Rent Increase Notice Template for Landlords
Free fillable rent increase letter for US landlords. Set the new rent and effective date, with guidance on notice periods and rent caps like AB 1482.
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Raise the rent the right way - clear, compliant, and yours in seconds.
With this free template, you’ll be able to:
- Sets out current vs new rent, the effective date, and any deposit change
- Explains state notice periods and rent caps, and drops the unlawful "agree or vacate" wording
- Fillable PDF - complete it on screen or print it
Produced by Landlord Studio
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FAQs
When can landlords increase the rent?
Landlords can usually increase the rent at the end of a fixed-term lease or during a month-to-month tenancy, provided they follow the required notice period.
Rules vary by state and city, so always check local laws and the terms of the lease before increasing the rent.
What do I need to consider before increasing the rent?
Before increasing the rent, check your lease terms and any state or local rules. Consider when and how often you can raise the rent, how much notice you need to give, and whether any rent control or rent stabilization limits apply.
For fixed-term leases, you will usually need to wait until the lease ends unless the agreement allows increases during the term.
What's usually included in a rent increase letter?
Your rent increase letter should contain the following details:
- Today’s date.
- The name and information of the tenant and the landlord.
- the property address and if applicable the unit number.
- The current lease end date.
- The current rent amount.
- The rent increase amount.
- The date the rent increase will be implemented.
- The date the first payment of the increased rent is expected.
- And details on how the tenant can accept or decline this rent increase.
Some landlords also include a quick summary as to why they are increasing the rent. Being open about the market comparison you undertook can help with tenant retention.
What do I need to do to increase the rent?
If the tenant agrees to the rent increase, you may need to update the existing lease agreement or issue a new lease reflecting the new rent. Both parties should sign the updated agreement.
A rent increase may also affect the maximum security deposit you are allowed to collect. Depending on your state’s laws, you may be able to request an additional deposit amount to bring the total deposit in line with the new rent.
If the tenant does not agree to the increase and the lease is due to end, you may choose not to renew the tenancy. In this case, providing a formal notice of non-renewal gives both parties clear written confirmation of the lease end date and when the property must be vacated.
How do I decide on a fair market rent?
Landlords typically increase rents by around 3-5% per year, but this may not always reflect current market conditions. To set a fair rent, compare your property with similar rentals in your local area, taking into account factors such as size, location, condition, and amenities.
You can also use our free Rental Estimator to get an indication of the current market rent for your property.