Standardizing Rent Increases and Its Impact on Small Landlords

As debates continue over rent control, a conversation emerges about defining what constitutes a ‘reasonable’ rent increase. Setting a specific definition not only limits landlord behavior but also standardizes it across the board.

June 3, 2026 at 1:54 p.m. EDT — A bustling street in the East Village showcases the vibrancy of New York City. On May 11, 2026, as captured by Spencer Platt of Getty Images, pedestrians move past towering apartment buildings, a staple of urban living.

Published by the Manhattan Institute, City Journal delves into urban policy matters.

My experience as a small New York landlord spans over a decade. I have established personal connections with my tenants, knowing them by name. Traditionally, my approach mirrored that of many small landlords, emphasizing flexibility and discretion. Like others, I hesitated to increase rents steeply, especially when dealing with reliable tenants and good neighbors.

The landscape of rent control is shifting. As lawmakers propose firm definitions of ‘reasonable’ rent increases, the operating procedures of small landlords face potential transformation.