Rent control laws are put in place to protect tenants from being subject to excessive rent increases and to offer affordable housing options. Knowing the states with rent control is crucial to successfully navigating the rental market, whether you’re a landlord or tenant. These laws vary from state to state; thus, take a closer look at rent control laws by state to help you stay updated on the latest info.
What Is the Rent Control Law?
Rent control laws are regulations that limit the amount of rent that landlords can charge for private, market-rate rental housing. The government enforces these laws, also known as rent stabilization, rent freeze, rent caps, or anti-price gouging policies. Regardless of their name, rent control policies require a rent cap to be imposed without any compensation or monetary investment by the governing authority.
How state rent control laws work varies across different states and local jurisdictions in the US. While some states have banned rent control, others permit local governments to establish their own policies. Some states, including California, New York, and Washington, D.C., permit rent control, with different approaches ranging from comprehensive statewide policies to localized regulations within specific cities or counties. On the other hand, 48 states do not have rent control laws.
How Do Rent Control Laws Affect Landlords & Property Owners
Rent control laws can significantly impact landlords and property owners by giving them financial challenges. The following are its effects on landlords and property owners:
- Restrictions: The states with rent control restrict the amount that landlords can increase rent for tenants, even if their expenses escalate.
- Property improvements: Obtaining approval for property improvements can be burdensome, often requiring rent board approval.
- Adjustments: Landlords usually cannot adjust their rates to reflect market conditions.
- Additional fees: Rent boards often lack a comprehensive understanding of landlords’ financial realities, leading to additional fees being imposed.
- Legal advice: The legal and administrative complexities of these laws often necessitate the involvement of legal counsel, further adding to landlords’ financial burden.
- Discouragements: It can discourage new construction, exacerbate housing shortages, and impede the growth and diversification of the housing market.
How Do Rent Control Laws Affect Tenants
Rent control laws can make housing more affordable and stable for tenants, protecting them from displacement due to rising rents. However, some tenants worry that it might discourage landlords from maintaining or improving properties, potentially leading to declining housing quality over time. Additionally, although rent control can make certain apartments more affordable, it can also lead to a tighter housing market, making it harder for new tenants to find rent-controlled units.
Rent Control Laws by State
To determine which states have rent control laws, along with comprehensive details of these laws, refer to our list and rent control states map below:
States that PROHIBIT rent control
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- Colorado
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- New Hampshire
- New Mexico
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Virginia
- Washington
- Wisconsin
States with STATE & CITY rent control
- California
- Oregon
States with CITY/COUNTY rent control only
- Connecticut
- Maine
- New York
States with STATE rent control only
- Washington, D.C.
States WITHOUT statewide rent control but DOESN’T PROHIBIT it
- Minnesota
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Jersey
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- Vermont
- West Virginia
- Wyoming
Rent Control Laws by State
Alabama
Does it have a statewide rent control laws: NO
When can a landlord raise rent: Any time, as long as landlords give tenants a reasonable notice, don’t break any rent control laws, wait until the end of the lease term (unless otherwise specified in the lease), and ren’t raising rent for discriminatory or retaliatory reasons.
How often can rent be increased: As often as landlords wish.
How much notice is needed to raise rent: Landlords in Alabama are NOT REQUIRED to give a specific notice period before raising rent. However, they must act in good faith and provide reasonable notice, typically one month.
How much can a landlord raise rent: There is NO legal limit or cap.
For more information: iPropertyManagement
Alaska
Does it have a statewide rent control laws: NO
When can a landlord raise rent: Any time, as long as landlords wait until the end of the lease term (unless otherwise specified in the lease), aren’t raising rent for discriminatory or retaliatory reasons, don’t break any rent control laws, and give reasonable notice.
How often can rent be increased: As often as landlords wish.
How much notice is needed to raise rent: 30 days’ notice (for month-to-month lease) and 14 days’ notice (for week-to-week lease)
How much can a landlord raise rent: There is NO legal limit or cap.
