Is there rent control in Mesa Arizona?

[Robert Vorhies]

I am look to purchase a duplex in the city of Mesa Arizona and the currently tenants are only paying $500 and $600 per month. The going rate for the area is about $1100-$1300 per month.

when I purchase this property can I give a notice of increase of rent after 30 days or does the city of Mesa have a some form of rent control? Or is that just bad form to double the tenants rent?

thank you in advance for your help.

[Linette Woodland]

@Robert Vorhies There is not rent control in Mesa, but you would need to follow the lease they have in place. If they have a one year lease you could raise rent at the end of that term. 

If I’m going to raise rent more than a little I like to give at least 6 weeks notice, although only 30 days is required. When I inherit tenants at a low rent I generally increase rent $200 and see what they do. I don’t raise all rents at the same time since I don’t want a vacant building. I just bought in Glendale with 4 units all paying $620. As each 1 year lease expires I raise them to $820. So far 2 have expired and both tenants stayed at the new price. I figured that if they left I would get about $900, but have to put money in. Good luck!