Rent Increase Fairness Checker
Why we use one source, and why trackers disagree
The main comparison here is Apartment List's National Rent Report for September 2026: a national median rent of $1,388 and rents 0.4% lower than a year earlier. Apartment List measures rents on new leases, not renewals. Apartments.com's report for the same month shows asking rents up 1.5% year over year, at an average of $1,752. The two differ because they use different listings, definitions, and methods, so no single national number is "the" rent growth.
National averages also hide a lot of variation between cities and neighbourhoods. Some states and cities limit how much rent can rise at renewal, and some require advance notice; check your state or local housing agency for the rules where you live. This tool does not give legal advice.
The "fair" labels are simple comparisons with national averages, not a legal or market appraisal of your unit.
Enter your current rent and the renewal price to see the percentage increase and how it compares with national rent growth from two trackers, with clear notes on why trackers disagree.
How it works
- Enter your current monthly rent and the new rent your landlord is asking
- See the percentage increase and the extra cost per month and per year
- Compare it with national rent growth from Apartment List and Apartments.com for September 2026
Frequently asked questions
Which national numbers does it use?
Apartment List's September 2026 National Rent Report: a median rent of $1,388 and rents down 0.4% from a year earlier. It also shows Apartments.com's September 2026 report for contrast: asking rents up 1.5% at an average of $1,752.
Why do the two trackers disagree?
They use different listings, definitions and methods. Apartment List measures rents on new leases, not renewals, while Apartments.com reports asking rents on its own listings. No single national number is the rent growth.
Is my increase legal?
This tool does not give legal advice. Some states and cities cap how much rent can rise at renewal or require advance notice, while many places have no cap. Check your state or local housing agency for the rules where you live.
Does a national average say anything about my city?
Only roughly. Local markets can run far above or below the national figure, so compare similar listings near you as well.
Related tools
From the blog
Update history
- 2026-10-02 Launched: compare a rent renewal increase with national rent growth from Apartment List and Apartments.com (September 2026).