For more information: iPropertyManagement
Arizona
Does it have a statewide rent control laws: NO
When can a landlord raise rent: Any time, as long as landlords aren’t raising rent for discriminatory or retaliatory reasons, give reasonable notice, and wait until the end of the lease term (unless otherwise specified in the lease).
How often can rent be increased: As often as landlords wish.
How much notice is needed to raise rent: 30 days’ notice (for month-to-month lease) and 10 days’ notice (for week-to-week lease)
How much can a landlord raise rent: There is NO legal limit or cap.
For more information: iPropertyManagement
Arkansas
Does it have a statewide rent control laws: NO
When can a landlord raise rent: Any time, as long as landlords wait until the end of the lease term (unless otherwise specified in the lease), aren’t raising rent for discriminatory or retaliatory reasons, and give reasonable notice.
How often can rent be increased: As often as landlords wish.
How much notice is needed to raise rent: One month’s notice (for month-to-month lease) and 7 days’ notice (for week-to-week lease)
How much can a landlord raise rent: There is NO legal limit or cap.
For more information: iPropertyManagement
California
Does it have a statewide rent control laws: YES
When can a landlord raise rent: Any time, as long as landlords give tenants reasonable notice, aren’t raising rent for retaliatory or discriminatory reasons, wait until the end of the lease term (unless otherwise specified in the lease), and don’t break any rent control laws.
How often can rent be increased: Twice every 12 months
How much notice is needed to raise rent: Landlords must give a 30-day notice before increasing rent. If the rent is being raised by more than 10%, they must give a 90-day notice.
How much can a landlord raise rent: Rent increases in California are capped at 5% plus annual inflation or 10%, whichever is lower.
For more information: iPropertyManagement
Colorado
Does it have a statewide rent control laws: NO
When can a landlord raise rent: Any time, as long as landlords wait until the end of the lease term (unless otherwise specified in the lease), give reasonable notice, and aren’t raising rent for discriminatory or retaliatory reasons.
How often can rent be increased: Once per year
How much notice is needed to raise rent: 60 days’ notice
For more information: iPropertyManagement
Connecticut
Does it have a statewide rent control laws: SOME (except in cities, towns, and boroughs with populations over 25,000. Local governments must establish a fair rent commission by July 1, 2023)
When can a landlord raise rent: Any time, as long as landlords wait until the end of the lease term (unless otherwise specified in the lease), give reasonable notice, and aren’t raise rent for discriminatory or retaliatory reasons.
How often can rent be increased: As often as landlords wish.
How much notice is needed to raise rent: There is NO REQUIRED notice period before raising the rent.
How much can a landlord raise rent: Landlords cannot raise rent to a harsh and unconscionable amount in areas with a fair rent commission.
For more information: iPropertyManagement
Delaware
Does it have a statewide rent control laws: NO
When can a landlord raise rent: Any time, as long as landlords give reasonable notice, don’t break any local rent control laws, wait until the end of the lease term (unless otherwise specified in the lease), and aren’t raise rent for discriminatory or retaliatory reasons.
How often can rent be increased: As often as landlords wish, but rent increases on mobile homes are limited to once per year.
How much notice is needed to raise rent: 60 days’ wriiten notice and 90 days’ notice for mobile homes.
How much can a landlord raise rent: There is NO legal limit or cap.
For more information: iPropertyManagement
District of Columbia
Does it have a statewide rent control laws: SOME rentual units only
When can a landlord raise rent: For rent-controlled units in Washington D.C., landlords can only raise the rent when proper notice is given, the rental unit is registered with the Rental Accommodations Division, the rental unit is compliant with applicable regulations (unless the tenant’s negligence caused the non-compliant condition), the housing provider is properly licensed, and the manager is properly registered, there is a written lease agreement that establishes the rent charged, and the rent hasn’t been increased within the past year.
How often can rent be increased: Once per year
How much notice is needed to raise rent: 30 days’ notice
How much can a landlord raise rent: 8.9%
For more information: iPropertyManagement
Florida
Does it have a statewide rent control laws: NO
When can a landlord raise rent: Any time, as long as landlords give reasonable notice, wait until the end of the lease term (unless otherwise specified in the lease), and don’t raise rent for discriminatory or retaliatory reasons.
