What states have rent control? In 2025, landlords face a big question as U.S. rental markets tighten. Understanding rent control laws in each state helps them stay compliant. This knowledge helps avoid fines and plan rental strategies effectively.
At LeaseRunner, they keep you informed of these evolving laws, help safeguard your income and investments. This guide covers which states enforce rent control, how these laws work, and the practical implications for landlords.
What Is Rent Control and How Does It Work?
Before we determine what states have rent control, we must first understand what it is. Rent control limits the amount a landlord can raise rent on a residential property. These laws include any rent control ordinances, rent stabilization, and any rent rules. It protects tenants’ stability during inflation.
In most cases, rent increases are limited each year and based on inflation or a percentage. An enforcement entity, typically a rent control board, applies and regulates the laws of rent control. This clarifies who controls rent prices locally or statewide.
Although arguments for rent control still exist, some believe it is not fundamental to tenant stability. They see a decrease in repairs to the property and a lack of additional properties being built. Rent control is useful for landlords to know the arguments when mitigating risk and opportunity.
Which States Have Rent Control in 2025?
States With Active Rent Control or Stabilization Laws
Several states have strong rent control policies.
- California: Statewide cap limits rent hikes to 5% plus inflation, with a maximum of 10%. Los Angeles and San Francisco have extra rules. They use local rent control ordinances and rent control boards.
- Oregon: Limits annual rent increases to 7% plus inflation or 10%, whichever is lower.
- Washington: Effective from 2026, caps rent hikes at 7% plus inflation, max 10%. This includes manufactured housing with different limits.
- New York: There’s no statewide cap. However, New York City and other areas have strong rent control laws. These laws and ordinances affect many rental units.
- New Jersey, Maryland, Maine, Minnesota, and Washington, D.C., let local governments set rent control rules. They can do this through city or county ordinances.
Rent control example: NYC’s rent-stabilized apartments set a standard. A rent control board manages rent growth and protects tenants.
States That Ban or Limit Local Rent Control
About 33 states, like Texas, Florida, and Georgia, ban or limit rent control laws. They also stop local cities from setting rent caps. In these states, landlords generally have more flexibility in rent increases.
The table below shows the current situation of rent control legislation in each state:
| Category | States Covered |
| Statewide Rent Control | California, Oregon, Washington |
| Local Rent Control Only | New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Maine, D.C. |
| Rent Control Banned | 33 states, including Texas, Florida, and Georgia. |
Is There Federal Rent Control in the U.S.?
As of 2025, federal rent control does not exist. Some proposals aim to limit rent increases by large landlords, but no national rent control laws have been passed. States and cities set these laws. This means landlords must keep up with local rent rules.
How Rent Control Impacts Landlords
The Upside — Predictable Income and Tenant Stability
State rent control legislation offers landlords a stable income and longer-term tenant retention. Rent inflationary increases or limits on a fixed amount ensure rents are stable. This reduces vacancies and turnover costs. Major rent control cities report strong occupancy rates due to tenant stability.
The Downside — Limited Flexibility and ROI Pressures
Some landlords don’t use rent control since it makes things less flexible and less profitable. Strict limits on rent may make people less likely to make modifications to their property or invest in upkeep.
Some landlords change their rental properties into condos or sell them. This makes the supply issue even worse. Smart landlords utilize platforms like LeaseRunner. These tools enable them to keep track of compliance and make management better.
What Are Landlords Required to Do in Rent-Controlled Areas?
Stay Compliant With Rent Caps and Registration Rules
Landlords have to let the local rent control board know about their properties. They have to follow rules on how much rent may go up, give renters sufficient notice, and keep detailed records. This is necessary to follow the rules for rent control.
Use Tools to Track Income & Limits
Using platforms like LeaseRunner helps landlords follow rent rules. It automates compliance tracking and keeps tenant and rent data secure.
How to Use the 3x Rent Rule Even in Controlled Areas
Despite rent control laws by the state, tenant screening remains critical. Applying the 3x rent rule ensures tenants’ income is at least three times the rent, lowering default risk.
Who controls rent prices sets the maximum rent. However, good tenant vetting is the best practice for landlords. LeaseRunner assists with discreet income verification for this purpose.
Final Thoughts
What states have rent control reflects more than geography; they represent part of a changing regulatory environment in 2025. California, Oregon, and Washington all have state laws in place that allow state cities to enact local rent control laws.
Federal rent control is in a proposal, not a law. Landlords who understand the state rent control laws can stay compliant. LeaseRunner can help landlords manage their properties, thus staying in compliance and promoting their rental income. It can also promote a good relationship with your tenants as rent regulations change.
Lexy Summer is a talented writer with a deep passion for the art of language and storytelling. With a background in editing and content creation, Lexy has honed her skills in crafting clear, engaging, and grammatically flawless writing.
