Notice of Rent Increase

Notice of Rent Increase: a practical guide

A Notice of Rent Increase is a written message from a landlord or property manager stating that rent is expected to change. It identifies the current rent, the new rent, and the date the change is intended to begin.

What it's for

People use this notice to communicate a rent change and give the tenant a written record of the amount and intended start date. It can help both sides understand what is being communicated and raise questions before the change is due to begin.

Before preparing one, check the rental agreement and the rules where the property is located. Local requirements can affect whether and when rent may change, what wording or form to use, and how the notice must be delivered. Ask a qualified lawyer if the rules are unclear or the amount at stake is significant.

Use a different notice if the issue is unpaid rent, a lease violation, or ending the tenancy. A rent increase notice communicates a change or intended change; it does not by itself settle a disagreement about the change.

Who uses it

• A landlord communicating a rent change to a residential tenant.
• A property manager communicating a change on a landlord’s behalf.
• A tenant who wants a written record of a rent change they were told about.
• A landlord or tenant reviewing a rent change connected with a renewal or other change to their rental arrangement.

Terms to decide on

Rental property and tenancy

Identify the property clearly, such as by its full address and unit number, and refer to the rental agreement or tenancy if that helps distinguish it. Check that the notice is addressed to the correct tenant or tenants.

Current rent

State the rent currently due and how often it is paid, such as weekly or monthly. Make clear whether this amount covers rent alone or includes any other agreed charge.

New rent

Write the full new amount and its currency, rather than only stating the difference. If any charge is changing separately, identify it and explain how it relates to rent.

Intended effective date

State the date the new rent is intended to begin and, if useful, the first payment period it would cover. Check that this date fits the rental agreement and local requirements before sending the notice.

When the change applies

Make clear whether the change is intended during the current rental period or at a renewal or other change to the arrangement. If the rental agreement does not make this clear, check the rules where the property is located.

Payment details

Say whether the payment due date, payment method, or recipient is changing. If these details stay the same, avoid wording that could make it sound as if they have changed.

Reason or explanation

A short, neutral explanation can help the tenant understand the change, but avoid presenting an estimate or discussion as a final agreement. If the reason is not required or is uncertain, keep the notice focused on the amount and date.

Common mistakes

• Giving only the increase amount instead of stating the full new rent. The tenant should be able to tell exactly what amount is being communicated.
• Choosing an effective date without checking the rental agreement and local rules. The date may need to be different to fit those requirements.
• Leaving out the currency, payment frequency, property unit, or one of several tenants. These gaps can make it unclear who or what the notice covers.
• Mixing the rent change with unrelated charges or demands. Set out each change separately and explain it in plain terms.
• Treating a conversation, draft, or tenant’s acknowledgment as proof that all required steps have been completed. Keep a copy of the final notice and a record of how and when it was delivered.
• Using threatening or unclear wording when the tenant has not agreed. Describe the change accurately and do not imply that a disputed change has already been settled.

Before you sign

• Check the rental agreement for terms about rent changes and renewal.
• Confirm the new amount, currency, payment frequency, and intended start date.
• Verify the tenant names and the complete property address, including any unit number.
• Check local requirements for timing, wording, delivery method, and any required form.
• Make sure the notice accurately states whether the change is intended during the current rental period or at renewal.
• Have the person authorized to give the notice sign and date it, if required.
• Keep a copy and record how and when the notice was sent or delivered.