Rent Control Laws by State (2026)
About this article
Sourced from primary statutes (U.S. Code, CFR, state compiled statutes) and official government agency guidance. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
Compare by state
Statute citations are verified per state. Select a state to jump to its full section below.
| Primary statute | Rent-increase limits | |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Alabama Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, Ala. Code § 35-9A-101 et seq. | See details |
| Alaska | Alaska URLTA — Alaska Stat. § 34.03.010 | See details |
| Arizona | A.R.S. § 33-1329 — Arizona rent control preemption (no local rent caps allowed) | See details |
| Arkansas | Arkansas Residential Landlord-Tenant Act, Ark. Code § 18-17-901 et seq. | See details |
| California | California Civil Code § 1947.12 — AB 1482 statewide annual rent increase cap | See details |
| Colorado | C.R.S. § 38-12-301 — preemption of local rent control ordinances | See details |
| Connecticut | CGS § 47a-1 et seq. — Connecticut Landlord-Tenant Act | See details |
| Delaware | Delaware Residential Landlord-Tenant Code, 25 Del. C. § 5101 et seq. | See details |
| District of Columbia | D.C. Rental Housing Act — rent stabilization, D.C. Code § 42-3502.01 et seq. | See details |
| Florida | Florida Rent Control Preemption, Fla. Stat. § 166.043 | See details |
| Georgia | O.C.G.A. § 44-7-19 — Preemption of Rent Control | See details |
| Hawaii | Hawaii Rent Increase Notice — HRS § 521-71 | See details |
| Idaho | Idaho Code § 55-307 — state preemption of local rent control ordinances | See details |
| Illinois | 50 ILCS 825 — Illinois Rent Control Preemption Act (repealed 2024 — local ordinances now permitted) | See details |
| Indiana | Indiana Code § 32-31-1-20 — state preemption of local rent control ordinances | See details |
| Iowa | Iowa Code § 562A.3 — Preemption of Local Rent Control | See details |
| Kansas | K.S.A. § 58-2540 — Residential Landlord and Tenant Act | See details |
| Kentucky | KRS § 383.505 et seq. — Kentucky URLTA | See details |
| Louisiana | Louisiana Civil Code Art. 2668 et seq. — Lease and Month-to-Month Termination | See details |
| Maine | 14 M.R.S.A. § 6002 — notice requirements for tenancy termination | See details |
| Maryland | Maryland Lease Provisions (notice for rent increases), MD Code, Real Property § 8-208 | See details |
| Massachusetts | MGL c. 186, § 12 — Massachusetts notice requirements for rent increases | See details |
| Michigan | MCL § 123.411 — state preemption of local rent control | See details |
| Minnesota | Minn. Stat. § 504B.001 — Residential Landlord and Tenant Act | See details |
| Mississippi | Miss. Code Ann. § 89-7-1 et seq. — Mississippi landlord and tenant (no rent control) | See details |
| Missouri | Missouri Rent Control Preemption, RSMo § 441.043 | See details |
| Montana | Mont. Code Ann. § 70-24-425 — state preemption of rent control | See details |
| Nebraska | Neb. Rev. Stat. § 76-1401 — URLTA (Rent Regulation) | See details |
| Nevada | NRS 268.4159 — Preemption of Local Rent Control Ordinances | See details |
| New Hampshire | RSA 540:2 — NH notice requirements for rent changes | See details |
| New Jersey | NJ Anti-Eviction Act, N.J.S.A. 2A:18-61.1 | See details |
| New Mexico | NMSA § 47-8-15 — lease terms and 30-day rent increase notice | See details |
| New York | NY Real Property Law §§ 231-a–231-c — Good Cause Eviction (in force 20 April 2024; NYC default + opt-in localities) | See details |
| North Carolina | N.C. Gen. Stat. § 42-14.1 — Preemption of local rent control | See details |
| North Dakota | N.D. Cent. Code § 47-16 — Landlord and Tenant (Rent) | See details |
| Ohio | Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.02 — state preemption of local rent control ordinances | See details |
| Oklahoma | Oklahoma Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, 41 Okl. St. § 101 et seq. | See details |
| Oregon | Oregon rent increase cap — ORS § 90.323 (SB 608, 2019) | See details |
| Pennsylvania | Pennsylvania Landlord and Tenant Act — notice requirements, 68 Pa.C.S. § 250.501 | See details |
| Rhode Island | R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-1 et seq. — Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (rent and notice rules) | See details |
| South Carolina | SC Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, S.C. Code § 27-40-10 et seq. | See details |
| South Dakota | SDCL § 43-32 — Landlord-Tenant | See details |
| Tennessee | TCA § 66-35-102 — Preemption of Local Rent Control | See details |
| Texas | Texas Rent Control Preemption, Tex. Prop. Code § 214.902 | See details |
| Utah | Utah Preemption of Rent Control — Utah Code § 10-9a-535 | See details |
| Vermont | 9 V.S.A. § 4467 — notice for rent increases | See details |
| Virginia | Virginia Rent Control Preemption, Va. Code § 55.1-1206 | See details |
| Washington | RCW 59.18.140 — Notice of Rent Increase | See details |
| West Virginia | W. Va. Code § 37-6-5 — Notice requirements for tenancy changes | See details |
| Wisconsin | Wis. Stat. § 66.1015 — Preemption of Local Rent Control | See details |
| Wyoming | Wyo. Stat. § 34-2-128 et seq. — landlord and tenant law (no rent control provided) | See details |
What is this right?