How often can rent be increased: As often as landlords wish.
How much notice is needed to raise rent: There is NO REQUIRED notice period before raising the rent.
How much can a landlord raise rent: There is NO legal limit or cap.
For more information: iPropertyManagement
Georgia
Does it have a statewide rent control laws: NO
When can a landlord raise rent: Any time, as long as landlords give reasonable notice, they aren’t raising rent for discriminatory or retaliatory reasons, and they wait until the end of the lease term (unless otherwise specified in the lease).
How often can rent be increased: As often as landlords wish.
How much notice is needed to raise rent: 60 days’ notice
How much can a landlord raise rent: There is NO legal limit or cap.
For more information: iPropertyManagement
Hawaii
Does it have a statewide rent control laws: NO
When can a landlord raise rent: Any time, as long as landlords wait until the end of the lease term (unless otherwise specified in the lease), give reasonable notice, aren’t raising rent for discriminatory or retaliatory reasons, and don’t break any local rent control laws.
How often can rent be increased: As often as landlords wish.
How much notice is needed to raise rent: 45 days’ notice (for month-to-month lease) and 15 days’ notice (for week-to-week lease)
How much can a landlord raise rent: There is NO legal limit or cap.
For more information: iPropertyManagement
Idaho
Does it have a statewide rent control laws: NO
When can a landlord raise rent: Any time, as long as landlords wait until the end of the lease term (unless otherwise specified in the lease), give reasonable notice, and aren’t raising rent for discriminatory or retaliatory reasons.
How often can rent be increased: As often as landlords wish, but rent increases on mobile homes can’t be more than once every six months.
How much notice is needed to raise rent: 30 days’ wriiten notice and 90 days’ notice for mobile homes.
How much can a landlord raise rent: There is NO legal limit or cap.
For more information: iPropertyManagement
Illinois
Does it have a statewide rent control laws: NO
When can a landlord raise rent: Any time, as long as landlords give the tenant reasonable notice, they aren’t raising rent for discriminatory reasons, and they wait until the end of the lease term (unless otherwise specified in the lease).
How often can rent be increased: As often as landlords wish.
How much notice is needed to raise rent: There is NO REQUIRED notice period before raising the rent.
How much can a landlord raise rent: There is NO legal limit or cap.
For more information: iPropertyManagement
Indiana
Does it have a statewide rent control laws: NO
When can a landlord raise rent: Any time, as long as landlords give reasonable notice, wait until the end of the lease term (unless otherwise specified in the lease), and aren’t raising rent for discriminatory or retaliatory reasons.
How often can rent be increased: As often as landlords wish.
How much notice is needed to raise rent: 30 days’ notice
How much can a landlord raise rent: There is NO legal limit or cap.
For more information: iPropertyManagement
Iowa
Does it have a statewide rent control laws: NO
When can a landlord raise rent: Any time, as long as landlords wait until the end of the lease term (unless otherwise specified in the lease), aren’t raising rent for discriminatory or retaliatory reasons, and give reasonable notice.
How often can rent be increased: As often as landlords wish.
How much notice is needed to raise rent: 30 days’ written notice
How much can a landlord raise rent: There is NO legal limit or cap.
For more information: iPropertyManagement
Kansas
Does it have a statewide rent control laws: NO
When can a landlord raise rent: Any time, as long as landlords wait until the end of the lease term (unless otherwise specified in the lease), give reasonable notice, and aren’t raising rent for discriminatory or retaliatory reasons.
How often can rent be increased: As often as landlords wish.
How much notice is needed to raise rent: 30 days’ written notice and 60 days’ written notice for mobile homes
How much can a landlord raise rent: There is NO legal limit or cap.
For more information: iPropertyManagement
Kentucky
Does it have a statewide rent control laws: NO
When can a landlord raise rent: Any time, as long as landlords aren’t raising rent for discriminatory or retaliatory reasons, give reasonable notice, and wait until the end of the lease term (unless otherwise specified in the lease).
