Final answer:
In 2011, the allowable rent increase without approval would have been determined by local housing laws and rent control ordinances, which vary by location. Without specific jurisdictional information, a precise figure can't be provided, but typically such rates are in the low single digits.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question 'What was the amount of the increase a landlord could take without any approval in 2011?' refers to the permissible rent increase a landlord could enforce without seeking regulatory body approval in 2011. The specific amount or percentage would have been governed by local or national housing laws and rent control ordinances which vary by jurisdiction. For example, some cities like New York have Rent Guidelines Boards (RGB) that set the allowable increase rates for rent-stabilized apartments. Without knowing the specific area of reference, it is difficult to provide a precise figure. In general, annual rent increase percentages allowed without approval tend to be in the low single digits, though exceptional circumstances or locations may lead to different permissible rates.