Raising the rent on a resident is a normal part of managing a rental property, but it must be done the right way. A rent increase notice is not just a courtesy; it is a legal requirement in most states. If it is unclear, sent too late, or missing key information, the increase may not hold up legally and can create unnecessary tension with your resident.
This guide will show you how to write and deliver a clear, compliant, and respectful rent increase notice. It also includes five free rent increase notice templates you can copy, personalize, and use right away, including templates for standard increases, month-to-month renters, justified increases, and even rent adjustments with renewal incentives.
A well-written notice prevents confusion, reduces resident frustration, and protects you from legal issues that could delay or invalidate the change. When done correctly, it also helps preserve good resident relationships and ensures a smooth transition to the new rental rate.
Free Rent Increase Notice Template #1: Standard Rent Adjustment (to be used as a part of a lease renewal unless your lease allows rent increased mid-term)
[Your Name or Company Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
[Phone Number] • [Email Address]
Date: [MM/DD/YYYY]
Resident Name(s): [Resident Full Name(s)]
Rental Property Address: [Street Address, Unit Number, City, State, ZIP]
Dear [Resident Name],
This letter is to formally notify you of a new lease term of __________ (months) from ___________ to __________ and a change to the monthly rent amount for your tenancy at [Property Address].
Effective [Effective Date], the rent will increase from [Current Rent Amount] to [New Rent Amount]. This adjustment follows the notice requirements under [Your State or Local Law], which mandate at least [Number of Days] days’ notice before a rent increase can take effect.
All other terms of your existing lease agreement will remain the same.
If you have any questions regarding this notice or would like to discuss your lease renewal options, please do not hesitate to contact me at [Phone Number] or [Email]. We value you as a resident and appreciate your cooperation.
Thank you for your continued residency.
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Title, if applicable]
[Company Name, if applicable]
Free Rent Increase Notice Template #2: Rent Adjustment with Renewal Incentive
[Your Name or Company Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
[Phone Number] • [Email Address]
Date: [MM/DD/YYYY]
Resident Name(s): [Resident Full Name(s)]
Rental Property Address: [Street Address, Unit Number, City, State, ZIP]
Dear [Resident Name],
This letter is to formally notify you of a new lease term of __________ (months) from ___________ to __________ and a change to the monthly rent amount for your tenancy at [Property Address].
Starting [Effective Date], the monthly rent will increase from [Current Rent Amount] to [New Rent Amount], in accordance with the required [Number of Days] days’ notice period under [Your State or Local Law].
You have been a valued resident, and we would be pleased to continue your tenancy. As a renewal incentive, we are offering the following option if you sign a new [12-month] lease by [Deadline Date]:
- [Incentive Example: One-time rent discount]
- [Incentive Example: Free professional cleaning or minor upgrade]
- [Incentive Example: Flexible lease terms]
Please contact us if you would like to accept this renewal offer or if you have any questions about the increase. We appreciate your cooperation and look forward to continuing to provide you with a comfortable rental experience.
Thank you for being a responsible resident.
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Title, if applicable]
[Company Name, if applicable]
Free Rent Increase Notice Template #3: Increase Due to Rising Operating Costs
[Your Name or Company Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
[Phone Number] • [Email Address]
Date: [MM/DD/YYYY]
Resident Name(s): [Resident Full Name(s)]
Rental Property Address: [Street Address, Unit Number, City, State, ZIP]
Dear [Resident Name],
This notice is to formally inform you of a new lease term of __________ (months) from ___________ to __________ and an upcoming rent adjustment for your unit at [Property Address]. Effective [Effective Date], the monthly rent will increase from [Current Rent Amount] to [New Rent Amount].
This change is necessary due to increased operating expenses, including [Property Taxes / Insurance / Maintenance Costs / Utility Charges]. We have worked to minimize the impact of these rising costs and are adjusting rent responsibly to continue maintaining the property and providing quality housing.
This increase complies with the required notice period under [Your State or Local Law], which provides residents with at least [Number of Days] days’ notice before a change in rent.
If you have any questions regarding this notice or your lease, please do not hesitate to contact us at [Phone Number] or [Email].
Thank you for your understanding and continued tenancy.
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Title, if applicable]
[Company Name, if applicable]
Free Rent Increase Notice Template #4: Increase Following Property Improvements
[Your Name or Company Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
[Phone Number] • [Email Address]
Date: [MM/DD/YYYY]
Resident Name(s): [Resident Full Name(s)]
Rental Property Address: [Street Address, Unit Number, City, State, ZIP]
Dear [Resident Name],
This notice is to formally inform you of a new lease term of __________ (months) from ___________ to __________ and an upcoming rent adjustment for your unit at [Property Address]. Effective [Effective Date], the monthly rent will increase from [Current Rent Amount] to [New Rent Amount].
