Appropriate rent increase to catch up to market rates?

Appropriate rent increase to catch up to market rates?

Investor · Member since 2017 · 4 posts · 2 votes

I purchased a duplex in 2015. At the time, both units were leased at $450, which was low even for the area at that time. I've raised the rent a couple of times so the long-term tenant who was there when I bought the place and the other tenant who moved in in 2016 now each pay $600.  Over the past few years, the area has become very hot and with real estate prices up, comparable rents in the area are now around $1100.  My tenants are great, we have a good relationship, it's not my intention to gouge them, and I'd like to keep them. Both leases are up for renewal early next year (no, that wasn't planned and isn't preferable) so I want to give them a heads up before the holidays that rent will be going up. My question is, what's appropriate to be fair to them but also start moving closer to comps? $700 would still be a great deal for the area, but that's a ~17% jump and feels like it might be too much. $650 and let them know it will go up $50 every year for a while? 

I've read that a 2-3% annual increase is common and would probably land there once I get closer to market rates, but I'm so far below those right now that I'd never close the gap with that. I'm sure many others have managed through similar situations, and would appreciate your experience and advice.  

Thanks! 

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Coppell, TX · Member since 2015 · 485 posts · 310 votes
4y

Bring it to market value.  offer them the option to stay, but like @Taylor L.said, you shouldn't be subsidizing.

"Dear tenant, for the past couple of years we have been charging below market rent for your unit.  Unfortunately, due to increasing costs we need to increase the rent a substantial amount.  we appreciate your tenancy with us, and understand if you do not wish to renew, but we do hope you renew your lease with us.  The new rent will be 1,100."

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  • Real Estate Broker · Rochester Hills, MI · Member since 2009 · 2k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    4y

    What county and state are your homes in?

  • Rental Property Investor · RVA · Member since 2016 · 5k+ posts · 4k+ votes
    4y

    Charging fair market rent isn't gouging - by charging half of market rent, you're subsidizing their housing out of your own pocket. IMO you need to start with a clean slate. 

    There have been many threads on this type of topic over time. Most small landlords end up with these difficulties because emotion gets in the way. Their investment business is not run like a business. I have never managed my own properties because, frankly, I can easily see myself winding up in exactly this same predicament.

    IMO - end the leases, hire a PM, and have the PM run your property. You should have more than enough upside in the rents to pay for a PM and still net more than you are right now. Plus you'll get your time back so you can look for the next deal!

  • Coppell, TX · Member since 2015 · 485 posts · 310 votes
    4y

    Bring it to market value.  offer them the option to stay, but like @Taylor L.said, you shouldn't be subsidizing.

    "Dear tenant, for the past couple of years we have been charging below market rent for your unit.  Unfortunately, due to increasing costs we need to increase the rent a substantial amount.  we appreciate your tenancy with us, and understand if you do not wish to renew, but we do hope you renew your lease with us.  The new rent will be 1,100."

  • Theresa HarrisPro Member
    Member since 2019 · 15k+ posts · 11k+ votes
    4y

    Find out if there are restrictions on how much you can increase rent in your area.  I'd talk to them and tell them costs have gone up and their rent will increase as well.  They probably know they have great deal and will be fine with an increase (perhaps not to market rent). 

  • Rental Property Investor · Boston, MA · Member since 2019 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    4y

    @Tracy M. $100-200 a year

  • Real Estate Broker · Rochester Hills, MI · Member since 2009 · 2k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    4y

    Theresa is spot on and that is why I asked what county/state the house/homes are in.  Some places have restrictions on the % you can raise rent.  Everyone saying raise it X Y or Z are really giving you terrible advice.  You have to know the law first.  if there is no restriction then you can have that discussion, but never before. 

  • Rental Property Investor · Portland OR · Member since 2018 · 2k+ posts · 3k+ votes
    4y

    what does your local law say about annual increases?   If both move and you have to rent both out and they sit vacant for 2-4 weeks each how much would you of "saved" by not raising the rent so much that the tenants leave?  You need to calculate all scenarios.....   also if they leave how much will you have to spend to bring the units up to prime to bring top rent?  also where are they now - how can you charge top rent for a unit that has not been renovated in x years?   

    So many things to consider.....    

  • Investor · The Creek, WV · Member since 2014 · 890 posts · 1k+ votes
    4y

    I would raise them both to a little below market rent in hopes they stay. So if market rent is $1,100 then I would raise the rent to around $950-$1,000/month. This way they are still getting a good deal and might actually stay. 

    If they leave then just raise the rents to the full market rent of $1,100. It's a win win all the way around. At the end of the day this is business. 

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