Got a Rent Increase? Here Is Exactly What to Do
A rent increase notice does not mean you have to accept it. Here is a step-by-step plan to evaluate whether the increase is justified and how to push back.
Stay Calm and Follow These Steps
Getting a rent increase notice can feel like a punch to the gut. But before you panic or start packing boxes, know this: rent increases are negotiable, sometimes illegal, and always worth questioning.
Step 1: Check If the Increase Is Legal
Different jurisdictions have different rules about rent increases:
Rent-controlled or rent-stabilized cities like New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Washington DC have strict caps on how much rent can increase annually. If you live in a rent-regulated unit, your landlord might be breaking the law.
States with rent caps including Oregon (7% plus inflation) and California (5% plus inflation for qualifying units) limit annual increases.
Most other areas have no legal limits on rent increases, but landlords must still provide proper notice (typically 30 to 90 days depending on your lease and local law).
Check your local tenant rights on FareRent's city guides.
Step 2: Research Current Market Rates
Use FareRent to check what comparable apartments currently rent for in your area. If the market has softened or remained flat but your landlord is asking for a significant increase, you have strong negotiation leverage.
Key data points to gather:
Step 3: Calculate the Real Impact
Do the math on what the increase means for your budget:
Is the increased rent still competitive for your area, or does it push you above market rates?
Step 4: Assess Your Landlord's Position
Consider things from their side. Landlords raise rent for legitimate reasons:
Understanding their reasoning helps you craft a better counter-argument.
Step 5: Prepare Your Counter-Offer
Build your case with data:
Step 6: Negotiate in Writing
Send an email or letter to your landlord. Written communication creates a record and gives everyone time to consider the numbers.
Sample approach:
"Thank you for letting me know about the upcoming rent adjustment. I have enjoyed living here and would like to stay. I have done some research on current market rates in our neighborhood, and comparable units are renting for around [amount]. Given my strong rental history over the past [X years] with on-time payments and minimal maintenance requests, I would like to discuss a more modest adjustment. Would you consider [your counter-offer]? I am happy to sign a longer lease term if that helps."
Step 7: Know When to Walk
Sometimes the math just does not work. If your landlord will not negotiate and the increase pushes your rent well above market rates, it might be time to look for a new place.
Use FareRent's comparable finder to identify better-priced alternatives in your area. Moving costs money, but overpaying rent month after month costs more.
Timing Matters
The best time to negotiate is before you receive the increase notice. Reach out to your landlord 60 to 90 days before your lease expires to start the conversation early. Landlords appreciate proactive tenants and are more flexible when they have time to plan.