How this rent increase calculator works
New rent = current × (1 + %). The inflation column is the decision-maker's number: a 5% raise on 2.8% CPI is +2.2% real — you're losing purchasing power to it even though the absolute dollars match a 'normal' market. The quoted-rent field works backwards: paste the dollar amount from your notice to reveal its hidden percentage. For lease math, multiply the monthly delta by the lease length — a 15-month lease amplifies the same % by 25%.
Frequently asked questions
What rent increase is normal in 2026?
National asking-rent growth cooled to roughly 1.5–3% year over year in 2026 as new supply peaked; hot metros still clear 5–7%, weak Sun Belt markets are flat-to-negative. Anything you sign above 3% this cycle needs justification.
Can a landlord raise rent by any percentage?
If your city has rent control/stabilization (California AB 12, Oregon, NY, 40+ cities), the annual cap is fixed — usually 3–7%. No-cap states can still be challenged for retaliation or discriminatory treatment. Check your state law or local housing agency before signing.
How do I negotiate a smaller increase?
Anchor on data: cite the CPI and your submarket's asking-rent trend (this tool's inflation column), show tenure/no-late-payments, ask for 12→24 month term locks, or request an amenity instead of a lower number. One in three landlords accepts negotiation at renewal in most surveys.