How often can rent be increased: As often as landlords wish.
How much notice is needed to raise rent: There is NO REQUIRED notice period before raising the rent.
How much can a landlord raise rent: There is NO legal limit or cap.
For more information: iPropertyManagement
Louisiana
Does it have a statewide rent control laws: NO
When can a landlord raise rent: Any time, as long as landlords wait until the end of the lease term (unless otherwise specified in the lease), aren’t raising rent for discriminatory or retaliatory reasons, and give reasonable notice.
How often can rent be increased: As often as landlords wish.
How much notice is needed to raise rent: There is NO REQUIRED notice period before raising the rent.
How much can a landlord raise rent: There is NO legal limit or cap.
For more information: iPropertyManagement
Maine
Does it have a statewide rent control laws: NO (except for all rental units in Portland, including short-term rentals)
When can a landlord raise rent: Any time, as long as landlords give reasonable notice, wait until the end of the lease term (unless otherwise specified in the lease), and aren’t raising rent for discriminatory or retaliatory reasons.
How often can rent be increased: As often as landlords wish.
How much notice is needed to raise rent: 45 days’ notice and 30 days’ notice for mobile homes
How much can a landlord raise rent: There is NO legal limit or cap.
For more information: iPropertyManagement
Maryland
Does it have a statewide rent control laws: NO
When can a landlord raise rent: Any time, as long as landlords aren’t raising rent for discriminatory or retaliatory reasons, give reasonable notice, and wait until the end of the lease term (unless otherwise specified in the lease).
How often can rent be increased: As often as landlords wish.
How much notice is needed to raise rent: 90 days’ notice – Year lease; 60 days’ notice – Month-to-month lease; 21 days’ notice – Week-to-week oral lease; 7 days’ notice – Week-to-week written lease
How much can a landlord raise rent: There is NO legal limit or cap.
For more information: iPropertyManagement
Massachusetts
Does it have a statewide rent control laws: NO
When can a landlord raise rent: Any time, as long as landlords give reasonable notice, wait until the end of the lease term (unless otherwise specified in the lease), and aren’t raising rent for discriminatory or retaliatory reasons.
How often can rent be increased: As often as landlords wish.
How much notice is needed to raise rent: 30 days’ notice for a tenancy-at-will
How much can a landlord raise rent: There is NO legal limit or cap.
For more information: iPropertyManagement
Michigan
Does it have a statewide rent control laws: NO
When can a landlord raise rent: Any time, as long as landlords give reasonable notice, aren’t raising rent for discriminatory or retaliatory reasons, and wait until the end of the lease term (unless otherwise specified in the lease).
How often can rent be increased: As often as landlords wish.
How much notice is needed to raise rent: Michigan landlords must provide reasonable notice when raising rent, but they are not required to give a specific notice period. A one-month notice period for a rent increase is generally considered reasonable.
How much can a landlord raise rent: There is NO legal limit or cap.
For more information: iPropertyManagement
Minnesota
Does it have a statewide rent control laws: NO (But, state law allows local governments to establish local rent control laws)
When can a landlord raise rent: Any time, as long as landlords wait until the end of the lease term (unless otherwise specified in the lease), aren’t raising rent for discriminatory or retaliatory reasons, don’t break any local rent control laws, and give reasonable notice.
How often can rent be increased: As often as landlords wish.
How much notice is needed to raise rent: The notice period required to increase rent is equal to the frequency of rent payments, but cannot exceed 3 months, unless stated otherwise in the lease agreement. Mobile home residents must receive 60 days’ notice before any rent increase.
How much can a landlord raise rent: There is NO legal limit or cap.
For more information: iPropertyManagement
Mississippi
Does it have a statewide rent control laws: NO
When can a landlord raise rent: Any time, as long as landlords wait until the end of the lease term (unless otherwise specified in the lease), aren’t raising rent for discriminatory or retaliatory reasons, and give reasonable notice.
How often can rent be increased: As often as landlords wish.
