When we refer to rent control we mean a scheme created by statute or ordinance that limits the amount by which landlords may increase the amounts they charge for the use and occupancy of their property as a residence by tenants.  In addition, such schemes may do, and always do in some cases, one or more of the following:

• limit the frequency of rent increases,

• regulate the timing of rent increases,

• regulate reductions in services offered in connection with rentals of residences,

• allow for one-time decontrol of rent upon vacancy of a unit,

• permit special rent increases in extraordinary circumstances such as renovation or improvement of a unit or building,

• limit the grounds on which a landlord may evict a tenant, and

• mandate more or less elaborate arbitration or mediation procedures to adjudicate or settle disputes about the application of the ordinance or statute to the parties.

We exclude commercial rent control and mobile home space rent control from the materials included in the following chart.

This chart is designed to answer the two leading questions asked by landlords and tenants alike when the words “Rent Control” are pronounced: 

• Am I covered by rent control?

• If I am, how much can I (or my landlord) raise the rent, and by how much?

The links are an integral part of this chart.  They are not just add-ons.  Follow them to get the full degree of information we have available here for you. 

Caveat:  This chart is as complete as we could make it, and we will make every effort to see that it remains up to date, but situations can change on a day to day basis.  If you are making a serious decision based on whether a property is under rent control or not, then call your city or county government to ask questions.  That is why we included the column titled “U.S. City and County Government Links.”  Based on the information obtained from this chart, you will be able to ask the right questions and get definitive answers. 

State:  The level of analysis is on a state by state basis.  Local laws and agencies are linked, where available and relevant. 

Has Cities…:  “Yes” identifies each state which has at least one jurisdiction we have been able to identify that has a rent control law, and includes a link to the municipality's or municipalities' responsible entity.  If we say “None,” we mean “None that we can find.”  It is impossible to prove a negative, so we have searched each state for an instance of rent control, and this search has turned up nothing. 

Prohibits or exempts…:  Yes denotes a state that has prohibited or set certain qualifications for rent control.  Note, New York’s rent control laws are all state administered. 

Has no…:  “Yes” identifies states with no municipalities that have rent control that we have been able to identify at the time of the preparation of this chart.  See the caveat in the introductory statement. 

U.S. City and County…:  This column links to an index to the city and county governments of your state, with all of the contact information necessary to reach responsible agencies who can verify your conclusions or provide further information.]