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Rent Increase Notice — Free Notice of Rent Increase Template

A rent increase notice tells a tenant, in writing, how much their rent will go up and when the new amount takes effect. Rent-control limits and required notice periods vary by state and city, so check your local rules before you choose the amount and the date.

Your details

No account needed. Your letter updates as you type.

List every adult named on the lease.

Usually the first day of a rental period, after the full notice period has passed.

Check your state and city rules and your lease. Many places require 30 days or more, and longer notice for larger increases.

A brief, factual explanation, how to pay the new amount, or any change to fees.

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[Landlord or property manager name]
[Your address and phone or email]

October 15, 2026

To: [Tenant name(s)]
[Rental property address]

Re: Notice of rent increase — [Rental property address]

Dear [Tenant name(s)],

This letter is written notice that the monthly rent for [Rental property address] will change as described below.

Type of tenancy: [Type of tenancy].

Current monthly rent: [Current monthly rent ($)]
New monthly rent: [New monthly rent ($)]
Increase: [New monthly rent ($)] per month
Effective date: [Date the new rent takes effect]

The new rent will be due beginning [Date the new rent takes effect]. This notice is being given at least [How many days' notice you're giving] days before the new rent takes effect.

All other terms of your rental agreement remain the same unless we agree otherwise in writing.

If you have any questions about this notice, please contact me at the address or phone number above. Thank you for being a tenant at [Rental property address].

Sincerely,

[Landlord or property manager name]

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Templates for your situation

Each version starts with the right wording for that situation already filled in.

What to do, step by step

  1. Check whether the increase is allowed

    Read the lease: a fixed-term lease usually locks the rent until it ends unless it says otherwise. Then check state and city rules, including any rent-control or rent-stabilization limits on how much and how often rent can rise.

  2. Find the notice period

    Many states require at least 30 days' notice for month-to-month tenancies, and some require more for larger increases or longer tenancies. Use the longest period that applies.

  3. Fill in the notice

    Answer the questions above with the current rent, new rent and effective date. The letter shows the monthly increase automatically.

  4. Deliver it properly

    Serve the notice the way your state and lease require, such as hand delivery or mail, and allow extra days if you mail it.

  5. Keep a record

    Keep a copy and note the date and method of delivery, and update your rent records and any payment systems before the effective date.

What if the tenant doesn't accept the rent increase?

For a month-to-month tenancy, a properly given rent increase notice usually takes effect on its date whether or not the tenant signs or replies. The tenant's choice is generally to pay the new rent or give their own notice to move out before it takes effect.

If the tenant keeps paying the old amount after the effective date, talk to them and follow up in writing. Treat any shortfall carefully: the rules on serving a notice for unpaid rent, and on accepting partial payments, vary by state. If the increase wasn't properly noticed or exceeds a local limit, the tenant may not owe it.

Rent increases that are retaliatory, such as one that follows a repair complaint, or discriminatory are illegal in most places. Many cities with rent control also have a rent board that hears tenant complaints, so keep records of how you calculated the increase.

Example rent increase notice

A filled-in sample with made-up details, so you can see the finished result.

Northfield Property Group
PO Box 518, Columbus, OH 43216 · (555) 274-9031

October 5, 2026

To: Marisol Vega and Daniel Vega
312 Birch St, Unit 4, Columbus, OH 43206

Re: Notice of rent increase — 312 Birch St, Unit 4, Columbus, OH 43206

Dear Marisol Vega and Daniel Vega,

This letter is written notice that the monthly rent for 312 Birch St, Unit 4, Columbus, OH 43206 will change as described below.

Type of tenancy: Month-to-month tenancy.

Current monthly rent: $1,350.00
New monthly rent: $1,420.00
Increase: $70.00 per month
Effective date: December 1, 2026

The new rent will be due beginning December 1, 2026. This notice is being given at least 30 days before the new rent takes effect.

This increase reflects higher property taxes and insurance costs for the building this year. Please update any automatic payments to the new amount starting with the December rent.

All other terms of your rental agreement remain the same unless we agree otherwise in writing.

If you have any questions about this notice, please contact me at the address or phone number above. Thank you for being a tenant at 312 Birch St, Unit 4, Columbus, OH 43206.

Sincerely,

Northfield Property Group

Frequently asked questions

How much notice do I need to give for a rent increase?

It depends on the state, sometimes the city, the type of tenancy and the lease. Thirty days is common for month-to-month tenancies, but some places require 60 or 90 days, especially for larger increases. Check your local rules before choosing a date.

How much can I raise the rent?

In many places there is no cap on increases for market-rate units, but some states and many cities have rent-control or rent-stabilization rules that cap increases or limit how often rent can rise. Subsidized housing has its own rules. Check what applies to your property.

Can I raise the rent during a fixed-term lease?

Usually not, unless the lease specifically allows it. A fixed-term lease generally locks the rent until the term ends. You can propose a new rent for the renewal term, with the notice your lease and local rules require.

Does the tenant have to sign the notice?

For a month-to-month tenancy, usually not; proper notice is generally enough. For a lease renewal, the new rent normally becomes part of a signed renewal or new lease.

Should I explain why rent is going up?

It is often not required, but a short, factual reason, such as higher taxes or insurance, can reduce friction and help keep good tenants. Some rent-controlled areas require specific justification for certain increases.

FairLetter is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. Letters are templates you customize and send yourself.