NC, Apartment management changed

I signed a lease that is valid until the end of July 2009. The apartment complex where I live has changed management companies or ownership, not sure which exactly.

I received a letter under my door today from the new management, Drucker & Falk Real Estate, that states I must sign a new 12 month lease with them to maintain my current rent. The letter goes on to state that if they don't here from me, my lease will continue at a "month to month rate" which is $100 higher per month.

I have a valid lease through July, can they do this to me? Really they are trying to do it to everyone in the complex.

Thank you for any assistance.

Nope. Write them back and state that you have a current valid lease that guarantees your rent level until July. You will stay under that lease until it ends with the same terms as written therein. Unless the property was foreclosed on, they cannot change the lease or require you to sign a new lease (until July). A new owner or PM must honor any pre-existing leases. You do not have to pay an extra $100 until the lease ends.