Lease dictionary
Rent control
A law that limits how much, or how often, a landlord may raise rent for covered units.
Rent control and rent stabilization laws cap annual increases for certain buildings, often based on age or size. Most states preempt local rent control; a few have statewide caps, and some cities run their own programs.
Covered units frequently come with extra protections, such as just cause eviction rules and a right to renew. Exemptions are common, for example for newer construction or single-family homes.
Watch out
Landlords must usually register or follow set procedures to raise rent in covered units. An increase that skips them can be challenged.
See it in action
The Rent increase checker puts this term to work for you.