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Reporting Case of Overpricing

We are moving out of our apartment. I inadvertently found out that our ba’alei dira are asking for a significantly higher rent than what we are paying, and, in my opinion, far more than what the apartment is worth. It is a small apartment built from a half an apartment that was extended, but they are asking the price of a regular, larger apartment in Neve Yaakov (I went apartment hunting only a few months ago and have a good idea of the going rates). None of the people whom they have sent to see the apartment so far have been interested, and I think this is because it is much smaller than other apartments they could find for the same rent.

So far, we have been keeping quiet about how much we are paying in rent when asked, in case this puts off the would-be renters. I also didn’t tell my husband how much the ba’alei dira are asking, in case it leads us to lashon hara. Before I knew how much they were asking, I told our ba’alei dira that I wouldn’t disclose how much we are paying. However, I know that they urgently want to find someone to take the apartment, and would almost certainly accept a lower offer.

A young chosson, who is urgently seeking an apartment came to see it today. He found out about it from our neighbours, and doesn’t know how much the ba’alei dira want. His kallah is coming to see it tomorrow. He seemed very young and inexperienced, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he didn’t know the going rate for apartments.

Should I mention to him that he could offer lower than what the ba’alei dira want, in order that he should get a fair deal?

Or should I stay quiet, so as not to damage my ba’alei dira’s business?

Or something else?

Thank you so much for your help,

Answer:

If the amount he is asking for is one sixth or more above the highest regular price, you should inform the young man that he can pay less. Although real estate is excluded from the laws of ona’ah, according to the Ramban and others the prohibition does apply (just not the obligation to pay back the money), and therefore if there is a prohibition involved, you should remedy the situation by informing the potential tenant of his ability to pay less.

If the amount being requested is less than a sixth more than a plausibe market price, you should not tell the man anything. By doing so you will be causing the owner damage, and although there is possibly a prohibition even in slight overpricing, this possibility, combined with the fact that the case involves real estate, does not justify causing him a loss. This is in addition to the fact that you promised not to tell.

Best wishes.

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