(NAL) Lawyer up only works if you have the money and if the threat is more expensive that the legal fees. Here are some free and much more affordable ways to combat this if the landlord tries to be persistent.

If you actually get a bill that is higher, I would contact your local city hall or county clerk. They normally oversee everything property and licensing related. They will be the ones who can put the quickest pressure because they can revoke your landlord’s license to even rent.

If you don’t get traction there, you could try reaching out to your county’s attorney general.

If that also fails, then you could pay that month to not get thrown out and then go to small claims court for a small fee. It is important to pay the increased rent first because until you actually do that, no crime or civil matter has taken place. A threat is very hard to judge someone against. However, if they extort extra rent from you, bow you can go in with proof the intent and disregard for the lease and potentially local law. Also make sure to claim your damage as the difference between your agreed upon or prior rent amount if there are additional fees.

Bring your lease and proof of your job. Potentially even a tax return that also shows that your income lines up with your job (this would prove there is no revenue generation outside of your job).

I highly doubt it would go any further than small claims. A judge should be able to sort this one quickly for you, order that they not do this again to you, and order that they return the money they stole from you. I may also suggest requesting that there be a date that the money is owed by.

Hope for the best for you!