Your rent is going up

Do it like this

1. Check the notice. Some states require advance written notice. In New York, for an increase over 5% on a non-regulated unit, it's 30, 60 or 90 days depending on how long you've lived there. Source: NY AG¹
2. Check for a cap. Under California's Tenant Protection Act, covered rentals can go up by no more than 5% plus inflation, or 10%, whichever is lower, in 12 months. Source: California DRE² Some cities have rent stabilization. Whether there's a cap depends on your state and city.
3. Run the new rent through your budget. See Can I afford to move out? for the 30% guideline and the costs of moving.
4. Look up what similar places nearby really rent for. Moving has costs too: a new deposit, movers, time off and utility setup fees.
5. Ask, politely, in writing. Point to your record (on time, no problems), what similar places cost, and what you can offer: a longer lease, a flexible move-in date or taking the place as-is.
6. Get any new number in the signed lease before the old one ends. A verbal "we'll keep it the same" isn't a lease.

An email you can copy

Subject: Lease renewal, [address, unit #]

Hi [name],

Thanks for the renewal offer. I'd like to stay. I've paid on time for [number] months and taken good care of the unit.

The new rent of $[amount] is more than I can manage. Similar units nearby are listed at about $[amount] [add one or two links]. Would you consider $[amount] if I sign for [12 / 18] months?

Thank you,
[your name] · [phone]

Tenant guides for all 50 states and DC

Your state's rules decide deposits, notice and repairs. Most of these come from a state attorney general, housing agency, court or legislature. Where we couldn't find one, the row says who publishes the closest guide we found. Each link was opened and checked on October 3, 2026. Cities can add their own rules, so check your city too.

Not a government source: Alabama (Legal Services Alabama, a nonprofit legal aid group) and Ohio (the Ohio State Bar Association). West Virginia: we didn't find a state tenant guide; the attorney general's consumer division takes complaints.

If it doesn't work

• They said no? Decide by the deadline in the notice. In California, if the property is exempt from the state cap and no local rules apply, a landlord must give 30 days' notice for increases of 10% or less, and 90 days for more than 10%. Source: California DRE²
• Think the increase is retaliation for a repair request, or illegal under a local rule? Ask legal aid. Source: LSC³
• Moving out instead? Protect your deposit. See Move-in photos and getting your deposit back.