How much notice is needed to raise rent: 30 days’ notice for month-to-month tenant and 7 days’ notice for week-to-week tenant
How much can a landlord raise rent: There is NO legal limit or cap.
For more information: iPropertyManagement
Missouri
Does it have a statewide rent control laws: NO
When can a landlord raise rent: Any time, as long as landlords wait until the end of the lease term (unless otherwise specified in the lease), give reasonable notice, and aren’t raising rent for discriminatory or locally determined retaliatory reasons.
How often can rent be increased: As often as landlords wish.
How much notice is needed to raise rent: Missouri law does not have a specific notice period for rent increase, except for mobile homes, where 60 days’ notice is required.
How much can a landlord raise rent: There is NO legal limit or cap.
For more information: iPropertyManagement
Montana
Does it have a statewide rent control laws: NO
When can a landlord raise rent: Any time, as long as landlords aren’t raising rent for discriminatory or retaliatory reasons, give reasonable notice, and wait until the end of the lease term (unless otherwise specified in the lease).
How often can rent be increased: As often as landlords wish.
How much notice is needed to raise rent: 30 days’ notice for month-to-month tenant and 7 days’ notice for week-to-week tenant
How much can a landlord raise rent: There is NO legal limit or cap.
For more information: iPropertyManagement
Nebraska
Does it have a statewide rent control laws: NO (But, state law does not prohibit local governments from establishing local rent control laws.)
When can a landlord raise rent: Any time, as long as landlords give reasonable notice, aren’t raising rent for discriminatory or retaliatory reasons, and wait until the end of the lease term (unless otherwise specified in the lease).
How often can rent be increased: As often as landlords wish.
How much notice is needed to raise rent: Week-to-week tenants – 7 days’ notice; Month-to-month tenants – 30 days’ notice; Mobile home tenants – 60 days’ notice
How much can a landlord raise rent: There is NO legal limit or cap.
For more information: iPropertyManagement
Nevada
Does it have a statewide rent control laws: NO (But, state law does not prohibit local governments from establishing local rent control laws.)
When can a landlord raise rent: Any time, as long as landlords wait until the end of the lease term (unless otherwise specified in the lease), aren’t raising rent for discriminatory or retaliatory reasons, and give reasonable notice.
How often can rent be increased: As often as landlords wish.
How much notice is needed to raise rent: 60 days’ notice and 30 days’ notice for less than month-to-month tenancy term
How much can a landlord raise rent: There is NO legal limit or cap.
For more information: iPropertyManagement
New Hampshire
Does it have a statewide rent control laws: NO
When can a landlord raise rent: Any time, as long as landlords give reasonable notice, aren’t raising rent for discriminatory or retaliatory reasons, and wait until the end of the lease term (unless otherwise specified in the lease).
How often can rent be increased: As often as landlords wish.
How much notice is needed to raise rent: 30 days’ notice and 60 days’ notice for mobile homes
How much can a landlord raise rent: There is NO legal limit or cap.
For more information: iPropertyManagement
New Jersey
Does it have a statewide rent control laws: NO (But, state law allows local governments to establish local rent control laws.)
When can a landlord raise rent: Any time, as long as landlords wait until the end of the lease term (unless otherwise specified in the lease), give reasonable notice, don’t break any local rent control laws, and aren’t raising rent for discriminatory or retaliatory reasons.
How often can rent be increased: As often as landlords wish.
How much notice is needed to raise rent: 30 days’ notice
How much can a landlord raise rent: There is no statewide limit or cap on the amount of a rent increase, but it must be reasonable. The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs provides a morecomprehensive summary of rent control ordinances by city.
For more information: iPropertyManagement
New Mexico
Does it have a statewide rent control laws: NO
When can a landlord raise rent: Any time, as long as landlords wait until the end of the lease term (unless otherwise specified in the lease), aren’t raising rent for discriminatory or retaliatory reasons, and give reasonable notice.
How often can rent be increased: As often as landlords wish.
How much notice is needed to raise rent: 30 days’ notice for month-to-month and other fixed-term tenants and 7 days’ notice for week-to-week tenants
How much can a landlord raise rent: There is NO legal limit or cap.
