If you’re renting in Idaho, understanding the state’s rent increase laws is essential to protect your rights and avoid any surprises. In 2025, there are specific rules and regulations landlords must follow when raising rents. Here’s what tenants need to know about Idaho’s rent increase laws, including notice periods, frequency of increases, and tenant protections.
No Statewide Rent Control
Idaho does not have statewide rent control. This means that landlords can raise rent by any amount they choose, as there is no state-imposed cap on rent increases for most residential properties. However, some exceptions exist:
Cities like Boise may have limited rent control, but this generally applies to affordable housing units that are income-restricted, not to most other rental properties.
Notice Requirements
Landlords are required to provide written notice before any rent increase takes effect. The amount of notice depends on the type of lease:
Month-to-Month Leases: Landlords must give at least 30 days’ written notice before raising rent.
Mobile Home Parks: Landlords must provide 90 days’ written notice for rent increases.
Fixed-Term Leases: Rent cannot be increased until the lease expires, unless the lease specifically allows for mid-term rent increases.
The notice must be clear and delivered in writing, either by mail or in person.
Frequency and Uniformity of Increases
While there is no state law limiting how often rent can be raised, many landlords tend to increase rent annually or at the end of a lease term. For mobile home communities, there are additional rules:
Rent increases must be uniform among similar homes or lots.
Rent increases cannot occur more than once every six months in these communities.
Tenant Protections
Idaho law provides some important protections for tenants when it comes to rent increases:
Anti-Discrimination: Rent increases cannot be used as a way to discriminate against tenants based on race, gender, religion, family status, or other protected classes.
Anti-Retaliation: Landlords cannot raise rent in retaliation for a tenant exercising their legal rights, such as filing complaints about housing code violations or requesting repairs.
Lease Terms: Always review your lease agreement carefully, as it may contain additional requirements or restrictions regarding rent increases that go beyond state law.
Local Ordinances
Some Idaho cities have their own local ordinances that may restrict rent increases for affordable housing units. In some cases, these ordinances may limit increases to the rate of inflation or the Consumer Price Index. However, such ordinances are rare and typically apply only to a small subset of rental properties.
What Tenants Should Do
To ensure you’re fully informed and prepared, here are steps you can take:
Review Your Lease: Check for any clauses about rent increases and ensure you understand your landlord’s requirements.
Ensure Proper Notice: If you receive a notice of a rent increase, make sure it meets the legal notice period required for your lease type.
Seek Help if Needed: If you believe a rent increase is discriminatory, retaliatory, or unlawful, contact local tenant advocacy organizations or legal aid for guidance and assistance.
Negotiate or Prepare: Use the notice period as an opportunity to negotiate with your landlord, or prepare alternative housing arrangements if the increase is unaffordable or unreasonable.
Sources:
1. https://www.hemlane.com/resources/idaho-rent-control-laws/
2. https://www.steadily.com/blog/how-much-can-a-landlord-raise-rent-in-idaho
3. https://www.steadily.com/blog/mid-term-rental-laws-regulations-idaho
4. https://www.steadily.com/blog/rent-increase-laws-regulations-idaho
