How to Legally Notify Tenants of Rent Increases: State-by-State Guide

Raising rent is a normal part of managing rental properties, but landlords must follow strict legal procedures to notify tenants. Each state sets its own rules for how much notice is required, the format of the notice, and any restrictions on timing or frequency. Failing to comply can delay your rent increase—or even expose you to legal action. This guide provides an authoritative, state-by-state overview of how to properly notify tenants of rent increases, helping you stay compliant and protect your investment.

1. General Legal Principles

All states require landlords to give tenants written notice before increasing rent. The minimum notice period typically ranges from 30 to 90 days, depending on the state and the type of tenancy (month-to-month, fixed-term, etc.). Notices must be clear, in writing, and delivered according to state law—often by mail, hand delivery, or posting at the property.

Notice must specify the new rent amount and the date it takes effect
Cannot be retaliatory or discriminatory
Some states limit the frequency or amount of increases, especially in rent-controlled areas
Always check for local ordinances, which may add extra requirements

Below are detailed summaries for each state’s requirements (see following parts).

2. State-by-State Rent Increase Notice Requirements

California

Notice Period: 30 days for increases ≤10%; 90 days for increases >10% within 12 months.
Format: Written notice, delivered in person or by mail.
Limits: Statewide rent cap applies to many properties (5% + local CPI per year).
Local Rules: Many cities (e.g., Los Angeles, San Francisco) have stricter requirements—always check local ordinances.

Texas

Notice Period: 30 days for month-to-month tenancies.
Format: Written notice, delivered in person or by mail.
No Statewide Rent Control: No cap on rent increases unless specified in lease.

New York

Notice Period: 30 days (if tenant <1 year or lease <1 year); 60 days (1–2 years); 90 days (2+ years).
Format: Written notice, delivered in person or by mail.
Rent-Stabilized Units: Must follow additional rules, including annual limits and DHCR forms.

Florida

Notice Period: 15 days for month-to-month; check lease for longer terms.
Format: Written notice, delivered in person or by mail.
No Statewide Rent Control: Local ordinances may apply in rare cases.

Illinois

Notice Period: 30 days for month-to-month tenancies.
Format: Written notice, delivered in person or by mail.
Chicago: Requires 30 days’ notice and has additional local rules.

Ohio

Notice Period: 30 days for month-to-month leases.
Format: Written notice, delivered in person or by mail.
No Statewide Rent Control: No cap on increase amount.

Note: This is a sample of state requirements. Always verify current law and check local ordinances for additional rules.

Georgia

Notice Period: 60 days for landlords to change terms (including rent) in month-to-month agreements.
Format: Written notice, delivered in person or by mail.
No Statewide Rent Control: No cap on increase amount.

Washington

Notice Period: 60 days for any rent increase in month-to-month tenancies.
Format: Written notice, delivered in person or by mail.
Local Rules: Seattle and some cities have stricter requirements—always check local ordinances.

Massachusetts

Notice Period: 30 days or one full rental period (whichever is longer) for month-to-month tenants.
Format: Written notice, delivered in person or by mail.
No Statewide Rent Control: Local ordinances may apply in rare cases.

Arizona

Notice Period: 30 days for month-to-month leases.
Format: Written notice, delivered in person or by mail.
No Statewide Rent Control: No cap on increase amount.

Oregon

Notice Period: 90 days for any rent increase in most tenancies.
Format: Written notice, delivered in person or by mail.
Rent Cap: Statewide cap (7% plus CPI per year, subject to change).

Colorado

Notice Period: 21 days for month-to-month tenancies.
Format: Written notice, delivered in person or by mail.
No Statewide Rent Control: Most localities follow state law, but always check local ordinances.

North Carolina

Notice Period: 7 days for week-to-week, 30 days for month-to-month leases.
Format: Written notice, delivered in person or by mail.
No Statewide Rent Control: No cap on increase amount.

Pennsylvania

Notice Period: 15 days for month-to-month tenancies (21 days if tenant is 62+ years old).
Format: Written notice, delivered in person or by mail.
Philadelphia: Local rules may require more notice.

Tip: For a full 50-state chart, always verify with your state housing authority or attorney for the most current requirements.

Additional States: Rent Increase Notice Requirements

Alabama

Notice Period: 30 days for month-to-month tenancies.
Format: Written notice, delivered in person or by mail.

Alaska

Notice Period: 30 days for month-to-month.
Format: Written notice, delivered in person or by mail.

Arkansas

Notice Period: 30 days for month-to-month.
Format: Written notice, delivered in person or by mail.

Connecticut

Notice Period: 3 days for week-to-week, 30 days for month-to-month.
Format: Written notice, delivered in person or by mail.

Delaware

Notice Period: 60 days for month-to-month.
Format: Written notice, delivered in person or by mail.

Hawaii

Notice Period: 45 days for month-to-month.
Format: Written notice, delivered in person or by mail.

Idaho

Notice Period: 30 days for month-to-month.
Format: Written notice, delivered in person or by mail.

Indiana

Notice Period: 30 days for month-to-month.
Format: Written notice, delivered in person or by mail.

Iowa

Notice Period: 30 days for month-to-month.
Format: Written notice, delivered in person or by mail.

