There's more to this story, because as it is it doesn't make sense.


#1. You can't have a "landlord" if you own the place. You either own it and have a mortgage or rent it and have a lease. Do you have a mortgage or a lease?

#2. Have you been paying your rent on time? If so, why is there money "owed" for? If not, then depending on the terms of the lease, he may be able to accelerate the total amount due, i.e. in the process of eviction.

#3. Everything that you can and can't do is outlined inside the lease or purchase agreement. You can't go outside the 4 corners of that document. In other words, if he didn't put an increase clause in, he can't unilaterally make changes. Most commercial leases include a yearly increase that is usually expressed in % of the previous year's rent. If he doesn't have one, then he is not allowed to merely jack up the rent. Again, the lease or purchase agreement should clearly say or in this case NOT say what can and can't be done.

#4. If you don't have a lease and you don't own the place, you are in big trouble. Without a lease agreement, you become what's called a tenant-at-will or month-to-month tenant. If this is the case, he CAN (with proper notice) make changes with as little as 30 days notice. This includes evictions and rent raises. Just as you can leave without penalty, usually with a 30 day notice. Sometimes month-to-month leasees are even allowed to merely pack up and leave at the end of the last month paid.

Hope this helps.