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Lease glossary

Rent control

Rent control is a law that limits how much, and how often, a landlord can raise the rent on an existing unit. Most US rules cap yearly increases rather than freezing rent, and many exempt newer buildings and single-family homes.

Also called rent cap

Example

California’s statewide cap limits increases on covered units to 5% plus local inflation, and never more than 10%, in any 12 months. With 3% inflation, a $2,000 rent can rise by at most 8%, to $2,160. Oregon caps increases at 7% plus inflation, no more than 10%, for buildings more than 15 years old. Both states exempt buildings less than 15 years old, and California also exempts most single-family homes owned by individuals, so check whether a unit is covered before relying on the cap.

In a lease it looks like…

Rent may be increased no more than once in any twelve-month period, and only by the amount permitted under applicable rent control law, after written notice as required by law.

By state

Statewide caps exist in California, Oregon and Washington, plus the District of Columbia; elsewhere any rent control is local, and many states bar their cities from adopting it.

Rent increase notice by state

Plain English, not legal advice. Last reviewed September 29, 2026.