How Much Notice Do You Need to Raise Rent?

Minimum rent-increase notice by state

For a month-to-month tenancy, most states require at least 30 days' written notice before a rent increase takes effect. But several states require more — and the required notice can grow with the size of the increase or the length of the tenancy.

California, for example, requires 90 days' notice when the increase is more than 10% in a 12-month period. New York scales the notice with how long the tenant has lived there: 30, 60, or 90 days. Oregon and Washington require longer notice and also cap how much you can raise.

Here is the minimum notice for every state, whether a statewide cap applies, and the governing statute. Tap a state to generate a compliant notice. Cities may require more — always check local rules. Not legal advice.

You usually can't raise rent mid-lease

During a fixed-term lease, the rent is locked unless the lease itself allows an increase. A rent increase normally takes effect at renewal or during a month-to-month tenancy. Trying to raise rent mid-term is one of the most common — and most easily avoided — mistakes.

Watch for rent control

Statewide caps now exist in California, Oregon, and Washington, and dozens of cities (especially in New Jersey, New York, and California) have their own local control with separate caps and notice rules. A local ordinance always overrides the state default, so check your city.

Send it the right way

Put the increase in writing, state the current and new rent and the effective date, and deliver it by a method you can prove. Our rent increase notice generator applies your state's notice period, flags rent-control caveats, and produces a clean PDF you can send.