A rent increase letter tells a tenant about a change in rent clearly, fairly and on time.
A short, polite letter with the old rent, the new rent and the start date avoids confusion and keeps a good tenant relationship strong.
This guide gives you 6 free sample letters for month-to-month tenants, lease renewals, rising costs, long-term tenants, building upgrades and lease-based adjustments.
A free builder then lets you tap, edit, print or copy your own letter. Every letter opens with its purpose and ends with a thank you.
The people, addresses, amounts and details in these letters are fictional.
Replace them with your own true information, and check your lease, state and local rules, because notice periods and rent limits differ by place.
This page is general information, not legal advice.
6 Rent Increase Letter Samples
Quick jump: Month-to-Month Rent IncreaseLease Renewal With a Rent IncreaseIncrease Due to Rising CostsIncrease for a Long-Term TenantIncrease With Building UpgradesIncrease Allowed by the LeaseFree rent increase letter builder
Month-to-Month Rent Increase
48 Maple Court
Dayton, OH 45402
richard.hale@email.com | (555) 010-0931
November 12, 2026
Mr. Daniel Brooks
215 Elm Street, Apt 3B
Columbus, OH 43215
Re: Notice of Rent Increase, 215 Elm Street, Apt 3B
Dear Mr. Brooks,
I am writing to give you written notice that the monthly rent for 215 Elm Street, Apt 3B will increase from $1,450 to $1,525, beginning January 1, 2027. This notice is delivered more than 30 days before the new rent begins.
The increase reflects higher property taxes and insurance costs for the building. Rent will still be due on the first of each month, and all other terms of your tenancy stay the same.
Thank you for the on-time rent you have sent every month. You can reach me by phone or email with any questions.
Sincerely,
Richard Hale
Lease Renewal With a Rent Increase
1912 Desert View Drive
Phoenix, AZ 85016
teresa.alvarez@email.com | (555) 010-0942
November 12, 2026
Ms. Maria Gonzalez
1420 Cactus Lane, Unit 12
Phoenix, AZ 85016
Re: Lease Renewal Terms, 1420 Cactus Lane, Unit 12
Dear Ms. Gonzalez,
This letter is my written notice of your lease renewal terms for 1420 Cactus Lane, Unit 12. Your current lease ends December 31, 2026, and the monthly rent for a new 12-month lease will be $1,675, up from $1,600.
Your home has been well cared for, and I would love for you to stay. To renew, send me your signed lease by December 1, 2026. If you would rather talk about other options, such as a longer lease term, I am glad to discuss them.
Thank you for two years as a great tenant.
Best regards,
Teresa Alvarez
Increase Due to Rising Costs
1100 Hillsborough Street
Raleigh, NC 27603
steven.cole@email.com | (555) 010-0957
November 12, 2026
Mr. Kevin Walsh
77 Birch Court, Apt 204
Raleigh, NC 27609
Re: Notice of Rent Increase, 77 Birch Court, Apt 204
Dear Mr. Walsh,
My notice of a rent change begins with the facts: the monthly rent for 77 Birch Court, Apt 204 will increase from $1,300 to $1,375 on January 1, 2027. This letter serves as your written notice, and a copy is being sent by certified mail.
The increase helps cover rising costs of repairs, maintenance and supplies. Your rent will still be due on the first of each month, and everything else in your agreement stays the same.
I value having you in the building and am glad to talk through any questions in writing or by phone.
Sincerely,
Steven Cole
Increase for a Long-Term Tenant
3310 Lake Street
Minneapolis, MN 55408
paul.jensen@email.com | (555) 010-0968
November 12, 2026
Ms. Rachel Torres
3312 Lake Street
Minneapolis, MN 55408
Re: Notice of Rent Increase, 3312 Lake Street
Dear Ms. Torres,
I am writing to tell you that the monthly rent for 3312 Lake Street will increase from $1,800 to $1,850, beginning January 1, 2027. We kept the change small because you have been a wonderful tenant for four years.
You have always sent your rent on time and cared for the home, and your neighbors enjoy having you next door. If a longer lease would help you plan ahead, I would be glad to offer one at the new rent.
Thank you for making this a great place to live.
Sincerely,
Paul Jensen
Increase With Building Upgrades
Kevin Brown
615 Pine Street
Seattle, WA 98101
kevin.brown@email.com | (555) 010-0975
November 12, 2026
Ms. Olivia Bennett
615 Pine Street, Apt 9C
Seattle, WA 98101
Re: Notice of Rent Increase, 615 Pine Street, Apt 9C
Dear Ms. Bennett,
This letter is my written notice that the monthly rent for 615 Pine Street, Apt 9C will increase from $1,750 to $1,825, beginning February 1, 2027. You are receiving this notice more than two months ahead so you have time to plan.
