California, Oregon, and Washington Implement Statewide Rent Increase Caps for 2026
As of 2026, California, Oregon, and Washington are the only U.S. states that have implemented statewide rent increase caps for most housing. California's cap ranges from 8.1% to 8.8% starting August 1, 2026, requiring a 30-day notice for increases up to 10%. Oregon's cap is 9.5% from January 1, 2026, with a 90-day notice requirement. Washington's cap is 9.7% from January 1, 2026, also requiring a 90-day notice. While these states have statewide limits, other states like New York and New Jersey allow rent control at the municipal level. In most other states, there is no percentage limit on rent increases, provided landlords meet notice period requirements and the increase is not retaliatory or discriminatory. The caps generally limit the total increase over any 12-month period, with specific rules regarding increases during the first year of a tenancy or within a fixed-term lease.