For more information: iPropertyManagement
New York
Does it have a statewide rent control laws: YES (some rental units only)
When can a landlord raise rent: Any time, as long as landlords wait until the end of the lease term (unless otherwise specified in the lease), aren’t raising rent for discriminatory or retaliatory reasons, don’t break any rent control laws, and give reasonable notice.
How often can rent be increased: 1. Rent-controlled apartments – Landlords can increase the rent once per year. 2. Rent-stabilized apartment – Increases are typically limited to once every one or two years, depending on the lease term.
How much notice is needed to raise rent: 30 days’ notice for less than one year lease term; 60 days’ notice for between one to two years lease term; and 90 days’ notice for longer than two years lease term
How much can a landlord raise rent: Determined by the Division of Housing and Community Renewal (DHCR)
For more information: iPropertyManagement
North Carolina
Does it have a statewide rent control laws: NO
When can a landlord raise rent: Any time, as long as landlords give reasonable notice, wait until the end of the lease term (unless otherwise specified in the lease), and aren’t raising rent for discriminatory or retaliatory reasons.
How often can rent be increased: As often as landlords wish.
How much notice is needed to raise rent: Year-to-year lease – One month’s notice and Month-to-month lease – 7 days’ notice
How much can a landlord raise rent: There is NO legal limit or cap.
For more information: iPropertyManagement
North Dakota
Does it have a statewide rent control laws: NO
When can a landlord raise rent: Any time, as long as landlords wait until the end of the lease term (unless otherwise specified in the lease), give reasonable notice, and aren’t raising rent for discriminatory or retaliatory reasons.
How often can rent be increased: As often as landlords wish. However, rent cannot be increased for 6 months after the sale of a mobile home park if tenancy is month-to-month. If rent was increased within 60 days before the sale, it cannot be increased again within 6 months.
How much notice is needed to raise rent: 30 days’ notice and 90 days’ notice for mobile homes and month-to-month tenancy
How much can a landlord raise rent: There is NO legal limit or cap.
For more information: iPropertyManagement
Ohio
Does it have a statewide rent control laws: NO
When can a landlord raise rent: Any time, as long as landlords aren’t raising rent for discriminatory or retaliatory reasons, wait until the end of the lease term (unless otherwise specified in the lease), and give reasonable notice.
How often can rent be increased: As often as landlords wish.
How much notice is needed to raise rent: Ohio law does not require a specific notice period before raising the rent. However, the 30-day notice period required for the termination of a month-to-month lease is typically used as reasonable notice for a rent increase.
How much can a landlord raise rent: There is NO legal limit or cap.
For more information: iPropertyManagement
Oklahoma
Does it have a statewide rent control laws: NO
When can a landlord raise rent: Any time, as long as landlords give reasonable notice, wait until the end of the lease term (unless otherwise specified in the lease), and aren’t raising rent for discriminatory or retaliatory reasons.
How often can rent be increased: As often as landlords wish.
How much notice is needed to raise rent: Oklahoma law does not require a specific notice period before raising the rent. However, the 30-day notice period required for terminating a month-to-month lease is typically used as reasonable notice for a rent increase.
How much can a landlord raise rent: There is NO legal limit or cap.
For more information: iPropertyManagement
Oregon
Does it have a statewide rent control laws: YES (But, state law prohibits local governments from establishing additional rent control laws.)
When can a landlord raise rent: Any time, as long as landlords don’t break any rent control laws, wait until the end of the lease term (unless otherwise specified in the lease), aren’t raising rent for discriminatory or retaliatory reasons, and give reasonable notice.
How often can rent be increased: As often as landlords wish.
How much notice is needed to raise rent: Year-long leases – 90 days’ notice and Week-to-week – 7 days’ notice
How much can a landlord raise rent: The allowable annual rent increase in 2024 is 10.0%. Only one rent increase may be issued in any 12-month period.
For more information: iPropertyManagement
Pennsylvania
Does it have a statewide rent control laws: NO (But, state law does not prohibit local governments from establishing rent control laws.)
