Turns out the 'sign here' sticky tab in my lease renewal was pointing to a clause letting management raise rent 10% annually. My neighbor pointed it out after I complained about the 3rd increase.
Yeah but honestly that's kind of on you. Signing stuff without reading for five years straight is just asking for trouble. Landlords are in business to make money, not to be your friend. They're doing what any smart business would do. If the contract says they can raise rent 10% and you signed it, that's legally binding. People get way too casual with legal documents like they're nothing. It's your money and your living situation. Spend ten minutes reading before you sign or pay the price.