Rent control and rent stabilization cap how much your landlord can raise rent each year. There is no federal rent control — never has been, outside emergencies like World War II's Office of Price Administration. The protection only exists at the state and local level, and most states don't have it. In fact, more than 30 states have preemption laws that explicitly forbid their cities from enacting rent control.
Where it does exist, the cap is usually tied to inflation and ranges from 3% to 10% per year. Oregon led the country with a statewide cap in 2019 (SB 608, capped at 7% + CPI), and California followed months later (AB 1482, 5% + CPI, max 10%). A handful of cities run their own rent-stabilization systems — New York City's dates to 1969 and covers about a million units; San Francisco, Los Angeles, Oakland, Berkeley, San Jose, and Washington D.C. all have their own variants. Most rent control laws also bring "just-cause" eviction protection along with them.
When does it apply?
Rent control may protect you when:
- You live in a state or city with rent control or rent stabilization laws
- Your landlord is raising your rent by more than the legally allowed amount
- Your unit qualifies under the applicable law (many rent control laws exempt newer buildings, owner-occupied buildings, or single-family homes)
Where rent control exists (as of 2026):
- Statewide caps: Oregon (7% + CPI, applies to buildings 15+ years old), California (5% + CPI, max 10%, applies to buildings 15+ years old)
- Local rent control: New York City, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Oakland, Berkeley, San Jose, Washington D.C., and a few dozen other cities — mostly in California, New York, New Jersey, and Maryland
- Most states: No rent control at all. Over 30 states have preemption laws that prohibit cities from enacting rent control. If you are in one of these states, your landlord can raise your rent by any amount with proper notice.
Common misconceptions:
- "Rent control means my rent can never go up" — Rent control limits increases, but does not freeze rent. Annual increases are typically 3-10% depending on the jurisdiction.
- "All apartments are covered" — Most rent control laws exempt newer construction, owner-occupied small buildings, and single-family homes. Coverage varies dramatically by city.
- "My landlord can't evict me under rent control" — Rent control often includes eviction protections ("just cause" eviction), but landlords can still evict for nonpayment, lease violations, or owner move-in in most jurisdictions.
What to Do If Your Landlord Raises Your Rent Illegally
Step 1: Confirm coverage. Your unit may be exempt — most rent control laws carve out newer construction (commonly 15+ years old), owner-occupied small buildings, and single-family homes. Your local housing department or tenant rights organization can tell you whether your specific unit is covered.
Step 2: Check the math on every rent-increase notice. If you're covered, calculate the maximum allowed increase based on the CPI or the fixed cap. CA AB 1482 caps at 5% + local CPI, max 10%; OR SB 608 caps at 7% + CPI; NYC rent-stabilized rates are set annually by the Rent Guidelines Board.
Step 3: Tell your landlord in writing if the increase is over the cap. Cite the statute, explain the legal max, and state that you'll keep paying the lawful amount. A surprising number of overshoots are simply errors — the second letter often fixes them.
Step 4: File with the rent board. Cities with rent control usually have an administrative board that handles these disputes faster than court. Free or low-cost filing is the norm.
Step 5: If your state has no rent control, know what's left. Your landlord can raise rent by any amount with the required notice (usually 30–60 days), but the increase still cannot be retaliatory (against a tenant who complained) or discriminatory under the FHA.
What should you NOT do?
Don't assume you're covered. Building age, unit type, owner-occupancy, and the year the unit was built all affect coverage. Confirm before challenging.
Don't stop paying. Pay the legal amount on time and dispute the rest in writing. Nonpayment becomes its own ground for eviction regardless of how illegal the increase was.
Don't walk away from a rent-controlled unit lightly. In high-cost cities, the gap between your stabilized rate and market rate can be tens of thousands of dollars a year. Vacancy decontrol resets the rent the day you leave.
