Dear Mr. Casio,

I am writing in response to the letter I received this morning. First of all, I would like to tell you that I've enjoyed living in Minto Heights this past year and would like to stay another year. However, your letter says the new rent will be $1,500 a month. This is a big increase from the $1,100 I have been paying. Could we come to an agreement that both of us can accept?

My online research tells me that the rent increase is legal, but the price is unusual. A similar apartment (two bedrooms, 1,300 square feet, 5 years old, one underground parking spot) typically rents for $1,000 per month. This is less than what I'm paying now. In fact, most similar apartments include air conditioning, but mine doesn't.

I read in the newspaper that 4.1% of city apartments are empty this year and 4.4% will be vacant next year. This isn't surprising, as there are currently 200 new condominium buildings under construction in the city. Good tenants are valuable and hard to find. That's why I think you should charge the same rent next year. If you raise the rent, you might find someone willing to pay $400 more. However, it is equally possible that you will have an empty apartment earning zero income.

I feel that I am the type of tenant you would like to keep. I have always paid my rent on time. I haven't damaged the apartment. I don't smoke or play loud music, and I follow the "no pets" rule. I have always shovelled the snow off my balcony, as required in the lease. In addition, I have shovelled the front walkway, even though I'm not required to. This has helped to keep your other tenants safe.

If you agree to renew my lease at the current monthly rate, I will pay the first 3 months' rent in cash right away and the remainder in postdated cheques. Could you kindly let me know before May 1st if this is acceptable?

Sincerely,

Deborah Perrault