The increase supports upgrades to the building, including new laundry equipment, hallway lighting and fresh paint on every floor. Your rent will still be due on the first of each month.
Questions about the change are welcome, and I will answer within three days. Thank you for being a considerate neighbor.
Sincerely,
Kevin Brown
Increase Allowed by the Lease
Janet Moore
950 Colfax Avenue, Suite 4
Denver, CO 80218
janet.moore@email.com | (555) 010-0983
November 12, 2026
Ms. Ashley Turner
2208 Aspen Way, Apt 5
Denver, CO 80205
Re: Rent Adjustment Under Your Lease, 2208 Aspen Way, Apt 5
Dear Ms. Turner,
I am writing to let you know that, under the rent adjustment term in Section 7 of your lease, the monthly rent for 2208 Aspen Way, Apt 5 will increase from $1,600 to $1,650, beginning February 1, 2027.
The adjustment follows the schedule in your lease, and all other terms stay the same. I am glad to review Section 7 with you by phone or in person.
Thank you for being a reliable tenant. You can reach me at the number or email above.
Sincerely,
Janet Moore
Free Rent Increase Letter Builder
Step 1. Which tenancy is the notice for?
Step 2. Which reason do you want to share?
Step 3. Tap the lines to add. Three to five keeps the letter short.
Step 4. Click any text in the letter below and type or modify to make it yours.
Replace the names, addresses, amounts and dates with your own true information, and check your lease, state and local rules for the notice period, delivery method and any rent limits.
Richard Hale
48 Maple Court
Dayton, OH 45402
richard.hale@email.com | (555) 010-0931
November 12, 2026
Mr. Daniel Brooks
215 Elm Street, Apt 3B
Columbus, OH 43215
Re: Notice of Rent Increase, 215 Elm Street, Apt 3B
Dear Mr. Brooks,
I am writing to give you written notice that the monthly rent for 215 Elm Street, Apt 3B will increase from $1,450 to $1,525, beginning January 1, 2027. This notice is delivered more than 30 days before the new rent begins.
This letter is my written notice of your lease renewal terms for 215 Elm Street, Apt 3B. Your current lease ends December 31, 2026, and the monthly rent for a new 12-month lease will be $1,525, up from $1,450.
I am writing to let you know that, under the rent adjustment term in your lease, the monthly rent for 215 Elm Street, Apt 3B will increase from $1,450 to $1,500, beginning January 1, 2027.
The increase reflects higher property taxes and insurance costs for the building.
The increase helps cover rising costs of repairs, maintenance and supplies.
The increase supports upgrades to the building, including new laundry equipment and fresh paint in the hallways.
The new rent begins on January 1, 2027.
The new monthly rent is $1,525.
Rent will still be due on the first of each month.
All other terms of your lease stay the same.
Thank you for the on-time rent you have sent every month.
I am glad to talk with you about this change at any time.
This notice is sent by certified mail, and I am keeping a copy for my records.
To renew, send me your signed lease renewal by December 1, 2026.
You can reach me by phone or email with any questions.
I would be glad to offer a longer lease term if that works better for you.
I value having you as a tenant and appreciate how well you care for your home.
Questions about the amount are welcome in writing, and I will answer within three days.
Thank you for being a reliable tenant.
Sincerely,
Richard Hale
To save your letter: press Ctrl+P (Windows) or Cmd+P (Mac) and choose Save as PDF. Only the letter prints. To copy it, select the text inside the letter and press Ctrl+C or Cmd+C.
Which Starting Point Fits You?
| Your tenancy | Builder choice | What to highlight |
|---|---|---|
| The tenant rents month to month | Month-to-month rental | The old rent, the new rent, the start date and at least the notice period your state requires |
| The lease is ending and you offer a renewal | Lease renewal | The new lease rent, a reply date and options such as a longer lease |
| The lease allows a mid-term adjustment | Increase allowed by the lease | The lease section that allows the change, the new amount and the start date |
What to Include in a Rent Increase Letter
| Part | What to write |
|---|---|
| Your details | Your name, address, email and phone number as the landlord |
| Date | Today’s date, because the notice period is counted from it |
| Tenant | The tenant’s name and the rental address |
| Subject line | A short line such as Notice of Rent Increase and the unit address |
| Opening | Say you are giving written notice of the increase, and state the old rent, the new rent and the start date |
| Reason | Optional and short, such as taxes, insurance, maintenance or upgrades |
| Other terms | Confirm the due date and that other lease terms stay the same |
| Closing | A thank you, a way to reach you, Sincerely and your name |
Rent Increase Rules to Check
These points come from Nolo’s guide to rent increases. Rules differ by state and city, so confirm the current rule where the rental is located.