Don't take a cash buyout without counsel. "Cash for keys" offers are common from landlords who want to flip a unit. The first number is rarely the real number — and a tenant rights attorney can tell you what your tenancy is actually worth.
Worked example
ScenarioYou've rented the same California apartment (built in 1990) for three years when your landlord announces a 12% rent increase for next year.
OutcomeCalifornia's Tenant Protection Act (AB 1482, Cal. Civ. Code §1947.12) caps annual increases at 5% plus local CPI, to a maximum of 10%, for units 15+ years old. A 12% increase exceeds that cap, so the lawful increase is limited to 10% (or less, depending on local CPI).
Legal values (5% + CPI, 10% maximum, 15-year unit age under §1947.12 / AB 1482) are from the California rent-control variation. Local ordinances may impose stricter limits — see the California section below.
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Is there a limit on how much my rent can increase?
In most states, no — rent increases are unregulated and a landlord can raise rent by any amount with proper notice. A few states, such as California and Oregon, and some cities cap annual increases. Check your state's section above to see whether a cap applies.
How much notice must a landlord give before raising rent?
Even where rent isn't capped, landlords generally must give written advance notice — often 30 days, and sometimes 60 or 90 days for larger increases or longer tenancies. Your state's section above lists the notice period required where you live.
What's the difference between rent control and rent stabilization?
Both limit increases. 'Stabilization' systems, like New York City's, typically set an allowable yearly increase and add eviction protections, while older 'control' can tightly cap or freeze rents. Coverage depends entirely on state and local law — see your state's section above.
Which units are usually exempt from rent caps?
Caps commonly exempt newer construction — often buildings under 15 years old — and sometimes single-family homes or owner-occupied small buildings. California's AB 1482, for example, applies to units 15 or more years old. Your state's section above notes its exemptions.
State-by-state details
Alabama
Primary statute: Alabama Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, Ala. Code § 35-9A-101 et seq.
Full Alabama guide →Alaska
Primary statute: Alaska URLTA — Alaska Stat. § 34.03.010
Alaska does not have statewide rent control, though some limited local measures have been considered:
- No statewide rent control: Alaska has no state law limiting how much or how often a landlord can increase rent. There is no statewide rent cap or just cause eviction requirement.
- Local measures: Some local jurisdictions in the Anchorage area have considered rent stabilization measures, but none have enacted comprehensive rent control ordinances as of 2026.
- No state preemption: Unlike some states that explicitly prohibit local rent control, Alaska does not have a statewide preemption statute. This means local governments could potentially enact rent control if they chose to do so.
- Notice requirements: Under the URLTA, for month-to-month tenancies, landlords must provide 30 days' notice before a rent increase takes effect. During a fixed-term lease, rent cannot be increased unless the lease specifically allows it.
- Subsidized housing: Rent limits apply to federally subsidized housing (Section 8, public housing) where HUD regulations control rent amounts. The Alaska Housing Finance Corporation administers many of these programs.
Arizona
Primary statute: A.R.S. § 33-1329 — Arizona rent control preemption (no local rent caps allowed)
Arizona constitutionally and statutorily prohibits rent control, making it one of the most landlord-friendly states:
- Arizona preempts all forms of rent control under A.R.S. § 33-1329 — no city, town, or county may enact rent control ordinances
- The Arizona Constitution also prohibits municipalities from enacting rent control measures
- There are no rent caps of any kind — landlords may raise rent by any amount with proper notice
- For month-to-month tenancies, landlords must give 30 days' notice of a rent increase
- For fixed-term leases, rent cannot be increased until the lease term expires unless the lease specifically allows it
- Arizona has no just-cause eviction requirement — landlords can choose not to renew a lease for any lawful reason
- Arizona is considered a very landlord-friendly state regarding rent regulation
Arkansas
Primary statute: Arkansas Residential Landlord-Tenant Act, Ark. Code § 18-17-901 et seq.
