Rent Increase Objection Letter

Purpose

This letter is used by tenants to formally object to a proposed rent increase that is:
- Excessive beyond legal limits (in rent-controlled jurisdictions)
- Improperly noticed (insufficient notice period)
- Retaliatory in nature
- In violation of lease terms

When to Use This Template

• Your landlord has proposed a rent increase you believe is unlawful
• You did not receive proper advance notice as required by law
• You live in a rent-controlled or rent-stabilized jurisdiction
• The increase exceeds statutory caps in your area
• You believe the increase is retaliation for exercising legal rights

STATE-SPECIFIC NOTICE REQUIREMENTS

California

• 10% or less increase: 30 days' written notice required
• More than 10% increase: 90 days' written notice required
• Tenant Protection Act (AB 1482): Caps increases at 5% + local CPI or 10% maximum annually (through July 31, 2030)
• Los Angeles RSO: 3% annual cap (July 2025-June 2026); 4% if landlord pays utilities

New York

• Under 1 year tenancy: 30 days' notice required
• 1-2 years tenancy: 60 days' notice required
• Over 2 years tenancy: 90 days' notice required
• Rent-stabilized units: Annual increases set by Rent Guidelines Board

New Jersey

• No statewide law; check municipal rent control ordinances
• Many municipalities have rent leveling boards

Massachusetts

• No rent control statewide (banned in 1994)
• Landlords must provide proper notice of rent increase
• Tenants can challenge if increase is retaliatory

TEMPLATE

[YOUR NAME]
[YOUR ADDRESS]
[CITY, STATE ZIP]
[YOUR EMAIL]
[YOUR PHONE]

[DATE]

VIA CERTIFIED MAIL, RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED

[LANDLORD NAME]
[LANDLORD ADDRESS]
[CITY, STATE ZIP]

RE: Objection to Proposed Rent Increase
Property Address: [RENTAL UNIT ADDRESS]
Unit Number: [IF APPLICABLE]
Current Monthly Rent: $[AMOUNT]
Proposed Monthly Rent: $[AMOUNT]
Proposed Effective Date: [DATE]

Dear [LANDLORD NAME]:

I am writing to formally object to the rent increase notice dated [DATE OF NOTICE] that proposes to raise my monthly rent from $[CURRENT RENT] to $[PROPOSED RENT], an increase of $[INCREASE AMOUNT] ([PERCENTAGE]%), effective [PROPOSED EFFECTIVE DATE].

GROUNDS FOR OBJECTION

I object to this rent increase for the following reason(s):

☐ Insufficient Notice Period
The notice provided does not comply with the statutory notice requirement. Under [STATE] law, a rent increase of this amount requires [NUMBER] days' advance written notice. Your notice was dated [DATE], providing only [NUMBER] days' notice before the proposed effective date.

☐ Exceeds Legal Rent Increase Cap
This property is subject to [RENT CONTROL/RENT STABILIZATION/STATE TENANT PROTECTION ACT], which limits annual rent increases to [PERCENTAGE/AMOUNT]. The proposed increase of [PERCENTAGE]% exceeds this legal limit.

☐ Retaliatory Rent Increase
This rent increase appears to be in retaliation for my recent [DESCRIBE PROTECTED ACTIVITY: complaint to housing authority, request for repairs, exercise of tenant rights, etc.] on [DATE]. Under [STATE] law, landlords are prohibited from retaliating against tenants who exercise their legal rights. Increases within [NUMBER] days of protected activity are presumed retaliatory.

☐ Violation of Lease Terms
My current lease agreement, executed on [DATE], contains provisions that [DESCRIBE LEASE VIOLATION: prohibit mid-lease increases, limit increase amounts, require specific procedures, etc.].

☐ Improper Notice Format
The notice does not comply with statutory requirements because [DESCRIBE DEFICIENCY: not in writing, not properly served, missing required information, etc.].

☐ Other: [DESCRIBE]

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION

Enclosed please find the following documents supporting my objection:

☐ Copy of current lease agreement
☐ Copy of rent increase notice received
☐ Proof of delivery date of notice
☐ [DESCRIBE OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS]

DEMAND

Based on the foregoing, I demand that you:

1. ☐ Withdraw the proposed rent increase entirely
2. ☐ Reduce the proposed increase to the legally permissible amount of $[AMOUNT]
3. ☐ Provide proper notice in compliance with applicable law
4. ☐ Acknowledge in writing that my rent will remain at $[CURRENT AMOUNT] until proper notice is given

NOTICE OF INTENT TO PURSUE REMEDIES

If you fail to respond to this objection within [14/30] days, I intend to pursue all available legal remedies, which may include:

• Filing a complaint with [LOCAL RENT BOARD/HOUSING AUTHORITY]
• Withholding consent to the increase
• Seeking legal counsel to enforce my rights
• Filing a complaint for retaliatory conduct (if applicable)

Please respond in writing to the address above by [RESPONSE DEADLINE DATE].

I reserve all rights under applicable federal, state, and local law.

Sincerely,

_______________________________
[YOUR NAME]

Enclosures:
☐ Copy of lease agreement
☐ Copy of rent increase notice
☐ [OTHER DOCUMENTS]

cc:
☐ [CITY/COUNTY] Rent Board
☐ [TENANT ORGANIZATION]
☐ Personal records

CHECKLIST BEFORE SENDING

Documentation

☐ Made copies of all documents for your records
☐ Obtained proof of current rent amount (canceled checks, receipts, bank statements)
☐ Reviewed lease agreement for relevant provisions
☐ Confirmed applicable rent control/stabilization laws for your area

Research

☐ Verified notice requirements for your state/city
☐ Confirmed any rent increase caps applicable to your property
☐ Checked if your building is exempt from rent control (age, size, subsidized housing)
☐ Calculated the percentage increase accurately

Delivery

☐ Sending via certified mail with return receipt requested
☐ Keeping a copy of the letter for your records
☐ Noting the date sent and tracking number
☐ Following up if no response within stated deadline

Timeline

☐ Sent objection before proposed effective date of increase
☐ Allowed reasonable time for landlord response
☐ Calendared deadline for landlord response
☐ Identified next steps if landlord does not respond

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: Can I refuse to pay a rent increase I believe is unlawful?
A: In rent-controlled jurisdictions, you may have the right to pay only the legal rent amount and dispute the excess. However, this can be risky. Consult local tenant rights organizations or an attorney before withholding any rent.

Q: What if my landlord doesn't respond to my objection?
A: Document the lack of response and consider filing a complaint with your local housing authority or rent board. The proposed increase may be invalid if proper procedures weren't followed.

Q: Does this letter protect me from eviction?
A: This letter documents your objection but does not automatically prevent eviction proceedings. If you are served with an eviction notice, seek legal assistance immediately.

Q: What if I'm not in a rent-controlled area?
A: You may still have protections against insufficient notice, retaliatory increases, or lease violations. Review your lease and state law carefully.

LEGAL RESOURCES

• HUD Tenant Rights: https://www.hud.gov/topics/rental_assistance/tenantrights
• California Tenant Protection Act: Civil Code §§ 1946.2, 1947.12
• New York Rent Stabilization: NYC Admin Code § 26-501 et seq.
• Local Legal Aid: Contact your local legal aid organization for free assistance

DISCLAIMER

This template is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Landlord-tenant laws vary significantly by state and locality. Consult with a qualified attorney or local tenant rights organization before taking legal action.