| Rule | What to know (Nolo) |
|---|---|
| Limits on the amount | In most areas without rent control, there is no limit on how much a landlord can raise the rent. Where rent control applies, a limit may apply |
| Written notice | Most states require written notice, delivered in a specified way, usually at least 30 days before the increase takes effect |
| Delivery | Some states require certified mail |
| Oral notice | Oral notice is generally invalid unless the tenant agrees to the increase |
| Fixed-term lease | Rent generally cannot rise during the lease term unless the lease allows it or the tenant agrees |
| Month-to-month | A landlord can raise the rent with proper notice, so increases are easier to impose |
| Retaliation | Most states bar rent increases made in retaliation for a tenant using legal rights, such as reporting code violations |
| Discrimination | Discriminatory increases are illegal in all states, such as targeting a tenant because of race, religion or having children |
If You Are the Tenant
| Tenant situation | What a tenant can do |
|---|---|
| Month-to-month and the increase is modest | Consider accepting it, and ask for the notice in writing |
| Lease with a mid-term increase | Check whether the lease allows it before agreeing |
| You want a lower increase | Negotiate, especially if you are a long-term, reliable tenant |
| Other tenants are affected | Talk with them and ask the landlord together |
| You have a security deposit | Where deposits are capped as a multiple of rent, a rent increase can raise the allowed deposit |
Mistakes to Avoid
- Giving oral notice only. Put it in writing and keep a copy.
- Counting the wrong days. Check the notice period and allow time for delivery.
- Raising rent in the middle of a fixed-term lease. Check that the lease allows it.
- Leaving out the old rent, the new rent or the start date. State all three.
- Targeting a tenant. Apply increases fairly and never in retaliation.
- Sending it without proof. Use a delivery method you can prove.
Rent Increase Letter Checklist
Tick each item as you finish. Your letter is ready when the counter reaches 5.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a rent increase letter?
It is a written notice from a landlord that tells a tenant the rent will go up, the old and new amounts, the date the new rent begins and any other details. It also serves as a record for both sides.
How do I write a rent increase letter?
Open with your purpose: say you are giving written notice of the increase and state the old rent, the new rent and the start date. Add today’s date, the tenant’s name and address, an optional short reason, your contact details and a thank you.
How much notice must a landlord give?
Most states require written notice, usually at least 30 days before the increase takes effect. Check your state and local rules and your lease, because some places require more notice.
Is there a limit on how much a landlord can raise rent?
In most areas without rent control, there is no limit on the amount. Where rent control applies, a limit may apply, so check your city and state.
Can a landlord raise rent during a lease?
Rent generally cannot rise during a fixed-term lease unless the lease allows a mid-term increase or the tenant agrees. After the lease ends, most states let a landlord raise rent, subject to any rent control.
Does the notice have to be in writing?
Yes, in most states. Oral notice is generally invalid unless the tenant agrees to the increase, so put it in writing and keep a copy.
How should I deliver the notice?
Follow your state’s rules. Some states require certified mail. Send it in a way you can prove, and keep a copy of the letter and your proof of delivery.
Do I have to give a reason for the increase?
The sources used for this page do not list a required reason. A short, honest reason can help a tenant understand the change.
Can a landlord raise rent as a punishment?
No. Most states bar rent increases made in retaliation for a tenant using legal rights, such as reporting code violations, and discriminatory increases are illegal in all states.
What can a tenant do after getting a rent increase letter?
Read it against the lease, check the notice period, ask any questions in writing and consider negotiating, especially if you are a long-term tenant who is reliable about rent.
Conclusion
A good rent increase letter is short, dated and clear. Open with your purpose, state the old rent, the new rent and the start date, and thank the tenant. Use the builder above to write yours today.
Related Reading
- Proof of residency letter from a landlord
- Letter stating that someone lives with you
- Residential property manager job description
- Apartment manager resume example
Sources: Nolo, How Much Can a Landlord Raise the Rent?. The people, addresses, amounts and details in these letters are fictional. This page is general information, not legal advice; laws change, so confirm the rules for your state and city.