How To Raise Rents Without Losing Tenants

May 05, 2025

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How to Raise Rent Without Losing Your Tenants

Rent’s going up. So are property taxes, insurance premiums, and the cost of finding a decent contractor who shows up. But if you just tack $200 onto the lease and hit “send,” don’t be shocked when your tenant ghostwrites a rage post about you on Nextdoor.

Here’s how to raise rent without burning bridges (or losing good tenants).

✅ 1. Know the Market First

Before you raise anything:

  • Check what similar units are renting for.

  • If your tenant is already under market by $300, a $50–$100 increase is reasonable.

  • If they’re already paying top dollar, even $25 might be a deal-breaker.

This isn’t about what you need—it’s about what the market supports.

🧠 2. Give Plenty of Notice

Minimum legal notice might be 30 days, but 60–90 days is better—especially if you want them to stay. Gives them time to adjust and reduces friction.

💬 3. Communicate Like a Human, Not a Spreadsheet

Send a respectful message:

  • Mention increased costs (property taxes, maintenance, etc.)

  • Highlight any recent improvements (“We upgraded the HVAC,” “New flooring,” etc.)

  • Thank them for being a good tenant.

You’re not just raising rent—you’re reminding them why it’s worth it.

💡 4. Offer Options (If Possible)

  • Lock in the new rent with a longer lease = stability for both of you.

  • Or: Offer a slightly lower increase for a 12-month commitment.

Give them a choice, and they’ll feel more in control.

🤝 5. Keep the Relationship First

It’s cheaper to keep a good tenant than to turn over a unit—even at the higher rent you think you want. Sometimes a modest increase keeps long-term value flowing.

🧯 Bottom Line:

Don’t avoid raising rent out of fear—but don’t detonate it like a surprise fee at checkout either. Communicate well, be fair, and you'll keep good tenants longer and earn more.