Helping Tenants Understand Rent Increase with: The Binder Method

[Alessandro Di Luciano]

If you own a rent-controlled property, you may struggle with below-market rents. The Binder Method is a strategy that encourages tenants to request a rent increase by showing them real market data—creating a win-win situation.

How It Works:

1. Gather Market Data – Research comparable rental listings to document current market rents for similar units.

2. Show Homeownership Costs – Present the costs of purchasing a comparable property, including mortgage payments, taxes, insurance, and maintenance. This gives tenants a clearer picture of what it takes to own and maintain a rental unit.

3. Schedule a Meeting – Sit down with your tenant in a friendly, non-confrontational setting.

4. Present the Facts – Show the rental market data and ownership costs to illustrate the financial reality landlords face. Hand your tenants a physical binder with all of the information you have compiled for their review.

5. Let Them Decide – Many tenants, when presented with this information, recognize the gap between their rent and market value. Some will even suggest an increase to stay in their unit at a fair price.

By incorporating homeownership costs into the conversation, tenants gain a better understanding of why rent adjustments are necessary, making them more open to reasonable increases.

Would you try this approach? Let me know your thoughts!