Rent control laws limit the amount a landlord can increase rents on existing tenants. Most states have laws that prohibit local governments from enacting rent control measures. But over 180 municipalities in the United States have rent control measures—and all of them are located in California, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington, D.C.
The state of Oregon has a statewide rent control law that limits annual rent increases to 7% plus the increase in the consumer price index.
In Texas, there are currently no rent control laws that limit the amount a landlord can increase rents on existing tenants. Texas state law specifically prohibits local governments from enacting rent control measures. This means that, unlike states such as California, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, and Washington, D.C., where certain municipalities or the state itself have implemented rent control regulations, Texas landlords are generally free to set and raise rent prices without legal limitations. However, landlords must still adhere to the terms of the lease and provide tenants with proper notice before increasing rent, as required by Texas law.