Arkansas has no rent control — landlords may charge and increase rent freely:
- Arkansas does not have any statewide rent control or rent stabilization law
- There is no just-cause eviction requirement — landlords can terminate month-to-month tenancies with proper notice without stating a reason
- Local governments in Arkansas do not have authority to enact rent control — state law is highly landlord-friendly
- Landlords may raise rent to any amount upon proper notice at lease renewal or with appropriate notice for month-to-month tenancies
- Arkansas is considered one of the most landlord-friendly states in the country
California
Primary statute: California Civil Code § 1947.12 — AB 1482 statewide annual rent increase cap
Full California guide →Colorado
Primary statute: C.R.S. § 38-12-301 — preemption of local rent control ordinances
Colorado preempts all local rent control — there are no rent caps anywhere in the state:
- Colorado state law prohibits local governments from enacting rent control or rent stabilization ordinances
- There are no statewide or local caps on how much a landlord can increase rent
- Landlords must provide reasonable notice before a rent increase — typically one rental period for month-to-month tenancies (e.g., 30 days)
- Colorado does not require just-cause eviction — landlords can terminate a month-to-month tenancy without giving a reason (with proper notice under HB 23-1120: 21-28 days depending on length of tenancy)
- Some Colorado cities (Denver, Boulder) have explored tenant protections, but rent caps remain prohibited at the state level
- Tenants have protections against retaliatory evictions and habitability-based rent increases
Connecticut
Primary statute: CGS § 47a-1 et seq. — Connecticut Landlord-Tenant Act
Connecticut is one of the few states that allows some local rent regulation:
- Connecticut does not preempt local rent control — municipalities may enact rent stabilization measures
- Several Connecticut cities have explored or implemented some form of rent stabilization, though comprehensive rent control is not widespread
- There are no statewide rent caps — rent regulation is left to individual municipalities
- For month-to-month tenancies without local rent regulations, landlords must give proper notice of rent increases
- For fixed-term leases, rent cannot be increased until the lease expires unless the lease specifically allows it
- Connecticut provides stronger tenant protections than most states, including limits on retaliatory evictions and strong anti-discrimination protections
Delaware
Primary statute: Delaware Residential Landlord-Tenant Code, 25 Del. C. § 5101 et seq.
Full Delaware guide →District of Columbia
Primary statute: D.C. Rental Housing Act — rent stabilization, D.C. Code § 42-3502.01 et seq.
D.C. has one of the strongest rent control systems in the country under the Rental Housing Act:
- D.C. Rental Housing Act (D.C. Code § 42-3502 et seq.): Most rental units built before 1976 are covered by rent stabilization. Annual rent increases for covered units are limited to the CPI increase or 10%, whichever is lower
- Elderly and disabled tenants: Rent increases for elderly (62+) and disabled tenants in rent-stabilized units are further limited — capped at the CPI increase or 5%, whichever is lower
- Vacancy decontrol/recontrol: D.C. uses a vacancy increase system — when a tenant moves out, the landlord may increase rent by up to 10% (or 20% in certain cases), but the unit remains under rent control
- TOPA (Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act): When a rental property is sold, tenants have the first right to purchase — unique to D.C.
- Rental Accommodations Division (RAD): Administers rent control and handles tenant petitions challenging improper rent increases
Florida
Primary statute: Florida Rent Control Preemption, Fla. Stat. § 166.043
Full Florida guide →Georgia
Primary statute: O.C.G.A. § 44-7-19 — Preemption of Rent Control
Full Georgia guide →Hawaii
Primary statute: Hawaii Rent Increase Notice — HRS § 521-71
Hawaii does not have statewide rent control, but local measures exist in Honolulu:
- Hawaii has no statewide rent control law — rent regulation is left to individual counties
- The City and County of Honolulu has historically had some rent-related measures and tenant protections, though not traditional rent control caps
- Hawaii does not preempt local rent control — unlike most states, counties may enact their own measures
- For month-to-month tenancies, landlords must give 45 days' notice of a rent increase (HRS § 521-71)
- For fixed-term leases, rent cannot be increased until the lease term expires unless the lease specifically allows it
- Hawaii's extremely high housing costs and limited land have made rent regulation a persistent policy discussion
- Hawaii has strong tenant protections overall compared to most states
Idaho
Primary statute: Idaho Code § 55-307 — state preemption of local rent control ordinances
Idaho preempts rent control and is one of the most landlord-friendly states for rent regulation:
- Idaho preempts all forms of rent control — no city or county may enact rent control ordinances (Idaho Code § 55-307)
- There are no rent caps of any kind — landlords may raise rent by any amount with proper notice
- For month-to-month tenancies, landlords must give 30 days' notice of a rent increase (or one full rental period, whichever is longer)
- For fixed-term leases, rent cannot be increased until the lease term expires unless the lease specifically allows it
- Idaho has no just-cause eviction requirement — landlords can choose not to renew for any lawful reason
