go up, blah, blah, blah, etc, etc, etc. The question is, what is a reasonable increase? 50 dollars a month? 100 dollars? Even that is steep for some folks, but 550 bucks? What is the justification for that? Seriously, I would like to know. How do you justify raising a person's rent by 550 dollars a month? I can't be the only one that's curious, has anyone asked these landlords and property managers this question? If so, did they get a response?
So let me ask you, is this capitalism, or is it criminal? Be sure and vote in our poll below.
LOOK: Here is the richest town in each state
The 100 Best Places to Live on the West Coast
More From KISS FM
![The Caribbean in Montana? You Better Believe It](http://townsquare.media/site/14/files/2024/07/attachment-Untitled-design-2024-07-26T164310.439.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![How To Play As The Bobcats or Griz On College Football 25](http://townsquare.media/site/14/files/2024/07/attachment-Untitled-design-2024-07-25T155445.266.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Two Big Wind Farms To Be Built in Montana](http://townsquare.media/site/14/files/2024/07/attachment-Untitled-design-2024-07-25T133331.558.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![E.coli Outbreak In Montana Has Killed One Person](http://townsquare.media/site/14/files/2024/07/attachment-Untitled-design-34.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Highest Grossing Film Out Of Montana Will Blow Your Mind](http://townsquare.media/site/14/files/2024/07/attachment-Untitled-design-2024-07-24T162245.518.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![The Good Life! Popular Grammy-Winning DJ Spotted in Montana](http://townsquare.media/site/15/files/2024/07/attachment-NorthWestern-Energy-announced-Tuesday-it-is-monitoring-weather-conditions-in-Montana-for-a-possible-public-safety-power-shutoff.-1.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Bozeman Residents Are Excited About New Grocery Store](http://townsquare.media/site/14/files/2024/07/attachment-Untitled-design-2024-07-23T160946.932.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Five Amazing Artists Locals Want To See At The Fair Next Year](http://townsquare.media/site/14/files/2024/07/attachment-Untitled-design-2024-07-23T141658.411.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Popular Store in Montana Announces Massive Change Coming](http://townsquare.media/site/14/files/2024/07/attachment-Untitled-design-2024-07-11T130648.817.jpg?w=980&q=75)