Landlord doubled her rent, then made the mistake of bragging about it on TikTok

A Miami landlord is under fire after attempting to more than double a longtime tenant’s rent—and broadcasting the whole thing on TikTok.

Raul Bolufe, a real estate content creator who posts under @therealraulbolufe, shared a series of videos showing a phone call with a tenant who’s lived in the same home for over a decade. He informs her that her rent will increase from $1,100 to $2,500 a month.

"That has to be a joke."

— Tenant

Landlord claims it’s just business

Bolufe says the rent hike was necessary to bring the property in line with the current market rate and to cover his expenses. He argued that taxes and insurance alone cost him more than the tenant’s monthly rent.

But according to BuzzFeed, his method wasn’t just harsh—it may not have been legal. Miami-Dade County law requires landlords to provide 60 days' written notice for any rent increase over 5%. Bolufe gave the tenant just 30 days—and did it over the phone.

  Bolufe justifies the rent increase, claiming it aligns with the market rate.  TikTok/Raul Bolufe  

Eventually, the tenant agreed to pay $1,900 a month. Still a big jump, but lower than the $2,500 Bolufe initially demanded.

Viewers weren’t buying it

TikTok users didn’t hold back, calling the move unfair and exploitative—especially given the tenant’s long-term residency.

"Doubling it?? I’m with her."

— @biancadeltaco69

Another landlord, @colmex2, chimed in too:

"That’s immoral."

— @colmex2

Critics said the massive increase—and the short notice—could push renters into impossible situations, especially those already struggling to keep up with the rising cost of living.

Was the video real?

Some commenters speculated that Bolufe might have staged the exchange for clicks. His unapologetic follow-up video only added fuel to the fire. In it, he claimed the previous landlord offloaded the property to avoid the tenant altogether and suggested that $2,200 rent still wouldn’t maximize his profit.

Whether real or not, the video sparked a broader conversation about rental ethics and the housing crisis.

The bigger picture

Miami has become one of the priciest cities in the country, with rent increases outpacing wage growth. Stories like this are part of a nationwide housing problem that’s forcing many to pay more, work more, or move out entirely.

Tenant advocates say it's time for stronger protections, better policies, and more affordable housing options.

If you’re a renter facing a big rent increase, check your local laws. In many places, landlords are required to give advance written notice—and unreasonable hikes may not be enforceable.

Bolufe may have wanted to teach a business lesson. Instead, he highlighted just how broken the rental system can feel for people trying to keep a roof over their heads.

Want to support fair housing? Check out National Low Income Housing Coalition or get involved with a local tenants' rights group.