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Rent increases, on time

Rent increase letter, drafted before the anniversary.

Dardaris schedules each lease's increase, works out the figure with the calculation shown, and drafts the letter a month ahead. You approve it, and a payment still at the old amount is flagged.

Never miss an increase againGet the free letter

Free for 14 days, cancel whenever · Nothing is switched on until you say so

How it works

Three steps, and no anniversary slips by.

  1. 1

    Every anniversary scheduled

    The increase is planned when the lease is added, and comes to you a month before it is due.

  2. 2

    The figure, worked out

    From the index, the cap or the lease's own clause, with the calculation shown so you and the tenant can check it.

  3. 3

    Approve, and it is sent

    The letter goes out with the notice you set, and a payment still at the old amount is flagged.

Free rent increase letter template

Rather write it yourself? Use the free rent increase letter.

Type the current rent, the new one and the date it starts. The letter states the change in dollars and as a percentage, and checks the notice you are giving. Word or PDF.

Increase a month
$75.00
Increase
5%
Over a year
$900.00

Every field is optional; a blank prints as a line to write on. The letter is in English and in dollars, as it is sent in the US.

The letter as it will print, updating as you type.

Nothing is stored and nothing is sent. The letter is built in this browser.

By hand or with Dardaris

The same increase, without the one you forgot.

  • Remembering the anniversary

    By hand:Notice it passed, a month too late.

    With Dardaris:Comes to you a month ahead.

  • Working out the new rent

    By hand:Find the index and do the sum.

    With Dardaris:Worked out, with the calculation shown.

  • Writing the letter

    By hand:Start from a template and fill it in.

    With Dardaris:Drafted for you to read and approve.

  • The first new payment

    By hand:Spot that it is still the old amount.

    With Dardaris:A payment at the old amount is flagged.

How much notice for a rent increase

The notice depends on the tenancy, and on the size of the rise.

There is no single US rule. These are the three situations an increase falls into, and what each usually asks of you.

  • Month-to-month tenancy

    30 days, usually

    Most states ask for at least the notice it takes to end the tenancy. Some ask for more for a large rise: California asks for 90 days above 10%.

  • Fixed-term lease

    At renewal

    The rent in a signed lease holds until it ends, unless the lease itself provides for an increase. Send the letter before the renewal, as the lease requires.

  • Capped or controlled

    Check the cap

    California, Oregon and Washington cap yearly increases for many units, and Oregon asks for 90 days for any increase. Many cities have rent control of their own.

Rent increase letter sample

Read the letter before you fill it in.

Four things make an increase letter work: the old rent, the new rent, the difference spelled out, and the date. Everything else is courtesy, and courtesy is cheaper than a tenant who leaves over a surprise.

NOTICE OF RENT INCREASE

Date: ____________________

To: ____________________

Premises: ____________________

Dear ____________________,

This notice is to let you know that the monthly rent for the premises above will change from $____________________ to $____________________, starting ____________________.

The new rent is due on your usual due date from ____________________ onward. Every other term of your tenancy stays the same. If you pay by automatic payment, please update the amount before that date.

If you have any questions about this change, please contact me. Thank you for your tenancy.

Sincerely,

____________________, Landlord

Signature: ____________________

Not legal advice: how much notice an increase needs, how often the rent may rise and by how much are set by the lease, the state and sometimes the city. A fixed-term lease can usually be increased only as the lease itself allows, or at renewal.

Not sure what the increase should be?The rent increase calculator works it out from the index, the cap or the lease, in the place the building stands.Calculate the increase

The questions that follow.

How much notice does a landlord need to give for a rent increase?

For a month-to-month tenancy, most states ask for at least 30 days' written notice. Some ask for more: California asks for 90 days when the increase is more than 10%, and Oregon asks for 90 days for any increase. For a fixed-term lease, the rent can usually only change at renewal or as the lease allows.

How much can a landlord raise the rent?

Where there is no rent control, the law usually sets no limit, though an increase meant to punish a tenant can be unlawful retaliation. California, Oregon and Washington cap yearly increases for many units, and many cities have rent control or stabilization of their own.

Can a landlord raise the rent during a lease?

Not usually. A fixed-term lease fixes the rent until it ends, unless the lease itself includes a clause allowing an increase. Otherwise the new rent starts at renewal.

What should a rent increase letter include?

The tenant's name and the property, the current rent, the new rent, the amount and percentage of the increase, the date the new rent starts, and your signature and date. Saying that every other term stays the same avoids needless worry.

How often can rent be increased?

Most leases and many landlords work on once a year. Some states and cities limit increases to once in twelve months, or forbid one in the first year of a tenancy. Check the rules where the property is.

What if the tenant refuses the rent increase?

On a month-to-month tenancy with proper notice, a tenant who does not accept the new rent can usually give notice and leave. A tenant who stays and keeps paying the old rent falls behind from the start date. On a fixed-term lease, an increase the lease does not allow cannot be imposed.

Can I send a rent increase notice by email?

Only if the lease or your state allows notices by email. Otherwise deliver it in person or by mail. Sending a paper copy as well as an email is a safe habit.

Bring one lease. See its next increase coming.

Add the lease and see the anniversary, the figure and the letter lined up, before you decide anything.

Never miss an increase again

Free for 14 days, cancel whenever · Nothing is switched on until you say so