Kansas

Notice Period: 30 days for month-to-month.
Format: Written notice, delivered in person or by mail.

Kentucky

Notice Period: 30 days for month-to-month.
Format: Written notice, delivered in person or by mail.

Louisiana

Notice Period: 10 days for month-to-month.
Format: Written notice, delivered in person or by mail.

Maine

Notice Period: 45 days for month-to-month.
Format: Written notice, delivered in person or by mail.

Maryland

Notice Period: 60 days for most month-to-month tenancies (check local rules).
Format: Written notice, delivered in person or by mail.

Michigan

Notice Period: 30 days for month-to-month.
Format: Written notice, delivered in person or by mail.

Minnesota

Notice Period: One full rental period (typically 30 days) for month-to-month.
Format: Written notice, delivered in person or by mail.

Mississippi

Notice Period: 30 days for month-to-month.
Format: Written notice, delivered in person or by mail.

Missouri

Notice Period: One month for month-to-month.
Format: Written notice, delivered in person or by mail.

Montana

Notice Period: 30 days for month-to-month.
Format: Written notice, delivered in person or by mail.

Nebraska

Notice Period: 30 days for month-to-month.
Format: Written notice, delivered in person or by mail.

Nevada

Notice Period: 60 days for month-to-month.
Format: Written notice, delivered in person or by mail.

New Hampshire

Notice Period: 30 days for month-to-month.
Format: Written notice, delivered in person or by mail.

New Jersey

Notice Period: 30 days for month-to-month (some cities require more).
Format: Written notice, delivered in person or by mail.

New Mexico

Notice Period: 30 days for month-to-month.
Format: Written notice, delivered in person or by mail.

North Dakota

Notice Period: 30 days for month-to-month.
Format: Written notice, delivered in person or by mail.

Oklahoma

Notice Period: 30 days for month-to-month.
Format: Written notice, delivered in person or by mail.

Rhode Island

Notice Period: 30 days for month-to-month; 60 days if tenant is 62+ years old.
Format: Written notice, delivered in person or by mail.

South Carolina

Notice Period: 30 days for month-to-month.
Format: Written notice, delivered in person or by mail.

South Dakota

Notice Period: One full rental period (typically 30 days).
Format: Written notice, delivered in person or by mail.

Tennessee

Notice Period: 30 days for month-to-month.
Format: Written notice, delivered in person or by mail.

Utah

Notice Period: 15 days for month-to-month.
Format: Written notice, delivered in person or by mail.

Vermont

Notice Period: 60 days for month-to-month.
Format: Written notice, delivered in person or by mail.

Virginia

Notice Period: 30 days for month-to-month.
Format: Written notice, delivered in person or by mail.

West Virginia

Notice Period: One full rental period (typically 30 days).
Format: Written notice, delivered in person or by mail.

Wisconsin

Notice Period: 28 days for month-to-month.
Format: Written notice, delivered in person or by mail.

Wyoming

Notice Period: No statutory requirement, but 30 days is standard practice.
Format: Written notice, delivered in person or by mail.

Reminder: Always check local ordinances for additional requirements or stricter notice periods.

Bonus: Common Mistakes Landlords Make with Rent Increase Notices

Insufficient Notice: Failing to provide the full legal notice period can invalidate the increase and delay your timeline.
Improper Delivery: Not using the state-required delivery method (e.g., only emailing when mail or hand delivery is required) may render the notice unenforceable.
Vague or Incomplete Notices: Omitting the new rent amount, effective date, or other required details can create confusion and legal risk.
Ignoring Local Ordinances: Overlooking stricter city or county rules can lead to fines or tenant challenges.
Retaliatory or Discriminatory Increases: Raising rent in response to tenant complaints or based on protected characteristics is illegal and can result in lawsuits.
Exceeding Rent Caps: In states or cities with rent control, increasing rent above the legal maximum can trigger penalties and require refunds.
Not Documenting the Process: Failing to keep copies of notices and proof of delivery can hurt your defense if the increase is challenged.

Tip: Always use a written, dated notice template, document delivery, and double-check both state and local rules before notifying tenants of any rent increase.

Quick Reference Cheat Sheet: Rent Increase Notice by State

State	Notice Period	Delivery Method	Rent Cap?
California	30/90 days	Mail or in person	Yes
Texas	30 days	Mail or in person	No
New York	30–90 days	Mail or in person	Yes (some units)
Florida	15 days	Mail or in person	No
Oregon	90 days	Mail or in person	Yes
Pennsylvania	15/21 days	Mail or in person	No
Georgia	60 days	Mail or in person	No

Note: This table summarizes key requirements. Always verify current law and local ordinances for your area.

Call to Action: Let AAOL Guide Your Compliance

Rent increase laws are complex and ever-changing. The American Association of Landlords (AAOL) provides members with:

State-specific rent increase templates and legal guides
Updates on law changes and local ordinances
Best practices for documentation and tenant communications
Community support from experienced landlords

Don’t risk costly mistakes. Join AAOL today at aaol.org and get the resources, guidance, and support you need to manage rent increases legally and confidently.

This article is for informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Rent increase laws vary by state and locality. Always consult a qualified attorney in your jurisdiction before implementing rent changes.