I don't understand them having, "grounds because the lease we signed said the terms were beginning this month to run for a year."They signed a lease fair and square.  Game over.  They can't try and renogotiate because they feel like they should have asked for more money.  You have a lease and as long as you pay $1000/month and follow any other requirements in the contract, they can't evict you.  They can try and raise the rent a year from now, but not now. Tell them to take their new lease and go for a hike.That said, relations between you and your landlord are going to be a bit prickly for the next year if you stay.  I would find another landlord who knows what they are doing and move out.  This landlord doesn't have a clue and chances are you will have trouble getting your deposit back etc.