How to Write a Friendly Rent Increase Letter (with Samples)
Use these sample friendly rent increase letters as templates for your formal rent increase letter.
Last updated on August 8th, 2023
There are many reasons landlords need to raise the rent on their property. They may need to keep up with the market, especially if the neighborhood has improved. All of the rents in the improved area will be higher.
Another reason for a rent increase is home improvement. If the building has been upgraded with a new kitchen, deck or other improvement, the landlord will be able to get a higher rent.
Finally, if the landlord’s property taxes or insurance premiums are raised, he or she may need to raise the rent just to be able to keep the property.
Research City Ordinances
The landlord must research the ordinances in the city where the property is to make sure he or she is allowed to raise the rent. These laws are governed by the jurisdiction in which the letter is written. The landlord must comply with the local statutes before they can legally increase rent.
There will be a legal number of days before the higher rent goes into effect. It may be two weeks, 30 or 60 days. The letter must arrive in the tenant’s hand before this time frame.
Another reason for a rent increase is home improvement. If the building has been upgraded with a new kitchen, deck or other improvement, the landlord will be able to get a higher rent.
Finally, if the landlord’s property taxes or insurance premiums are raised, he or she may need to raise the rent just to be able to keep the property.
Research City Ordinances
The landlord must research the ordinances in the city where the property is to make sure he or she is allowed to raise the rent. These laws are governed by the jurisdiction in which the letter is written. The landlord must comply with the local statutes before they can legally increase rent.
There will be a legal number of days before the higher rent goes into effect. It may be two weeks, 30 or 60 days. The letter must arrive in the tenant’s hand before this time frame.
Legal Boundaries
This guide is intended for landlords who are within their legal boundaries. Most landlords can raise the rent when the lease expires. They may also be able to raise it if the original lease has a clause that allows the rent to be raised.
The letter will be a record of the notification of the rent increase. It’s a simple way to avoid misunderstandings or delays about the amount of rent the tenant owes. It’s also an opportunity to restate the date the rent is due, the policies for late payment and how the rent is paid.
The letter should contain:
This guide is intended for landlords who are within their legal boundaries. Most landlords can raise the rent when the lease expires. They may also be able to raise it if the original lease has a clause that allows the rent to be raised.
The letter will be a record of the notification of the rent increase. It’s a simple way to avoid misunderstandings or delays about the amount of rent the tenant owes. It’s also an opportunity to restate the date the rent is due, the policies for late payment and how the rent is paid.
The letter should contain:
- The purpose of the letter
- The exact amount of the raise and the new amount of rent
- The date the new rent will begin
- The reason the landlord needs to raise the rent
- The official name of the tenant should be used, not a nickname
It is recommended to give contact information, so the tenant can talk to the landlord either over the phone or in person. The tenant may want to ask detailed questions about the reason for the rent raise and may even get angry with the landlord.
Consider Raising in Increments
The landlord should explain the reasons as clearly as possible and let the tenant vent their frustrations. If the landlord wants to keep a tenant but has no choice but to raise the rent, he or she may want to consider raising it in increments to make it easier on a good tenant.
Below is a sample rent increase letter from a landlord. Since it will be an official record, it should be in formal business-letter style and either given by hand or sent by certified mail. If it is sent by certified mail, the landlord will have proof that the tenant was notified within the prescribed period of time.
Since this letter is bad news to the tenant, the tone should be courteous and polite. If the tenant is a good tenant, and the landlord would like them to stay in the house, they should say so.
There’s no harm in the landlord telling the tenant that he or she hopes they will stay. A raise in rent could result in the tenant leaving the property and the landlord needing to fill the vacancy.
Consider Raising in Increments
The landlord should explain the reasons as clearly as possible and let the tenant vent their frustrations. If the landlord wants to keep a tenant but has no choice but to raise the rent, he or she may want to consider raising it in increments to make it easier on a good tenant.
Below is a sample rent increase letter from a landlord. Since it will be an official record, it should be in formal business-letter style and either given by hand or sent by certified mail. If it is sent by certified mail, the landlord will have proof that the tenant was notified within the prescribed period of time.
Since this letter is bad news to the tenant, the tone should be courteous and polite. If the tenant is a good tenant, and the landlord would like them to stay in the house, they should say so.
There’s no harm in the landlord telling the tenant that he or she hopes they will stay. A raise in rent could result in the tenant leaving the property and the landlord needing to fill the vacancy.
