Rent Increase Legality Calculator
Determine whether a proposed rent increase complies with rent control ordinances, CPI-based caps, and required notice periods based on your state and local rules.
Formulas Used
Percent Increase: ((Proposed Rent − Current Rent) / Current Rent) × 100
California (AB 1482): Max Increase % = min(5% + CPI%, 10%) → Max Legal Rent = Current Rent × (1 + Max%/100)
Oregon (SB 608): Max Increase % = min(7% + CPI%, 10%) → Max Legal Rent = Current Rent × (1 + Max%/100)
DC: Max Increase % = min(2% + CPI%, 10%) → Max Legal Rent = Current Rent × (1 + Max%/100)
Notice Threshold: If Increase% ≥ 10% → Extended notice required; else standard notice applies
Legality: LEGAL if (Proposed Rent ≤ Max Legal Rent) AND (Notice Days ≥ Required Notice) AND (Months Since Last Increase ≥ Minimum Frequency)
Assumptions & References
- California AB 1482 (Tenant Protection Act of 2019): 5% + local CPI, max 10%; 90-day notice for increases over 10%
- Oregon SB 608 (2019): 7% + CPI, max 10%; 90-day notice required for all increases
- DC Rent Stabilization Program: CPI + 2% for general tenants, max 10%; CPI only for elderly/disabled
- New York Rent Stabilization: Annual caps set by NYC Rent Guidelines Board (~3% for 1-year leases in 2024)
- Washington HB 1389 (2023): 20-day notice for <10% increases; 60-day notice for ≥10% increases; no rent cap
- CPI data sourced from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS.gov) — use your regional CPI for accuracy
- Exemptions typically include: new construction (<15 years old), single-family homes (with proper notice), condos, and owner-occupied buildings with ≤3 units
- Subsidized/Section 8 housing increases are governed by HUD contracts and local housing authority rules
- Municipal rent control ordinances (e.g., San Francisco, Los Angeles, Newark) may impose stricter limits than state law
- This tool does not account for just-cause eviction protections, relocation assistance requirements, or local ordinance variations
- Always verify current rules with your local rent board, tenant rights organization, or a licensed attorney