Idaho’s rental market is known for its flexibility, with laws that generally favor landlords but still provide essential protections for tenants. As of 2025, understanding the key rules around rent increases is crucial for anyone renting in the state.
No Statewide Rent Control or Caps
Idaho does not have statewide rent control. This means there are no legal limits on how much a landlord can increase rent for most rental properties. Landlords can raise rent to match market rates at the end of a lease or during a month-to-month tenancy, provided they follow the required notice procedures.
Some cities-such as Boise, Moscow, Sandpoint, and Hailey-have limited rent control ordinances for certain affordable or low-income housing units. These local rules usually tie rent increases to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and apply only to a small subset of subsidized rentals. For the vast majority of Idaho renters, however, there are no caps on rent increases.
Notice Requirements for Rent Increases
While there is no limit on the amount of a rent increase, Idaho law does require landlords to provide written notice before raising the rent:
- Month-to-Month Leases: Landlords must give at least 15 to 30 days’ written notice before a rent increase takes effect, depending on the lease and local ordinances.
- Fixed-Term Leases: Rent cannot be increased during the term of a fixed lease unless the lease explicitly allows for it. Any increase for a renewal must be communicated 30–60 days before the end of the lease.
- Mobile Home Parks: Special rules apply, requiring 90 days’ written notice for rent increases, and increases must be uniform among similar homes in the community.
The notice must specify the new rental amount, the effective date, and any other changes to the lease. Verbal notification is not sufficient-written notice is mandatory.
How Rent Increases Must Be Delivered
Landlords must deliver notice of a rent increase in writing, either in person, by registered mail, or by posting it on the property if the tenant refuses to accept it. This creates a record and helps prevent disputes.
Frequency of Rent Increases
There is no statewide restriction on how often a landlord can increase rent, but for mobile home parks, the law prohibits amending the rental agreement or rules more than once every six months1. For other rentals, frequency is typically governed by the lease agreement.
Prohibited Practices: Retaliation and Discrimination
Landlords cannot increase rent as retaliation for a tenant exercising legal rights (such as filing a complaint) or in a discriminatory manner (based on race, religion, national origin, sex, disability, or family status). Such actions are illegal under both Idaho law and the federal Fair Housing Act.
Other Fees and Deposits
Idaho law does not cap security deposits or additional fees (such as pet rent or application fees). However, any fee that exceeds the monthly rent must be clearly stated in the lease, and all fees must be “reasonable” and related to actual costs.
Tenant Rights and Recourse
If a landlord fails to provide proper notice or increases rent in a retaliatory or discriminatory way, tenants may have grounds to dispute the increase. Tenants can contact Idaho Legal Aid, the Office of the Attorney General, or local housing authorities for assistance.
Key Takeaways for Idaho Tenants in 2025
- There is no statewide rent control; landlords can raise rent by any amount after proper notice.
- Written notice (15–30 days for most rentals, 90 days for mobile home parks) is required before a rent increase.
- Rent cannot be increased during a fixed-term lease unless the lease allows it.
- Increases must not be retaliatory or discriminatory.
- Security deposits and fees are not capped but must be reasonable and disclosed in the lease.
- Tenants should review their lease, stay informed about local ordinances, and seek legal help if their rights are violated.
Understanding these laws can help Idaho tenants plan for rent changes, negotiate with landlords, and protect their housing rights in a dynamic rental market.
Sources:
- https://legislature.idaho.gov/wp-content/uploads/sessioninfo/2025/legislation/S1043.pdf
- https://www.hemlane.com/resources/idaho-rent-control-laws/
- https://www.steadily.com/blog/how-much-can-a-landlord-raise-rent-in-idaho
- https://www.landlordstudio.com/landlord-tenant-laws/idaho-landlord-tenant-laws
- https://www.doorloop.com/laws/idaho-landlord-tenant-rights