Sample 1 - Friendly Rent Increase Letter
Name of Landlord
Address of Landlord
City, State, Zip Code
DATE
Name of Tenant
Address of Tenant
City, State, Zip Code
RE: Notice of rent increase
Dear Name of Tenant(s):
I want to take a moment and let you know how much I value both of you as tenants. It is not easy to find tenants that pay their rent on time and also take care of the property so well. Unfortunately, I have experienced some expenses with my rental properties that are prompting the need for a rental increase.
Your lease will officially be over on [DATE]. I would like for you to continue as my tenants, but an increase of $75 will be applied to the new lease term. The rent is currently $950 and under the terms of the new lease agreement, will need increase to $1,025. Should you wish to go month to month or to sign a new agreement, this new amount would be required.
Again, I thank you for taking care of my property and being the model tenants that you are. I hope that you will continue to remain a tenant at [ADDRESS]. If you have any questions, please feel free to call me at [555-209-5934].
Sincerely,
Signature of Landlord
Printed Name of Landlord
Sample 1 - Friendly Rent Increase Letter
Name of Landlord
Address of Landlord
City, State, Zip Code
DATE
Name of Tenant
Address of Tenant
City, State, Zip Code
RE: Notice of rent increase
Dear Name of Tenant(s):
I want to take a moment and let you know how much I value both of you as tenants. It is not easy to find tenants that pay their rent on time and also take care of the property so well. Unfortunately, I have experienced some expenses with my rental properties that are prompting the need for a rental increase.
Your lease will officially be over on [DATE]. I would like for you to continue as my tenants, but an increase of $75 will be applied to the new lease term. The rent is currently $950 and under the terms of the new lease agreement, will need increase to $1,025. Should you wish to go month to month or to sign a new agreement, this new amount would be required.
Again, I thank you for taking care of my property and being the model tenants that you are. I hope that you will continue to remain a tenant at [ADDRESS]. If you have any questions, please feel free to call me at [555-209-5934].
Sincerely,
Signature of Landlord
Printed Name of Landlord
Sample 2 - Friendly Rent Increase Letter
[Name of Landlord]
[Address of Landlord]
[City, State, Zip Code]
[DATE]
[Name of Tenant]
[Address of Tenant]
[City, State, Zip Code]
RE: Notice of rent increase
Dear [Name of Tenant]:
Please be advised that your current lease will expire on [DATE]. Effective [DATE] your monthly rent will increase by [AMOUNT]. Your monthly rent will be [AMOUNT] per month. Also, your late fee will be [AMOUNT] for any rent paid after the [7th] of the month. An Amendment will be attached to your lease of [DATE].
If you have any questions, or comments please do not hesitate to contact me. Thank you for your cooperation and past support.
Sincerely,
[Signature of Landlord]
[Printed Name of Landlord]
Signature of Tenant _______________________________ Date_______________
Sample 3 - Friendly Rent Increase Letter
Name of Landlord
Address of Landlord
City, State, Zip Code
DATE
Name of Tenant
Address of Tenant
City, State, Zip Code
RE: Notice of rent increase
Dear Name of Tenant:
This letter is to formally inform you that starting on [DATE], the monthly rent for the house you currently occupy at the above address will be raised $50 from [AMOUNT] to [AMOUNT]. The payment is due on the third of each month.
Please note that I am informing you 60 days in advance. As before, you can pay with a personal check or with cash. If you pay in cash, I will give you a receipt. I am forced to raise the rent because the local property taxes in this area have been increased.
Your monthly rent is the only change in the original rental agreement. I have enclosed two copies of this letter. If you wish to remain in the house, please sign one copy and return it to me at my above address. If you wish to terminate your occupancy of the house, you must be moved out in 60 days from the date of this letter by [DATE].
I hope you remain in the house. You have been an exemplary tenant and keep the house in good condition. I can be reached at [Phone Number] or by [Email Address] if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Signature of Landlord
Printed Name of Landlord
Signature of Tenant _______________________________ Date_______________
By Andre Bradley
Frequently Ask Question (FAQs)
Q: What is a friendly rent increase letter and when should it be used?
Answer: A friendly rent increase letter is a formal communication between a landlord and tenant notifying the tenant of an upcoming increase in rent.
This type of letter is crafted in a polite and professional manner to maintain good relations between both parties. It should be used at least 30-60 days before the increase is due to take effect, depending on the local laws and regulations, to give the tenant ample time to prepare for the change.
Q: How can I write a friendly rent increase letter that maintains a positive relationship with my tenant?
Answer: Writing a friendly rent increase letter involves being transparent, fair, and respectful. Start with a warm greeting and an expression of gratitude for their tenancy. Clearly state the reason for the increase, the amount, and the effective date. You might also provide context or justification for the increase, such as inflation or property improvements.