When can a landlord raise rent: Any time, as long as landlords wait until the end of the lease term (unless otherwise specified in the lease), aren’t raising rent for discriminatory or retaliatory reasons, don’t break any local rent control laws, and give reasonable notice.
How often can rent be increased: As often as landlords wish.
How much notice is needed to raise rent: 30 or 60 days’ notice
How much can a landlord raise rent: There is NO legal limit or cap.
For more information: iPropertyManagement
Rhode Island
Does it have a statewide rent control laws: NO (But, state law does not prohibit local governments from establishing rent control laws.)
When can a landlord raise rent: Any time, as long as landlords wait until the end of the lease term (unless otherwise specified in the lease), aren’t raising rent for discriminatory or retaliatory reasons, and give reasonable notice.
How often can rent be increased: As often as landlords wish.
How much notice is needed to raise rent: 30 days’ notice and 60 days’ notice for a tenant that is over 62 years old and on a month-to-month lease.
How much can a landlord raise rent: There is NO legal limit or cap.
For more information: iPropertyManagement
South Carolina
Does it have a statewide rent control laws: NO
When can a landlord raise rent: Any time, as long as landlords wait until the end of the lease term (unless otherwise specified in the lease), give reasonable notice, and aren’t raising rent for discriminatory or retaliatory reasons.
How often can rent be increased: As often as landlords wish.
How much notice is needed to raise rent: South Carolina law does not require a specific notice period before raising the rent.
How much can a landlord raise rent: There is NO legal limit or cap.
For more information: iPropertyManagement
South Dakota
Does it have a statewide rent control laws: NO
When can a landlord raise rent: Any time, as long as landlords wait until the end of the lease term (unless otherwise specified in the lease), aren’t raising rent for discriminatory or retaliatory reasons, and give reasonable notice.
How often can rent be increased: As often as landlords wish.
How much notice is needed to raise rent: 30 days’ notice
How much can a landlord raise rent: There is NO legal limit or cap.
For more information: iPropertyManagement
Tennessee
Does it have a statewide rent control laws: NO
When can a landlord raise rent: Any time, as long as landlords give reasonable notice, wait until the end of the lease term (unless otherwise specified in the lease), and aren’t raising rent for discriminatory or retaliatory reasons.
How often can rent be increased: As often as landlords wish.
How much notice is needed to raise rent: Tennessee law does not require a specific notice period before raising the rent. However, Nashville and Davidson County law requires at least 60 days of written notice before increasing rent.
How much can a landlord raise rent: There is NO legal limit or cap.
For more information: iPropertyManagement
Texas
Does it have a statewide rent control laws: NO
When can a landlord raise rent: Any time, as long as landlords give reasonable notice, wait until the end of the lease term (unless otherwise specified in the lease), and aren’t raising rent for discriminatory or retaliatory reasons.
How often can rent be increased: As often as landlords wish.
How much notice is needed to raise rent: Texas law does not require a specific notice period before raising rent.
How much can a landlord raise rent: There is NO legal limit or cap.
For more information: iPropertyManagement
Utah
Does it have a statewide rent control laws: NO
When can a landlord raise rent: Any time, as long as landlords wait until the end of the lease term (unless otherwise specified in the lease), aren’t raising rent for discriminatory or retaliatory reasons, give reasonable notice.
How often can rent be increased: As often as landlords wish.
How much notice is needed to raise rent: 15 days’ notice
How much can a landlord raise rent: There is NO legal limit or cap.
For more information: iPropertyManagement
Vermont
Does it have a statewide rent control laws: NO (But, state law does not prohibit local governments from establishing rent control laws.)
When can a landlord raise rent: Any time, as long as landlords wait until the end of the lease term (unless otherwise specified in the lease), aren’t raising rent for discriminatory or retaliatory reasons, give reasonable notice, and don’t break any rent control laws.
How often can rent be increased: As often as landlords wish.
How much notice is needed to raise rent: 60 or 90 days’ notice
How much can a landlord raise rent: There is NO legal limit or cap.
