Can My Landlord Raise My Rent?

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Accepted Answer

Rent increase rules depend on whether you have a lease or month-to-month tenancy, and whether your city or state has rent control.

During a fixed-term lease. Your landlord generally cannot raise rent during the lease term unless the lease specifically allows for it. When the lease expires, the landlord can propose a new rent amount.

Month-to-month tenancy. Landlords can raise rent with proper written notice, typically 30-60 days depending on the state and the size of the increase.

Rent control and stabilization. Some cities and states limit how much landlords can increase rent:

California (AB 1482) — Limits annual increases to 5% plus local inflation or 10%, whichever is lower, for covered properties.

New York City — Rent stabilization limits increases for covered apartments.

Oregon — Caps annual increases at 7% plus inflation.

Other cities — San Francisco, Los Angeles, Washington D.C., and others have local rent control ordinances.

Illegal rent increases:

Retaliation — Raising rent because you filed a complaint or exercised your rights.

Discrimination — Raising rent based on a protected characteristic.

Without proper notice — Failing to provide the required notice period.

During a lease — Raising rent mid-lease without a lease provision allowing it.

What to do. Review your lease, check local rent control laws, and ensure proper notice was given. If you believe the increase is illegal, contact your local tenant rights organization or housing authority.

This is legal information, not legal advice.