when else are they supposed to? the "year" is not from September-May. it is January-December. people live in apartment complexes all year long. besides, they just can't change anything in your lease before it is up. however, they can raise rents and charge you a higher rent when you sign a new lease.
if you are a B/CS resident whose complex was just bought out by Aspen Square, go to the Aggieland board and find a thread with Briarwood in the title. there's a longer discussion over there.
[This message has been edited by cheer (edited 2/20/2008 4:14p).]