Free letter generator
Rent increase letter
Tell a tenant about a rent change in writing: current rent, new rent and the date it takes effect. The tool shows the percentage and how many days of notice you are giving.
Late rent notice · Rent increase letter · Lease renewal letter
What to put in a rent increase letter
- Current rent and new rent, in dollars.
- The date the new rent starts. Give at least the notice your state requires, counted from when the tenant receives the letter.
- That all other terms stay the same, so the letter is not read as a new lease.
- A short reason is optional but helps keep a good tenant.
How much notice to give
During a fixed-term lease, rent usually can change only if the lease allows it. For month-to-month tenancies and lease renewals, state law sets the notice. Examples, checked against the statutes in October 2026:
| State | Notice before the increase | Source |
|---|---|---|
| California | 30 days for an increase of 10% or less; 90 days for more than 10% (counting all increases in the past 12 months), for month-to-month tenancies. | Civil Code § 827 |
| New York | For an increase of 5% or more: 30 days if the tenant has lived there under a year, 60 days for one to two years, 90 days for two years or more. | Real Prop. Law § 226-c |
Rent control and rent stabilization (for example, many California cities and New York rent-stabilized units) can limit the amount as well as the timing. Check local rules before you send the letter.
Can I send a rent increase by email?
Some states require personal delivery or mail for a notice to count. Mailing a printed PDF and keeping a copy is the safe default; you can also email the text as a courtesy.
What is a typical rent increase?
It depends on the market. Compare similar units nearby, and remember that keeping a reliable tenant usually costs less than a vacancy.
These letters are templates for routine landlord communication, not legal advice. State and local rules change; check the current law for your property before you rely on a notice.
Related: Late rent notice · Rent increase letter · Lease renewal letter · rent receipt · all guides