- Idaho's rapidly growing housing market (particularly Boise) has made rent affordability a significant concern despite minimal regulation
Illinois
Primary statute: 50 ILCS 825 — Illinois Rent Control Preemption Act (repealed 2024 — local ordinances now permitted)
Full Illinois guide →Indiana
Primary statute: Indiana Code § 32-31-1-20 — state preemption of local rent control ordinances
Full Indiana guide →Iowa
Primary statute: Iowa Code § 562A.3 — Preemption of Local Rent Control
Iowa has no rent control — and state law expressly prohibits local governments from enacting it:
- Iowa Code § 562A.3 explicitly preempts local governments from enacting rent control or rent stabilization ordinances
- No city or county in Iowa may cap rents or limit rent increases
- There is no just-cause eviction requirement in Iowa — landlords can terminate month-to-month tenancies with 30 days' notice without stating a reason
- Landlords may raise rent to any amount upon proper notice at lease renewal or for month-to-month tenancies
- Advocacy organizations have attempted to repeal the preemption law, but it remains in effect as of 2024
Kansas
Primary statute: K.S.A. § 58-2540 — Residential Landlord and Tenant Act
Kansas preempts rent control, making it a landlord-friendly state regarding rent regulation:
- Kansas preempts all forms of rent control — no city or county may enact rent control ordinances
- There are no rent caps of any kind — landlords may raise rent by any amount with proper notice
- For month-to-month tenancies, landlords must give 30 days' notice of a rent increase
- For fixed-term leases, rent cannot be increased until the lease term expires unless the lease specifically allows it
- Kansas has no just-cause eviction requirement — landlords can choose not to renew a lease for any lawful reason
- Wichita, Kansas City (KS), and other metros have seen rising rents with no regulatory mechanism to limit increases
Kentucky
Primary statute: KRS § 383.505 et seq. — Kentucky URLTA
Kentucky is one of the most landlord-friendly states regarding rent regulation:
- Kentucky preempts rent control — no city or county may enact rent control or rent stabilization ordinances
- There are no rent caps of any kind in Kentucky — landlords may raise rent by any amount with proper notice
- For month-to-month tenancies, landlords must give 30 days' notice of a rent increase under URLTA
- For fixed-term leases, rent cannot be increased until the lease expires unless the lease specifically allows it
- Kentucky has no just-cause eviction requirement — landlords can decline to renew a lease for any lawful reason
- Kentucky is considered a very landlord-friendly state for rent regulation
Louisiana
Primary statute: Louisiana Civil Code Art. 2668 et seq. — Lease and Month-to-Month Termination
Louisiana is a landlord-friendly state with no rent regulation:
- Rent control preempted: Louisiana does not have rent control — no municipality in Louisiana has rent control or rent stabilization
- No rent caps: There is no limit on how much a landlord can raise rent in Louisiana
- No just-cause eviction: Landlords can decline to renew a lease for any reason once the lease term ends
- Civil law system: Louisiana's unique civil law framework governs leases under the Civil Code rather than a landlord-tenant act
- Rent increases during a fixed-term lease require a lease provision allowing it or tenant agreement
- Month-to-month tenants must receive notice equal to the rental period (typically 10 days before the end of the month) before a rent increase
Maine
Primary statute: 14 M.R.S.A. § 6002 — notice requirements for tenancy termination
Maine has limited rent control, with Portland being the notable exception:
- Portland rent control: In November 2020, Portland voters approved a rent control ordinance that caps annual rent increases at the lesser of the CPI increase or a fixed percentage for most rental units. The ordinance also includes just cause eviction protections for covered tenants.
- No statewide rent control: Maine does not have a statewide rent control law. Outside of Portland, landlords can generally raise rent by any amount with proper notice.
- No statewide preemption: Unlike some states, Maine does not have a law preempting municipalities from enacting rent control. This means other Maine cities and towns could adopt their own rent control ordinances.
- Notice requirements: For month-to-month tenancies, landlords must provide 30 days' written notice of a rent increase. For yearly leases, rent cannot be increased during the lease term unless the lease allows it.
- Rent increase limits in subsidized housing: Tenants in federally subsidized housing (Section 8, public housing) have rent increases governed by federal regulations, not market conditions.
Maryland
Primary statute: Maryland Lease Provisions (notice for rent increases), MD Code, Real Property § 8-208
Full Maryland guide →Massachusetts
Primary statute: MGL c. 186, § 12 — Massachusetts notice requirements for rent increases
Full Massachusetts guide →Michigan
Primary statute: MCL § 123.411 — state preemption of local rent control
Full Michigan guide →Minnesota
Primary statute: Minn. Stat. § 504B.001 — Residential Landlord and Tenant Act
Minnesota is one of the few states that allows local governments to enact rent control:
- Minnesota state law does not preempt local rent control ordinances — local jurisdictions may enact rent stabilization policies
- St. Paul: In November 2021, St. Paul voters approved a 3% annual rent increase cap — one of the strictest in the nation. The ordinance applies to all rental housing regardless of building age, with limited exemptions for new construction (first 20 years).
