General information, not legal advice. This template is a starting point. Laws differ by state and city, so have a licensed attorney review your final document before you use it.
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The short version
- Count the notice period from the day the tenant receives the notice, and add days for mailing where your state requires it.
- Serve the notice by a method your state and lease allow, and fill in the proof of service.
- Check for statewide caps and local rent rules before choosing the amount.
- A notice of rent increase does not end the tenancy.
What a notice of rent increase is
A notice of rent increase is the formal, written step that changes the rent on a periodic tenancy, or confirms the rent for a new term. It names every tenant, states the old and new rent and the date the new rent starts, and records how and when it was delivered. If the change is ever disputed, the notice and its proof of service are what show it was done properly.
When you need one
You need written notice whenever the law or the lease requires it, which covers most month to month tenancies. Notice periods vary by state and sometimes by the size of the increase or the length of the tenancy. Rent controlled cities often add their own rules on the amount, frequency and form of the notice.
How to use the template
- Look up the notice period, any statewide cap and any local rent ordinance.
- Choose an effective date that falls after the full notice period, plus mailing days if they apply.
- Fill in every tenant and adult occupant, the property and the rent figures.
- Serve the notice by an allowed method and complete the proof of service the same day.
- Keep the notice and proof with the lease.
What to include
- Names of all tenants and occupants.
- The property address and unit.
- Current rent, new rent, the change and the percent.
- The effective date and the notice period given.
- Any other charges that change.
- A signature and a completed proof of service.
Tips
- Serve it in person or by a tracked method so the delivery date is not in doubt.
- Round the effective date to the first day of a rent period to avoid partial months.
- Use the same process for every tenant to avoid any appearance of unfair treatment.
Common mistakes
- Effective date too early, often by forgetting mailing days.
- Leaving out an adult occupant or co-tenant.
- No proof of service, which turns a valid notice into a dispute.
- Using a generic form where a city form is required.
Notices in TenantLoop
Signed leases, notices and messages stay on the tenant record in TenantLoop, so the notice, the date sent and any reply sit together. On Premium, the Lease Renewal agent drafts renewal offers in the rent stance you set and waits for your approval before anything goes out.
What is in the template
A formal written notice that changes the rent on a periodic tenancy or at renewal, with the effective date, the old and new amounts, the notice period used and a proof of service section.
- Notice of change in rent
- Proof of service
Read the whole notice of rent increase template
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General template, not legal advice. Have an attorney in your state review before use.
Filling it in, and what to watch for.
What is the difference between a rent increase letter and a notice?
The letter explains the change in friendly terms. The notice is the formal document that meets the legal requirements, including the notice period and a record of service. Many landlords send both together.
Does mailing the notice add time?
In some states, yes. When notice is served by mail, a few extra days may be added to the notice period. Check your state's rule before setting the effective date.
Do rent controlled units need a special form?
Some cities require their own form, a statement of the allowed increase, or a copy filed with a rent board. Use the local form where one exists.
Can the tenant refuse a rent increase?
A tenant on a month to month tenancy can choose to move out with proper notice instead. If they stay after a valid notice takes effect, the new rent applies.