Facing a rent increase is stressful. Landlords often raise rent to cover rising property taxes, maintenance costs, and market demand. However, tenants need to know if an increase is fair or even legal.

Using the percentage increase calculator allows you to compare your specific hike against local consumer price index (CPI) data or local rent control laws.

Rent Control & Legal Limits

Important for Tenants:

Many cities have "Rent Stabilization" or "Rent Control" ordinances that cap annual increases (e.g., at 3% or 5% + CPI). Calculate your percentage here first, then check your local housing authority's current year limit.

If your calculated percentage (e.g., 15%) is higher than the legal cap (e.g., 5%), you may have grounds to contest the increase.

Negotiating a Lease Renewal

Knowing the percentage helps in negotiation:

Market Rate: If comparable apartments only went up 2% but your landlord asks for 10%, show them the math.
Good Tenant Discount: Point out you have paid on time for years and ask to cap the increase at inflation (e.g., 3%).
Longer Lease: Offer to sign a 18-month or 24-month lease in exchange for a lower percentage increase.

Rent Hike Examples

$1000 to $1100

Result: 10% increase

$1500 to $1575

Result: 5% increase

$2000 to $2100

Result: 5% increase

$800 to $850

Result: 6.25% increase

$2500 to $2800

Result: 12% increase

$1200 to $1250

Result: 4.17% increase

$3000 to $3300

Result: 10% increase

$1800 to $1890

Result: 5% increase

$950 to $1000

Result: 5.26% increase

$1400 to $1600

Result: 14.29% increase

$1100 to $1133

Result: 3% increase

$2200 to $2420

Result: 10% increase

$1750 to $1800

Result: 2.86% increase

$500 to $550

Result: 10% increase

$4000 to $4200

Result: 5% increase

Rent Increase FAQ

How do I calculate rent increase percentage?

Subtract old rent from new rent (New - Old). Divide that result by the old rent. Multiply by 100. Example: ($1100 - $1000)/$1000 = 0.10 or 10%.

What is the legal limit for rent increase?

This varies wildly by location (city/state) and building type (rent-controlled vs. market rate). Common caps in rent-controlled areas are 2-5%, while market rates have no limit in many places.

What is a reasonable rent increase?

Standard renewals often see 3-5% increases to match inflation. 10%+ is considered steep and usually happens in hot markets or after a promotional lease ends.

Can rent decrease?

Yes! If the market softens, you can negotiate a rent decrease (negative increase). Use the calculator to see the percentage savings.

How to Calculate Percentage Increase Step-by-Step

A clear, step-by-step guide to calculating percentage increase manually or with a calculator. Master the formula in minutes.

#math tutorials #percentage formula #how to calculate

January 7, 2026•3 min read

Rent Increase Calculator