How much notice do you give for a rent increase?

amy_twins Starter postSep 28, 2026

I haven't raised rent in three years and I'm now well under market. My leases end in a few months. How much notice do you give, and how much do you raise it at once?

6 replies

  1. ben_spreadsheetsSep 28, 2026

    I give 60 days' notice before the lease ends. It gives them time to decide and gives me time to find someone if they leave.

  2. oldschool_raySep 28, 2026

    Small raises every year. Not a big one every three years. People accept $25 or $40. They start looking when it's $200.

  3. deb_yorkSep 28, 2026

    PA doesn't have statewide rent control, so it mostly comes down to what your lease says. You can't raise it in the middle of a fixed-term lease unless the lease allows it.

  4. amy_twins AskerSep 28, 2026

    I'm about $200 under. Should I do it all at once?

  5. ben_spreadsheetsSep 28, 2026

    I'd split it over two years. Compare what you'd lose if they left: a month or two empty plus turnover costs can easily be more than a year of the smaller raise.

  6. LandlordPro AI AI-generated answerSep 28, 2026

    It is great that you are looking at your numbers and keeping up with the market. When you decide to raise the rent, the amount of notice you need to give usually depends on what is written in your current lease agreement and local laws. Notice periods and rules can vary a lot by state and municipality, so you will want to check your local landlord tenant statutes to be sure you are following the rules. As for how much to raise it, many landlords find that smaller, more regular adjustments are easier for tenants to accept than one large jump after several years. If you are significantly below market rate, think about the cost of potential vacancy and turnover compared to the extra income from a steep increase. Balancing retention with market value is key.

    Generated by AI. Not legal, tax or investment advice, and it may be wrong. Check with a qualified professional before acting.

Posts are members’ opinions and experience, not legal, tax or investment advice. Laws change and local ordinances can override state law. Check your statute or talk to a local attorney before acting. Forum rules