- Minneapolis: Minneapolis has considered but not yet enacted rent control. The city has a study committee reviewing options.
- There is no statewide rent cap — protections depend on your city or county
- Landlords in areas without rent control must provide reasonable notice before a rent increase — typically one full rental period for month-to-month tenancies
- Minnesota does not have statewide just-cause eviction requirements, though local ordinances may apply
Mississippi
Primary statute: Miss. Code Ann. § 89-7-1 et seq. — Mississippi landlord and tenant (no rent control)
Mississippi has no rent control — the state is among the most landlord-friendly in the country:
- Mississippi does not have any statewide rent control or rent stabilization law
- There is no just-cause eviction requirement in Mississippi — landlords can end tenancies with proper notice without giving a reason
- Local governments in Mississippi do not have authority to enact rent control — and the state legislature has shown no interest in such legislation
- Landlords may raise rent to any amount at lease renewal or with proper notice for month-to-month tenancies
- Mississippi is considered one of the most landlord-favorable states in the nation
Missouri
Primary statute: Missouri Rent Control Preemption, RSMo § 441.043
Missouri has no rent control — state law expressly preempts local rent control ordinances:
- Missouri state law (Mo. Rev. Stat. § 441.043) expressly preempts any local government from enacting rent control or rent stabilization ordinances
- No city or county in Missouri may cap rents, limit rent increases, or require just-cause eviction
- There is no just-cause eviction requirement statewide — landlords can terminate month-to-month tenancies with 1 month's notice without stating a reason
- Landlords may raise rent to any amount at lease renewal or with proper notice for month-to-month tenancies
- Kansas City and St. Louis have some additional tenant protections but cannot enact rent caps
Montana
Primary statute: Mont. Code Ann. § 70-24-425 — state preemption of rent control
Full Montana guide →Nebraska
Primary statute: Neb. Rev. Stat. § 76-1401 — URLTA (Rent Regulation)
Full Nebraska guide →Nevada
Primary statute: NRS 268.4159 — Preemption of Local Rent Control Ordinances
Nevada preempts rent control but has enacted rent increase notice requirements:
- Nevada preempts local rent control ordinances — no city or county may enact rent caps
- However, SB 473 (2023) created new rent increase notice requirements — landlords must provide 60 days' written notice before increasing rent (previously 45 days for month-to-month)
- For fixed-term leases, rent cannot be increased until the lease term expires unless the lease specifically allows it
- There are no limits on rent increase amounts — landlords may raise rent by any amount with proper notice
- Nevada has no just-cause eviction requirement — landlords can choose not to renew a lease for any lawful reason
- Nevada's rapid population growth (particularly in Las Vegas) has made rent regulation a recurring legislative topic
New Hampshire
Primary statute: RSA 540:2 — NH notice requirements for rent changes
New Hampshire does not have rent control and actively prohibits it:
- No rent control: New Hampshire has no statewide rent control law. Landlords may raise rent by any amount with proper notice.
- State preemption: New Hampshire effectively prevents municipalities from enacting local rent control ordinances. The state's "Live Free or Die" philosophy extends to housing market deregulation.
- Notice requirements: For month-to-month tenancies, landlords must provide 30 days' written notice before a rent increase takes effect. For leases with a fixed term, rent cannot be increased during the term unless the lease specifically allows it.
- Market-driven rents: Without rent control, New Hampshire rents are determined by market conditions. This has contributed to affordability challenges, particularly in the southern tier near the Massachusetts border.
- Subsidized housing: Tenants in federally subsidized housing (Section 8, public housing) have rent increases governed by federal regulations, not market rates.
New Jersey
Primary statute: NJ Anti-Eviction Act, N.J.S.A. 2A:18-61.1
Full New Jersey guide →New Mexico
Primary statute: NMSA § 47-8-15 — lease terms and 30-day rent increase notice
New Mexico does not preempt local rent control, but no locality has enacted it:
- New Mexico does not have a state preemption law prohibiting local rent control — unlike many states, localities could theoretically enact rent regulations
- However, no New Mexico city or county has enacted rent control ordinances to date
- For month-to-month tenancies, landlords must provide 30 days' written notice before increasing rent (NMSA § 47-8-15)
- For fixed-term leases, rent cannot be increased until the lease term expires unless the lease specifically allows it
- There are no limits on rent increase amounts — landlords may raise rent by any amount with proper notice
- Santa Fe and Albuquerque have explored rent stabilization policies but have not enacted binding ordinances
New York
Primary statute: NY Real Property Law §§ 231-a–231-c — Good Cause Eviction (in force 20 April 2024; NYC default + opt-in localities)
Full New York guide →North Carolina
Primary statute: N.C. Gen. Stat. § 42-14.1 — Preemption of local rent control
Full North Carolina guide →North Dakota
Primary statute: N.D. Cent. Code § 47-16 — Landlord and Tenant (Rent)
North Dakota does not have rent control and has preempted local governments from enacting it:
- State preemption: North Dakota law prohibits cities and counties from enacting rent control or rent stabilization ordinances. No local government in North Dakota can limit the amount of rent a landlord charges.
