SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — When Paulette Rhodes was looking for a place to live five years ago, she thought she hit the jackpot at the Heritage Village Commons. 

“It fit my budget,” Rhodes said. “I am 68 years old currently — I am on Social Security. That’s my only income.” 

Annual adjustment factors, which are set by the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development, have increased by just more than 1 percent annually in the past six years. Depending on the year, that hasn’t always matched the Social Security cost-of-living adjustments.

Rent in 2015 was $684 for her two-bedroom apartment. Now, it's $837 a month.  

“It’s the lease that they sign, and it (depends on) what the lease allows,” real estate attorney Nishad Khan said. “Generally, landlords are allowed to increase rent if the lease allows.” 

Aside from rent, Rhodes also pays copays for doctor visits, medication, and car insurance.

Added all together, she can’t keep up.

“Right now, my over budget is almost $200 (a month),” Rhodes said. 

To make matters worse, she was told her lease will not be renewed and that she must be out of her apartment by November 30. She says no reason was given. 

Like the rent increases, this is another hit she can’t do anything about. 

Wendover Management, the company that manages the property, told Spectrum News 13 via email that "Wendover Management respects the privacy rights of all its residents and as a policy does not comment on lease renewals.”

Regarding the annual rate increases, Wendover Management said the rent policies are set in accordance with various regulatory agencies.

Said Khan, the real estate attorney: "She is not entitled to why the landlord chooses not to renew her lease,” Khan said. 

Now, Rhodes is panicking and says she has nowhere to go. 

“Rental rates are anywhere from $1,000 on up. That would just totally wipe me out," she said.