Rent Increase Calculator — Check Your State's Cap

Quick answer

Pick your state and enter your current rent: in capped states (California, Oregon, New Jersey, New York and others) the calculator applies that state's cap formula to show the maximum legal new rent — and flags whether a proposed increase fits. In uncapped states it tells you the notice rules that actually apply instead of a fake number. State statute (official text) · 2026-10-28

How the calculator works

1. Capped states have a statewide annual percentage limit — some a flat percentage, some a formula like "5% + regional inflation, capped at 10%". The calculator applies the current period's value and shows the resulting maximum rent.
2. Uncapped states have no percentage limit: the calculator says so and points you to the state's advance-notice requirement, which is the real protection there.
3. Local-rules states are flagged as such — a statewide cap does not exist, but specific cities do limit increases.

If you enter a proposed increase percentage, the calculator compares it against the cap and labels it within or above.

Exemptions change the answer

Statewide caps usually carry exemptions — buildings above or below a certain unit count, new construction for a fixed number of years, owner-occupied properties. If your rental is exempt, the uncapped notice rules apply instead. Every state page lists the exemption rules with citations; see rent increase rules by state.

Reading the result correctly

• A cap is a ceiling, not a right. In capped states the landlord may always increase by less than the cap, and must still give proper written notice.
• Exemptions can flip your answer. If your building is exempt (new construction, owner-occupied small multi-family, etc.), the uncapped notice rules apply instead — each state page lists what qualifies.
• Mid-lease increases are different. No state lets a landlord change the rent in the middle of a fixed lease term; increases generally take effect at renewal or month-to-month turnover.

FAQ

Is there a national rent increase cap in the US?

No — there is no federal cap. Limits exist at the state level in a handful of states and at the city level in others.

My state has no cap. Can my landlord raise rent by any amount?

Amount-wise, usually yes — but only with the required advance notice, never mid-lease (unless the lease allows it), and never for a protected reason like retaliation or discrimination. See your state's page for the notice rule — every uncapped state has one, listed in the rent increase rules hub alongside deposit interest rules for the deposit side of your move.

My landlord raised the rent above the cap. What now?

Document the notice you received (dates, amounts, delivery), check the exemptions on your state's page to confirm the cap actually applies to your unit, then raise it in writing with the landlord. Tenant unions and your state attorney general's consumer protection office are the next stops; some states enforce cap violations through courts with penalties. For advice on your specific case, talk to a lawyer or legal aid.

Is the result legal advice?

No — see the disclaimer.