I'm curious to know how I, a long-time resident of State College, am expected to remain in the borough when my rent is raised $130 over two years?

Can someone explain to me how the owner/manager of my building can raise my rent $50 to "off-set unexpectedly high heating costs," in 2001, transfer power to a property management company weeks later, raise the rent another $80 in 2002 then expect me to stay?!

In 2001, the owner/manager told me that my rent would increase to this extent in the future. In 2002, she did not return my calls.

The manager of the property management company told me that the rent was increased in order to remain competitive in the rental market.

She also said that she and the owner sat down and unit by unit decided on the rental increases, that less than 5 tenants would be affected by the rent increase, that owners usually avoid discussing such items with tenants after hiring a property management company.

Well maybe I have heard the final word.