Law AgreementsRent Increase Calculator
Check whether a proposed rent increase is legal under your local and state laws. Calculate required notice periods, review rent control limits, and understand your rights as a tenant or landlord.
Location
Location matters — some states and cities have rent control laws that limit how much rent can be increased.
Common Rent-Controlled Areas
- California (statewide + local)
- New York City
- Oregon (statewide)
- Washington DC
- New Jersey (some cities)
- Minnesota (St. Paul)
- Maine (Portland)
Select a location and enter your rent details to see your rent increase analysis.
Why Use Our Rent Increase Calculator?
How to Use This Calculator
Enter your rental property location, property details, and the proposed rent increase. The calculator will check whether rent control laws apply to your property, calculate the maximum allowable increase, determine the required notice period, and provide a timeline for when the increase can legally take effect. Results include information about local and state regulations that may limit how much rent can be raised.
Understanding Rent Increases
Rent increases are regulated differently across the United States. In states and cities with rent control or rent stabilization laws, landlords are limited in how much they can raise rent each year. These limits are typically tied to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) or set at a fixed percentage. Even in areas without rent control, landlords must provide proper written notice before increasing rent, and increases cannot be retaliatory or discriminatory. Understanding your local laws is critical whether you are a tenant evaluating a proposed increase or a landlord planning one.
Rent Control Laws by State
Rent control laws vary significantly across the country. California has the most comprehensive system with both a statewide cap (AB 1482: 5% + CPI, max 10%) and stricter local ordinances in cities like Los Angeles (4%), San Francisco (3.2%), and Berkeley (0.65%). Oregon caps increases statewide at 7% + CPI. New York City's rent stabilization system limits increases for eligible units, with rates set annually by the Rent Guidelines Board. Washington DC, and select cities in New Jersey, Minnesota, and Maine also have local rent control. The majority of US states have no rent control laws, meaning landlords can raise rent by any amount with proper notice.
Required Notice Periods for Rent Increases
Notice periods for rent increases vary by state and sometimes by the size of the increase. Most states require 30 days written notice for month-to-month tenancies. California requires 30 days for increases of 10% or less and 90 days for increases over 10%. New York requires 30 days for increases under 5%, 60 days for increases over 5%, and 90 days for leases longer than one year. Oregon requires 90 days notice for any increase. During a fixed-term lease, rent generally cannot be increased until the lease term ends, unless the lease specifically allows for mid-term increases.
What to Do If Your Rent Increase Is Illegal
If you believe your rent increase exceeds legal limits or was issued without proper notice, you have several options. First, check with your local rent board or housing authority to verify the applicable rules. Write a letter to your landlord explaining why you believe the increase is unlawful and cite the specific law. If your city has a rent board, file a formal complaint — many jurisdictions will investigate and can order rollbacks. Keep paying your current rent amount to avoid eviction proceedings while the dispute is resolved. Consider consulting with a tenant rights organization or attorney for guidance specific to your situation.
Location-Specific Calculators
California Rent Increase Calculator
Check whether a California rent increase is legal under AB 1482 (the Tenant Protection Act) and local rent control ordinances. California has both statewide caps and stricter city-level limits in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose, and Berkeley.
New York City Rent Increase Calculator
Check whether a New York City rent increase is legal under the city's rent stabilization system. NYC has strict limits on rent increases for stabilized apartments, with rates set annually by the Rent Guidelines Board.
Los Angeles Rent Increase Calculator
Check whether a Los Angeles rent increase is legal under the LA Rent Stabilization Ordinance (RSO). Los Angeles limits annual rent increases to 4% for covered properties — buildings with 2+ units built before October 1, 1978.
San Francisco Rent Increase Calculator
Check whether a San Francisco rent increase is legal under the SF Rent Ordinance. San Francisco limits annual rent increases to approximately 3.2% (CPI-based) for covered properties — buildings with 2+ units built before June 13, 1979.
Frequently Asked Questions
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