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Guide · Landlords and tenants
How to tell your tenant the rent is going up
Nobody likes this news. Here’s how to share it so it’s clear, fair and respectful.
Give plenty of notice
More time than the minimum gives them room to plan.
What you might want to sayFYI, rent goes up next month.
Porcupine · Soft start-up“FYI, rent goes up next month” is a short line for big news. Telling them three months ahead treats it as news they’ll need to plan for.
What might land betterI wanted to let you know three months ahead: the rent will change on September 1.
Be clear and specific
Say the new amount and when it starts.
Honest and hearable ›What you might want to sayHey, so rents everywhere are going up, you know how it is. I’ll probably need a bit more soon.
Porcupine · A clear, doable request“A bit more soon” leaves them guessing how much and when. $1,575 from September 1 tells them exactly.
What might land betterStarting September 1, the rent will go from $1,500 to $1,575 a month. I wanted to give you plenty of notice.
Explain the reason
Higher taxes, insurance or repair costs. A real reason is easier to accept than none.
Describe, don’t diagnose ›What you might want to sayCosts are up, so.
Porcupine · Explain the impact“Costs are up, so” trails off before it says which. Naming the two that went up gives the number something to stand on.
What might land betterProperty taxes and insurance both went up this year.
Hear their concerns
They may be worried about their budget. Let them say so, and show you heard.
Understand before answering ›What you might want to sayThat’s just how it is.
Porcupine · Validate the feeling“That’s just how it is” shuts out their worry. Naming it as a stretch, and asking what would help, takes it seriously.
What might land betterI know this is a stretch. What would make it more manageable?
Offer options, and let them choose
A later start date, or a longer lease at a set rent, might work for both of you.
Ask, don’t pressure ›What you might want to sayTake it or leave it.
Porcupine · Make it a shared problem“Take it or leave it” is an ultimatum. A later start, or a lower rate for a longer lease, gives them a real choice.
What might land betterI could start it in November instead, or keep it at $1,550 if you sign for two years.
Say what you appreciate
If they’ve been a good tenant, say so. It’s a reminder that you’d like this to keep working.
Us against the problem ›What you might want to sayAnyway, that’s the new rent.
Porcupine · Say what you appreciate“Anyway, that’s the new rent” ends on the number. Saying they’ve been great, and you’d like them to stay, ends on them.
What might land betterYou’ve been a great tenant, and I’d like you to stay.
Before you send it
Notice periods and limits on rent increases depend on where you live. A local landlord and tenant office can tell you what applies.
The common mistake
Burying it in the renewal paperwork
A new number tucked into a form can feel sneaky when they find it, even if the notice is legal. Telling them directly, with a reason, keeps their trust.
Honest and hearable ›If it doesn’t go the way you hoped
What they might say, and what you could say back.
If they sayThat’s a big jump.
You could sayI understand. Would a later start date or a longer lease help?
If they sayOther places are cheaper.
You could sayThat may be true. I’ve tried to keep it close to the market, and I’d like you to stay.
If they sayI’ll have to think about moving.
You could sayThat’s fair. Let me know what you decide, and whether anything would help you stay.
Putting it together
The whole message, before and after.
What you might want to sayHey, so rents everywhere are going up, you know how it is. I’ll probably need a bit more soon.
Porcupine · Say what you appreciateThe amount, the date, the reason, plenty of notice, a word of thanks and an option. It’s clear about the change, and kind about what it means for them.
What might land betterStarting September 1, the rent will go from $1,500 to $1,575 a month. Property taxes and insurance both went up this year, and I wanted to give you plenty of notice. You’ve been a great tenant. If a longer lease at this rate would help, I’m open to it.
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Common questions
How much notice do I need to give?
It depends on where you live. Check the rules for your area, and give more than the minimum if you can.
Should I explain my costs in detail?
A short, true reason is enough. You don’t need to share your finances.
What if they say they can’t afford it?
Listen, and see whether a smaller increase, a later start or a longer lease could work. If not, be kind and clear about the timeline.
Know someone this would help?
Send them this guide. The link shows its title and one of its examples.
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Guides are general information, not legal, financial or professional advice. If you’re afraid of how someone might react, put your safety first and talk to someone you trust (Safety first).