- No statewide rent cap: There is no state law limiting how much or how often a landlord can increase rent. Landlords may raise rent to any amount at the end of a lease term or with proper notice for month-to-month tenancies.
- Notice requirements: For month-to-month tenancies, landlords must provide 30 days' notice before a rent increase takes effect. During a fixed-term lease, rent cannot be increased unless the lease specifically allows it.
- Market dynamics: During the Bakken oil boom, rents in western North Dakota cities like Williston spiked dramatically. Despite tenant hardship, the state did not enact any rent stabilization measures.
- Subsidized housing: Rent limits apply only to federally subsidized housing (Section 8, public housing) where HUD regulations control rent amounts. These protections are not part of state law.
Ohio
Primary statute: Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.02 — state preemption of local rent control ordinances
Full Ohio guide →Oklahoma
Primary statute: Oklahoma Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, 41 Okl. St. § 101 et seq.
Full Oklahoma guide →Oregon
Primary statute: Oregon rent increase cap — ORS § 90.323 (SB 608, 2019)
Full Oregon guide →Pennsylvania
Primary statute: Pennsylvania Landlord and Tenant Act — notice requirements, 68 Pa.C.S. § 250.501
Full Pennsylvania guide →Rhode Island
Primary statute: R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-18-1 et seq. — Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (rent and notice rules)
Rhode Island does not have statewide rent control:
- No statewide rent control: Rhode Island does not have a statewide rent control law. Landlords can generally raise rent by any amount with proper notice.
- No statewide preemption: Rhode Island does not have a law preempting municipalities from enacting rent control. Individual cities or towns could theoretically adopt their own ordinances, though none have done so to date.
- Notice requirements: For month-to-month tenancies, landlords must provide 30 days' written notice before a rent increase takes effect. For leases with a fixed term, rent cannot be increased during the term unless the lease allows it.
- Subsidized housing: Tenants in federally subsidized housing (Section 8, public housing) have rent increases governed by federal regulations. Providence and other cities have public housing authorities that manage these programs.
- Affordability concerns: Without rent control, Rhode Island rents — particularly in the Providence metro area and coastal communities — are subject to market conditions, which have driven significant rent increases in recent years.
South Carolina
Primary statute: SC Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, S.C. Code § 27-40-10 et seq.
South Carolina is one of the most landlord-friendly states regarding rent regulation:
- Rent control preempted: SC state law effectively prohibits local rent control — no municipality in SC has rent control or rent stabilization
- No rent caps: There is no limit on how much a landlord can raise rent in South Carolina
- No just-cause eviction: Landlords can decline to renew a lease for any reason once the lease term ends
- Rent increases during a fixed-term lease require a lease provision allowing it or tenant agreement
- Month-to-month tenants must receive 30 days' notice before a rent increase takes effect
South Dakota
Primary statute: SDCL § 43-32 — Landlord-Tenant
South Dakota preempts local rent control and has no rent stabilization measures:
- State preemption: South Dakota effectively preempts rent control through its limited landlord-tenant statutory framework. No state or local government entity in South Dakota imposes rent caps, rent stabilization, or rent increase limits of any kind.
- No rent increase limits: Landlords can raise rent by any amount at lease renewal or with proper notice for month-to-month tenancies. There is no statutory limit on the size of rent increases.
- Notice requirements: For month-to-month tenancies, landlords must give at least 30 days' notice (one full rental period) before a rent increase takes effect. For fixed-term leases, rent cannot be increased during the lease term unless the lease specifically allows it.
- No just-cause eviction: South Dakota does not require landlords to have a specific reason to decline to renew a lease or terminate a month-to-month tenancy with proper notice.
- Limited tenant protections: South Dakota does not have a comprehensive landlord-tenant act. Tenant protections are minimal compared to many other states, reflecting the state's general approach of limited regulation.
