Knowing how to respond to a rent increase notification can help you negotiate rent increases with your landlord. When you receive notice of a rent increase, you may feel frustrated and angry. Knowing how to respond to your landlord can help you negotiate the increase. This article explains how to write a letter responding to a rent increase and provides a basic format for this letter.
We also provide a sample letter showing you how to use the format to write an effective response to a rent increase notification.
Know Your Rights as a Tenant
Your landlord cannot raise your rent during your lease term. If you rent month-to-month, your landlord can raise your rent anytime. If you have signed a lease agreement, your landlord cannot raise your rent until a new lease term arrives.
In both cases, most states require 30 days’ notice for a rent increase. In addition, the increase must be in writing. You are not required to pay any verbal rent increase.
Note that your security deposit may increase as well. Most deposits are dependent on the rent amount; for instance, your security deposit may equal one- or two-months’ rent.
Do the Necessary Research
Check the rent amounts at other apartment complexes in your area. If the increased rent amount causes your rent to be significantly higher than the rent at other complexes around you, you should point this out in a letter to your landlord. Be sure you are comparing your apartment with others that have the same size and amenities.
Use Your Status as a Good Tenant to Your Advantage
If you have been a great tenant and you pay your rent on time, use this status to your advantage. Every landlord wants great tenants. If you have assessed your budget options and you cannot afford the increase, point out that the increase means you will need to relocate. This statement may open the possibility of negotiations about the increase.
Ask About a Long-Term Lease
You may be able to keep your rent increase down if you are willing to sign a longer-term lease. If your landlord is pleased with your tenancy, they may be willing to keep the rent at the current rate if you commit to staying at your apartment longer.
When tenants leave, there are associated costs like painting and cleaning. Your landlord can avoid these costs and the lost rent associated with your leaving if you agree to stay longer. This solution is good for both you and the landlord.
Response to a Rent Increase Notification (Format)
Here is the basic format for a response to a rent increase notification.
{your name}
{your address}
{date}
{landlord name}
{landlord address}
Dear {landlord name},
I am writing in response to the rent increase notification I recently received. I have occupied apartment number {number} for {length of time}.
I have enjoyed living at {apartment complex name}. {you can use this space to discuss what you like about your apartment and your location.} I have paid my rent on time and kept my apartment in good condition.
However, the rent increase places my rent amount above my ability to pay. There are several apartment complexes nearby with comparable space and amenities. These complexes are renting at lower rates than my rent will be after the increase. I will be forced to relocate if we cannot negotiate the rent increase.
I am willing to sign a longer-term lease at my current rental rate, or at a significantly lower increase than the one expected. This would save you lost rent and the costs of painting and preparing my unit for another tenant. I would like to stay in my apartment if possible.
Please contact me about this matter. You can reach me at {phone number} or at {email address}. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Sincerely,
{your signature}
{your name}
Sample Response to a Rent Increase Notification
Here is a sample letter based on the above basic format.
Jackson Mead
2005 South 101, Apt. 106
Elysium, MI 69774
August 25, 2022
Samantha Moore
2005 South 101
Elysium, MI 69774
Dear Miss Moore,
I am writing in response to the rent increase notification I recently received. I have occupied apartment number 106 for the last 11 months.
I have enjoyed living at Fairfield Heights. The location is great because I can cycle to work, and I have really enjoyed the pool this summer. I have paid my rent on time and kept my apartment in good condition.
However, the rent increase places my rent amount above my ability to pay. There are several apartment complexes nearby with comparable space and amenities. These complexes are renting at lower rates than my rent will be after the increase. I will be forced to relocate if we cannot negotiate the rent increase.
I am willing to sign a longer-term lease at my current rental rate, or at a significantly lower increase than the one expected. This would save you lost rent and the costs of painting and preparing my unit for another tenant. I would like to stay in my apartment if possible.
Please contact me about this matter. You can reach me at (987) 334-5916 or at meadjackson@email.com. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Sincerely
Jackson Mead
Jackson Mead
Response to a Rent Increase Notification (Word Template)
- Know your tenant rights
- Do the research
- Use your good status to your advantage
- Point out you will need to relocate if you cannot negotiate
- Offer to negotiate a longer-term lease
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