For more information: iPropertyManagement
Virginia
Does it have a statewide rent control laws: NO
When can a landlord raise rent: Any time, as long as landlords wait until the end of the lease term (unless otherwise specified in the lease), give reasonable notice, and aren’t raising rent for discriminatory or retaliatory reasons.
How often can rent be increased: As often as landlords wish.
How much notice is needed to raise rent: Month-to-month lease – 30 days before the rent due date, and week-to-week lease – 7 days before the rent due date
How much can a landlord raise rent: There is NO legal limit or cap.
For more information: iPropertyManagement
Washington
Does it have a statewide rent control laws: NO
When can a landlord raise rent: Any time, as long as landlords wait until the end of the lease term (unless otherwise specified in the lease), give reasonable notice, and aren’t raising rent for discriminatory or retaliatory reasons.
How often can rent be increased: As often as landlords wish.
How much notice is needed to raise rent: 60 days’ notice or 30 days’ notice for subsidized housing
How much can a landlord raise rent: There is NO legal limit or cap.
For more information: iPropertyManagement
West Virginia
Does it have a statewide rent control laws: NO (But, state law does not prohibit local governments from establishing rent control laws.)
When can a landlord raise rent: Any time, as long as landlords give reasonable notice, wait until the end of the lease term (unless otherwise specified in the lease), aren’t raising rent for discriminatory or retaliatory reasons, and don’t break any local rent control laws.
How often can rent be increased: As often as landlords wish.
How much notice is needed to raise rent: Its state law does not require a specific notice period before raising the rent.
How much can a landlord raise rent: There is NO legal limit or cap.
For more information: iPropertyManagement
Wisconsin
Does it have a statewide rent control laws: NO
When can a landlord raise rent: Any time, as long as landlords aren’t raising rent for discriminatory or retaliatory reasons, give reasonable notice, wait until the end of the lease term (unless otherwise specified in the lease).
How often can rent be increased: As often as landlords wish.
How much notice is needed to raise rent: Wisconsin law does not require a specific notice period before raising the rent. However, 28 days’ notice is typically used as reasonable notice of a rent increase.
How much can a landlord raise rent: There is NO legal limit or cap.
For more information: iPropertyManagement
Wyoming
Does it have a statewide rent control laws: NO (But, state law does not prohibit local governments from establishing rent control laws.)
When can a landlord raise rent: Any time, as long as landlords aren’t raising rent for discriminatory or retaliatory reasons, give reasonable notice, wait until the end of the lease term (unless otherwise specified in the lease).
How often can rent be increased: As often as landlords wish.
How much notice is needed to raise rent: Its state law does not require a specific notice period before raising the rent.
How much can a landlord raise rent: There is NO legal limit or cap.
For more information: iPropertyManagement
Pros & Cons of Rent Control Laws
Rent control has advantages and disadvantages. Here are some key pros and cons of rent control policies:
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Affordability: Rent control can help keep housing affordable for low- and middle-income families by preventing rapid rent price increases | Housing shortage: Rent control can discourage new housing construction and reduce the supply of rental housing, potentially exacerbating housing shortages. |
| Stability: Tenants benefit from stable housing costs, allowing them to plan their finances better and remain in their homes without fearing sudden rent hikes | Deterioration of housing stock: Under rent control, landlords may have less incentive to maintain or improve their properties, leading to the deterioration of rental units. |
| Community preservation: Rent control can help maintain socioeconomic diversity and prevent the displacement of long-term residents in gentrifying neighborhoods. | Allocation inefficiencies: Rent control may lead to misallocation of housing, with some tenants occupying units larger than they need while others face difficulties finding suitable housing. |
Bottom Line
Understanding rent control laws by state is crucial for both landlords and tenants. These laws have enabled people to find affordable housing and safeguard renters from unreasonable rent hikes. While the regulations vary from state to state, staying updated on the latest information is important to navigate the rental market successfully. By being aware of the specific rules in your area, you can ensure that you’re following the law and making informed decisions as a landlord or tenant.