Tennessee
Primary statute: TCA § 66-35-102 — Preemption of Local Rent Control
Full Tennessee guide →Texas
Primary statute: Texas Rent Control Preemption, Tex. Prop. Code § 214.902
Full Texas guide →Utah
Primary statute: Utah Preemption of Rent Control — Utah Code § 10-9a-535
Utah preempts rent control, making it a landlord-friendly state regarding rent regulation:
- Utah preempts all forms of rent control — no city, town, or county may enact rent control ordinances
- There are no rent caps of any kind — landlords may raise rent by any amount with proper notice
- For month-to-month tenancies, landlords must give 15 days' notice of a rent increase
- For fixed-term leases, rent cannot be increased until the lease term expires unless the lease specifically allows it
- Utah has no just-cause eviction requirement — landlords can choose not to renew a lease for any lawful reason
- The Salt Lake City metro area has seen significant rent increases, but there is no regulatory mechanism to limit them
Vermont
Primary statute: 9 V.S.A. § 4467 — notice for rent increases
Full Vermont guide →Virginia
Primary statute: Virginia Rent Control Preemption, Va. Code § 55.1-1206
Virginia state law preempts local rent control, and there are no statewide rent caps:
- Va. Code § 55.1-1206 prohibits localities from enacting rent control ordinances
- There are no statewide rent caps or limits on rent increases for private market housing
- Landlords can raise rent by any amount with proper notice
- For month-to-month tenancies, landlords must provide 30 days' written notice before a rent increase
- For fixed-term leases, rent cannot be increased during the lease term unless the lease specifically allows it
- Virginia does not require just-cause eviction statewide — landlords can decline to renew a lease without stating a reason
- Some subsidized and public housing units have separate rent regulations under federal programs
Washington
Primary statute: RCW 59.18.140 — Notice of Rent Increase
Washington does not have statewide rent control, and previously preempted local rent control ordinances:
- Washington state law has historically preempted local governments from enacting rent control, though legislative efforts to change this have been introduced
- There are no statewide rent caps on how much landlords can increase rent
- Landlords must provide 60 days' written notice before a rent increase (RCW 59.18.140)
- Some cities have enacted just cause eviction protections (Seattle, Tacoma) which indirectly limit landlords' ability to push tenants out through rent hikes
- Seattle requires landlords to provide relocation assistance for substantial rent increases in certain circumstances
- Month-to-month tenants have some protection through the notice requirement, but no cap on the increase amount
West Virginia
Primary statute: W. Va. Code § 37-6-5 — Notice requirements for tenancy changes
West Virginia preempts local rent control and is very landlord-friendly on rent regulation:
- West Virginia preempts local rent control ordinances — no city or county may enact rent caps or rent stabilization measures
- For month-to-month tenancies, landlords must provide 1 month's notice before increasing rent
- For fixed-term leases, rent cannot be increased until the lease term expires unless the lease specifically allows it
- There are no limits on rent increase amounts — landlords may raise rent by any amount with proper notice
- West Virginia has no just-cause eviction requirement — landlords can choose not to renew a lease for any lawful reason
- West Virginia is considered one of the most landlord-friendly states in the nation regarding rent regulation
Wisconsin
Primary statute: Wis. Stat. § 66.1015 — Preemption of Local Rent Control
Wisconsin has no rent control — state law expressly preempts local rent control ordinances:
- Wisconsin state law (Wis. Stat. § 66.1015) expressly preempts local governments from enacting rent control or rent stabilization ordinances
- No city or county in Wisconsin may cap rents, limit rent increases, or require just-cause eviction at the local level
- There is no just-cause eviction requirement statewide — landlords can terminate month-to-month tenancies with 28 days' notice without stating a reason
- Landlords may raise rent to any amount at lease renewal or with proper notice for month-to-month tenancies
- While Wisconsin has strong tenant protections in other areas (repair-and-deduct, anti-retaliation), rent caps are not permitted
Wyoming
Primary statute: Wyo. Stat. § 34-2-128 et seq. — landlord and tenant law (no rent control provided)
Wyoming does not have rent control and has preempted local governments from enacting it:
- State preemption: Wyoming law effectively prevents local governments from imposing rent control or rent stabilization measures. The state's libertarian-leaning approach to property rights prioritizes landlord freedom over tenant rent protections.
- No statewide rent cap: There is no state law limiting how much or how often a landlord can increase rent. Landlords may raise rent to any amount at the end of a lease term or with proper notice for month-to-month tenancies.
- Notice requirements: For month-to-month tenancies, notice equal to the rental period (typically 30 days) is required before a rent increase takes effect. During a fixed-term lease, rent cannot be increased unless the lease specifically allows it.
- Market dynamics: Wyoming's resource-dependent economy (oil, gas, coal, trona) can cause significant rent fluctuations in boom-and-bust cycles, particularly in energy-producing areas like the Powder River Basin and southwestern Wyoming.
- Subsidized housing: Rent limits apply only to federally subsidized housing (Section 8, public housing) where HUD regulations control rent amounts.