Depending on where you live, your landlord has certain rights when it comes to raising your rent. You, as a renter, also have rights guaranteed by the city, state or country you live in. For instance, some areas publish booklets on renter’s rights that are free to anyone who request one. These booklets clearly state the legal amount that your landlord can raise your rent every year. The average is usually between 3 and 4 percent yearly, although those numbers can vary. Let’s look at a few places you can look for renting rights in your area.

Your best resource is going to be the Internet. Do a simple Google search for your area, such as “California renter’s rights” or “Michigan renter’s rights” to see if there is an official web page with updated and correct information. The link provided will often come with a phone number you can call, but be warned, many of these grass roots organizations are staffed strictly with volunteers who may not really know that much, so you have may have to call over and over again to get someone.

You can also try your Housing and Urban Development office in your state or city. They may have some information on the legal rights and responsibilities landlords and renters have in your area. In most cases, a landlord can not raise your rent more than once in a year, and there are caps on how much rent can be raised, especially if you live in a rent controlled area, such as Manhattan. The phone book can also be a great resource for those looking to learn about renter’s rights. Even if you know the limits on how much your landlord can raise your rent, it might be worth it to order a new copy of your local renter’s rights booklet to have on hand in case a problem ever comes up between you and your landlord.