Understanding Rent Increases: There are Only Certain Moments a Landlord is Allowed to Increase Your Rent

Rent increases can be a major source of stress for tenants. With housing costs already high in many cities and wages failing to keep pace with inflation, a sudden increase in rent can make it difficult for renters to make ends meet. Fortunately, there are laws in place to protect tenants from excessive rent increases. In this review, we'll explore those laws in detail, highlighting the important parts and offering practical advice for renters who are facing a rent increase.

When Can a Landlord Increase Your Rent?

The first thing to understand is that landlords are generally allowed to increase rent, but there are limits to when and how they can do so. In most cases, a landlord can only increase rent at certain moments:

At the end of a lease: If you're on a fixed-term lease, your landlord can increase the rent when the lease expires and you sign a new lease. However, they can only increase the rent by a certain percentage, which varies depending on the state or city where you live.

During a month-to-month tenancy: If you're renting on a month-to-month basis, your landlord can increase the rent with proper notice. This notice period also varies by state or city but is typically 30-60 days.

If there are substantial changes in the unit: If the landlord makes significant improvements or renovations to the property, they may be able to increase the rent to reflect those changes.

It's important to note that in some jurisdictions, landlords are required to provide a valid reason for any rent increase beyond what is allowed by law. Some common reasons include rising property taxes or utility costs, but the specifics can vary by location.

How Much Can Your Landlord Increase Your Rent?

Even if your landlord is allowed to increase your rent, there are limits to how much they can raise it. In most cases, the maximum amount allowed by law is determined by the local Rent Control Board or a similar agency. These boards set limits on the percentage increase allowed each year, and in some cases, they may also regulate how much a landlord can charge for rent in general.

It's important to know that not all cities or states have rent control laws. In those areas, landlords may be able to increase the rent by any amount they choose, as long as they provide proper notice.

What Protections Do Tenants Have Against Rent Increases?

While there are limits to when and how much a landlord can increase your rent, renters still have some protections in place to prevent unfair or discriminatory rent increases. These protections vary by location but may include:

Just cause eviction protections: In some jurisdictions, landlords are required to provide a valid reason for evicting a tenant or raising their rent. This prevents landlords from using rent increases as a pretext for evicting tenants who have done nothing wrong.

Rent stabilization: In areas with rent stabilization laws, landlords are required to follow strict guidelines for rent increases and cannot charge more than a certain amount for rent. These laws are designed to prevent landlords from taking advantage of a tight rental market by charging excessive rents.

Rent control: Rent control laws go even further than rent stabilization, placing a cap on the amount landlords can charge for rent and limiting the circumstances under which they can increase rent. These laws are meant to provide affordable housing options for low- and moderate-income renters.

What Can You Do if Your Landlord Raises Your Rent Unfairly?

If you believe your landlord has raised your rent unfairly, there are steps you can take to protect your rights. The first step is to review your lease agreement and local tenant protections to determine if the rent increase is legal. If you determine that the rent increase violates the law or your lease agreement, you can take the following actions:

Negotiate with your landlord: Try to negotiate with your landlord to come to a compromise on the rent increase. If you have a good relationship with your landlord, they may be willing to work with you to find a solution that works for both parties.

File a complaint: If you believe your landlord is violating the law, you can file a complaint with your local Rent Control Board or housing authority. They may be able to investigate the situation and take action against the landlord if necessary.

Withhold rent: In some cases, tenants may be able to withhold rent until the issue is resolved. However, this can be a risky move and should only be done as a last resort.

Rent increases can be a source of stress for tenants, but it's important to know that there are laws in place to protect renters from unfair or excessive rent increases. By understanding your rights and the protections available to you, you can take steps to protect yourself if your landlord raises your rent unfairly. Remember to review your lease agreement and local tenant protections to determine if the rent increase is legal and consider negotiating with your landlord or filing a complaint if necessary. With these steps, you can protect your rights and ensure that you're not being taken advantage of by your landlord.