Close the letter with a positive note, inviting the tenant to discuss any concerns. The overall tone should be professional and compassionate, reflecting an understanding of the tenant's perspective.
Q: Can I include information about property improvements in a friendly rent increase letter?
Answer: Yes, including information about property improvements in a friendly rent increase letter can be helpful in explaining why the increase is necessary. Detailing the enhancements made to the property and how they benefit the tenant can provide context and potentially ease any concerns. It demonstrates your commitment to maintaining or improving the living conditions, which can foster goodwill between you and the tenant.
Q: Is it mandatory to send a friendly rent increase letter, and what are the legal considerations?
Answer: While the term "friendly rent increase letter" refers to the tone and content of the letter, notifying tenants of a rent increase in writing is often legally required. The requirements for sending such a notice can vary by jurisdiction, so it's advisable to consult local rental laws.
These laws may dictate the timing, format, and delivery method for the rent increase notice, and failure to comply can lead to legal challenges.
Q: Can a tenant negotiate the increase mentioned in a friendly rent increase letter?
Answer: Yes, a tenant may attempt to negotiate the increase proposed in a friendly rent increase letter. While landlords have the right to set rental rates, open communication can sometimes lead to a mutually agreeable compromise.
If a tenant wishes to negotiate, they should respond promptly and professionally, perhaps in writing, detailing their concerns and proposing an alternative. Open dialogue and a willingness to find a solution can foster continued good relations between landlord and tenant.
Q: What should I avoid including in a friendly rent increase letter?
Answer: In crafting a friendly rent increase letter, it's advisable to avoid any aggressive or confrontational language. Steer clear of overly complex legal jargon or ambiguous terms that might confuse the tenant.
Do not include any personal opinions or irrelevant information that doesn't pertain to the rent increase. Keeping the letter clear, straightforward, and focused on the essential details will help maintain a positive and professional tone.
Q: What is a friendly rent increase letter and when should it be used?
Answer: A friendly rent increase letter is a formal communication between a landlord and tenant notifying the tenant of an upcoming increase in rent.
This type of letter is crafted in a polite and professional manner to maintain good relations between both parties. It should be used at least 30-60 days before the increase is due to take effect, depending on the local laws and regulations, to give the tenant ample time to prepare for the change.
Q: How can I write a friendly rent increase letter that maintains a positive relationship with my tenant?
Answer: Writing a friendly rent increase letter involves being transparent, fair, and respectful. Start with a warm greeting and an expression of gratitude for their tenancy. Clearly state the reason for the increase, the amount, and the effective date. You might also provide context or justification for the increase, such as inflation or property improvements.
Close the letter with a positive note, inviting the tenant to discuss any concerns. The overall tone should be professional and compassionate, reflecting an understanding of the tenant's perspective.
Q: Can I include information about property improvements in a friendly rent increase letter?
Answer: Yes, including information about property improvements in a friendly rent increase letter can be helpful in explaining why the increase is necessary. Detailing the enhancements made to the property and how they benefit the tenant can provide context and potentially ease any concerns. It demonstrates your commitment to maintaining or improving the living conditions, which can foster goodwill between you and the tenant.
Q: Is it mandatory to send a friendly rent increase letter, and what are the legal considerations?
Answer: While the term "friendly rent increase letter" refers to the tone and content of the letter, notifying tenants of a rent increase in writing is often legally required. The requirements for sending such a notice can vary by jurisdiction, so it's advisable to consult local rental laws.
These laws may dictate the timing, format, and delivery method for the rent increase notice, and failure to comply can lead to legal challenges.
Q: Can a tenant negotiate the increase mentioned in a friendly rent increase letter?
Answer: Yes, a tenant may attempt to negotiate the increase proposed in a friendly rent increase letter. While landlords have the right to set rental rates, open communication can sometimes lead to a mutually agreeable compromise.
If a tenant wishes to negotiate, they should respond promptly and professionally, perhaps in writing, detailing their concerns and proposing an alternative. Open dialogue and a willingness to find a solution can foster continued good relations between landlord and tenant.
Q: What should I avoid including in a friendly rent increase letter?
Answer: In crafting a friendly rent increase letter, it's advisable to avoid any aggressive or confrontational language. Steer clear of overly complex legal jargon or ambiguous terms that might confuse the tenant.
Do not include any personal opinions or irrelevant information that doesn't pertain to the rent increase. Keeping the letter clear, straightforward, and focused on the essential details will help maintain a positive and professional tone.