Rent increase letter template.
Use this template to notify tenants of upcoming rent changes. Includes proper notice timing, required elements, and sample wording you can customize.
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What to include in your letter
Header information
- Your name and contact information (landlord/property manager)
- Date of the letter
- Tenant name(s) and rental property address
Core content
- Current rent amount
- New rent amount and percentage increase
- Effective date of the increase
- Reference to lease terms allowing the increase
Supporting details
- Brief explanation for the increase (market rates, property improvements, rising costs)
- Payment instructions if changing
- Contact information for questions
- Signature line
Notice period requirements
Required notice varies by state and lease type. Always verify your local requirements.
30 days
Most common for month-to-month leases
60 days
Required in CA for increases over 10%
90 days
Required in some rent-controlled areas
At renewal
For fixed-term leases, implement at lease end
Sample rent increase letter
[Your Name] [Your Address] [City, State ZIP] [Phone Number] [Email] [Date] [Tenant Name(s)] [Rental Property Address] [City, State ZIP] RE: Notice of Rent Increase for [Property Address] Dear [Tenant Name], This letter serves as formal notice that the monthly rent for the property located at [Property Address] will increase from $[Current Rent] to $[New Rent], effective [Effective Date]. This increase of $[Amount] ([Percentage]%) reflects [choose: current market conditions / increased property taxes and maintenance costs / improvements made to the property]. Your new monthly rent of $[New Rent] will be due on the first of each month, beginning [Effective Date]. All other terms of your lease agreement remain unchanged. Please confirm receipt of this notice by [responding to this email / signing and returning the enclosed copy]. If you have any questions or would like to discuss this matter, please contact me at [Phone] or [Email]. Thank you for being a valued tenant. Sincerely, [Your Signature] [Your Printed Name] [Title, if applicable]
This is a general template. Customize for your situation and verify compliance with local laws before sending.
Best practices
- Send the notice well before the minimum required timeframe to give tenants time to plan.
- Keep increases reasonable (3-5% annually) to retain good tenants and avoid turnover costs.
- Document delivery with certified mail, email confirmation, or hand-delivery with signature.
- Research local rent control laws before sending—some areas cap annual increases.
- Consider tenant history: long-term, reliable tenants may warrant smaller increases.
- Time increases strategically—avoid holiday seasons when tenants face extra expenses.
Frequently asked questions
How much notice do I need to give for a rent increase?
Most states require 30 days notice for month-to-month tenancies. However, California requires 60 days for increases over 10%, and some rent-controlled areas require 90 days. Always check your local laws and lease terms.
Can I raise rent during a fixed-term lease?
Generally, you cannot raise rent during a fixed-term lease unless the lease specifically allows for it. Most landlords implement increases at lease renewal time.
What is a reasonable rent increase percentage?
Annual increases of 3-5% are generally considered reasonable and align with inflation. Larger increases may be justified by significant market changes or property improvements, but risk losing good tenants.
Do I need to explain why I'm raising rent?
Legally, most areas don't require an explanation. However, providing a brief reason (market rates, property taxes, improvements) can maintain goodwill and reduce tenant pushback.
What if my tenant refuses the rent increase?
If properly notified, tenants can accept the increase, negotiate, or choose to move out. For month-to-month leases, tenants typically have until the effective date to decide. Document all communications.
Need help pricing your rental?
Before raising rent, make sure you know what the market supports. Use our rent calculator to see current comps in your area.