Rent Cap Ledger

Saint Paul · City ordinance

What's the maximum rent increase in Saint Paul for 2026?

3%

Official figure · checked Oct 17, 2026

Saint Paul limits rent increases to 3% in any 12-month period unless the landlord qualifies for an exception, such as self-certification for 3% to 8%.

In effect
Ongoing (fixed by ordinance, per 12 months)
Next change
No fixed date
Set by
Saint Paul Department of Safety and Inspections (DSI) · City ordinance
Last checked
October 17, 2026

Where 3% sits

A fixed limit of 3% in any 12-month period without City approval. Landlords can self-certify 3–8% or apply for more.

Standard (no City approval)3%Self-certification exception (upper bound)8%

§ 1 · The formula

How the Saint Paul cap is calculated

Fixed 3% per 12 months (exceptions by application)

Fixed by ordinance at 3% per 12 months. Exceptions: self-certification for 3–8% (evaluated annually), CPI + 8% after a just-cause vacancy, and staff determination with no limit when justified by a reasonable return on investment.

Law: Rent Stabilization Ordinance, Legislative Code ch. 193A.

§ 2 · Coverage

Who it covers, and who's exempt

Covered

  • Residential rental units in Saint Paul, unless exempt

Main exemptions & conditions

  • Newly constructed residential rental properties first issued a certificate of occupancy after December 31, 2004
  • Former non-residential buildings converted to residential rentals after December 31, 2004
  • Affordable housing whose rents are regulated by a government agreement
  • Government-owned units, short-stay hotels and motels, and licensed care facilities

§ 3 · Timing

Notice, and when it changes next

Notice: See the Minnesota Attorney General's Landlords and Tenants handbook for notice requirements.

Next change: No scheduled change: 3% is set by ordinance. The self-certification range is evaluated annually.

§ 4 · Sources

Official sources

  1. City of Saint Paul · headline figure Rent Stabilization ↗
    “Standard Allowable Increase without City approval: 3%”
    Last checked October 17, 2026 · stpaul.gov
  2. City of Saint Paul · exemptions Rules & Processes (2025) ↗
    “Newly constructed residential rental properties that were issued their first building certificate of occupancy after December 31, 2004.”
    Last checked October 17, 2026 · stpaul.gov

See something out of date? The methodology page explains how we check figures.

§ 5 · Questions

Frequently asked

What is the maximum rent increase in Saint Paul for 2026?

Saint Paul limits rent increases to 3% in any 12-month period unless the landlord qualifies for an exception, such as self-certification for 3% to 8%.

How is the Saint Paul rent cap calculated?

Fixed by ordinance at 3% per 12 months. Exceptions: self-certification for 3–8% (evaluated annually), CPI + 8% after a just-cause vacancy, and staff determination with no limit when justified by a reasonable return on investment.

Which rentals are exempt from the Saint Paul cap?

Newly constructed residential rental properties first issued a certificate of occupancy after December 31, 2004. Former non-residential buildings converted to residential rentals after December 31, 2004. Affordable housing whose rents are regulated by a government agreement.

When does the Saint Paul rent cap change next?

No scheduled change: 3% is set by ordinance. The self-certification range is evaluated annually.

Where does this Saint Paul figure come from?

From City of Saint Paul: “Rent Stabilization”, which we last checked on October 17, 2026. Always confirm with the agency before relying on it.

Same state

Other caps in Minnesota

Elsewhere

Other jurisdictions