How much can your landlord legally raise rent? Find your state's cap, formula, and exemptions.
The short answer: only 3 jurisdictions (California, Oregon, and Washington DC) limit how much landlords can raise rent statewide. Twenty-six states actively ban local rent control. Everywhere else, landlords can raise rent to market rate with proper notice — often 30–60 days. Select your state below to see the exact rules and calculate the maximum allowed increase.
Only three jurisdictions have statewide caps: California (CPI + 5%, max 10% — AB 1482), Oregon (CPI + 7%, max 10% — ORS 90.323), and Washington DC (CPI + 2%, max 10% — DC Code § 42-3502.08). All other states either allow only local ordinances, preempt rent control entirely, or have no law on the subject.
26 states preempt local rent control: Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
In states without rent control, landlords may raise rent by any amount, provided they give the required written notice (typically 30–60 days depending on the state) and the increase is not applied in a discriminatory or retaliatory manner prohibited by fair housing law.
No — even in states with caps, most laws exempt new construction (buildings under 15 years old in California and Oregon), single-family homes not owned by corporations, condos, and affordable housing already subject to a lower cap. Always verify whether a specific unit is "covered" before relying on the cap.
Data sourced from published state statutes, BLS Consumer Price Index (2024–2025), California DOJ, Oregon Department of Justice, and DC Office of the Tenant Advocate. Last updated April 29, 2026. Not legal advice — consult a licensed attorney for your situation.