This change reflects the recent improvements made to the property, including:
- [Example: New kitchen appliances]
- [Example: Updated bathroom fixtures]
- [Example: Upgraded flooring or lighting]
- [Example: Added in-unit laundry or security features]
These upgrades were completed to improve the long-term comfort, safety, and enjoyment of your living space.
This notice complies with all required [Number of Days] days’ advance notification under [Your State or Local Law]. All other terms of your existing lease will remain unchanged.
If you have any questions about the improvements or the rent adjustment, please get in touch with us at [Phone Number] or [Email].
Thank you for being a valued resident.
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Title, if applicable]
[Company Name, if applicable]
Free Rent Increase Notice Template #5: Month-to-Month Tenancy
[Your Name or Company Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
[Phone Number] • [Email Address]
Date: [MM/DD/YYYY]
Resident Name(s): [Resident Full Name(s)]
Rental Property Address: [Street Address, Unit Number, City, State, ZIP]
Dear [Resident Name],
This letter is to notify you of a change to the monthly rent for the property you currently occupy at [Property Address].
Since you are renting on a month-to-month basis, this notice serves as the required [Number of Days] days’ advance notice under [Your State or Local Law]. Effective [Effective Date], the monthly rent will increase from [Current Rent Amount] to [New Rent Amount].
If you wish to continue your tenancy under the new rent amount, no further action is needed. If you do not wish to continue, please provide written notice to vacate in accordance with the terms of your current rental agreement.
If you have questions or would like to discuss this further, please don’t hesitate to contact us at [Phone Number] or [Email].
Thank you for your cooperation.
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Title, if applicable]
[Company Name, if applicable]
When You Can Issue a Rent Increase
You can only raise rent at specific times and under particular conditions.
- During lease renewal for fixed-term leases
- With proper notice for month-to-month rental agreements
- After confirming the increase complies with local rent control or stabilization laws
Most local and state landlord-tenant laws require 30, 60, or 90 days’ notice, depending on the size of the increase and local regulations. Always check your local and state laws before you notify a resident.
How to Deliver the Notice
Send the notice using a legally approved method, such as:
- Certified mail and first class USPS mail
- Personal hand delivery
- Email or online portal (if allowed by lease or law)
Always keep:
- A signed copy for your records
- Proof of delivery or receipt from the resident
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not giving enough notice
- Increasing rent past legal limits in regulated areas
- Increasing rent so much that it is above market or otherwise encourages a good tenant to move to save money.
- Failing to document communication or confirm that the resident received the notice
Avoid these errors to prevent disputes or delays.
Best Practices for Communicating a Rent Increase
- Stay polite and professional in tone
- Explain your reason, such as rising costs, market conditions, or recent upgrades
- Give your resident time to ask questions
- Offer small renewal incentives to retain good residents, like minor upgrades or flexible terms. Improvements to the property can be a win-win for both tenant and landlord, such as new appliances, new HVAC, new luxury vinyl plank flooring, new energy efficient windows, etc.
Clear communication helps ensure the increase is accepted without unnecessary conflict.
Key Takeaways
How much notice do I need to give before raising rent?
Most states require 30–90 days’ written notice. Check local laws to be sure.
Can I send a rent increase notice via email?
Yes, if permitted by state law or specified in the lease. Otherwise, use certified mail or hand delivery.
How do I avoid resident pushback on a rent increase?
Be clear, give enough notice, and explain the reason for the change. Offering small incentives or upgrades can also help.
In Conclusion
Raising rent is not just a financial decision; it is a test of landlord-tenant communication. The way you deliver the notice often matters as much as the amount you’re increasing.
Using a clear, well-structured free rent increase notice template helps ensure you stay compliant with local laws, communicate professionally, and avoid misunderstandings that can lead to disputes or turnover.
A successful rent increase is built on three pillars:
- Legal timing and proper notice to ensure compliance with regulations.
- Professional delivery and documentation ensure clarity on dates, amounts, and expectations.
- Human tone and transparency so residents feel respected, not blindsided.
Even when tenants do not like the change, most will accept it if the notice is fair, timely, and well-communicated. Templates not only save you time, but they also help you run your business like a business, with consistency and confidence.
Whether you manage one unit or hundreds, using the right tools and language at the right time is crucial to protecting your cash flow and reputation. The templates above are built to do just that: clear, compliant, customizable, and ready to use.
If you follow the steps, use the notices correctly, and pair them with respectful communication, you will minimize pushback, reduce vacancy risk, and maintain strong resident relationships, even during a rent increase.
