What to Do When Your Landlord Raises Rent Illegally
A step-by-step playbook for tenants facing an unlawful rent hike — without lawyering up on day one.
Step 1: Get everything in writing
Email is your friend. Reply to your landlord asking them to confirm the new rent amount, the effective date, and the legal basis for the increase. Don't accuse — just ask.
Keep your old lease, the new lease offer, the notice you received, and any text or email exchange. You'll want every date and dollar figure documented.
Step 2: Verify against the actual rule
Use the tool on the homepage to get a quick verdict on whether the increase exceeds your state's cap, and check our state guide for the specific statute.
If you're rent stabilized or rent controlled, look up the current Allowable Rent Increase published by your local rent board.
Step 3: Send a polite but firm response
Use the in-tool message generator to produce a written response that: (a) acknowledges you received the notice, (b) cites the rule that appears to be exceeded, and (c) asks them to either justify or revise the increase.
Send it via email so you have a timestamp.
Step 4: Escalate if needed
If the landlord won't budge, contact your local rent board (in stabilized cities) or your state attorney general's housing division.
Tenant rights organizations like Tenants Together (CA), Met Council on Housing (NYC), or your local Legal Aid office offer free counseling and can write a stronger letter at no cost.
Do not stop paying rent — keep paying the *old* amount until the dispute is resolved, and document every payment.