Rent Increase Communication Evaluation Survey

Welcome to this survey about rent increase communication. We are interested in understanding how tenants experience and perceive rent increase notices from landlords or property managers. There are no right or wrong answers—we are simply interested in your honest opinions. This survey is voluntary and you may stop at any time. Your responses are confidential and will be reported only in aggregate. No individual responses will be shared with landlords or property managers. The survey should take approximately 6–8 minutes to complete. By continuing, you agree to participate in this research.

Do you currently rent your home?

• Yes
• No

In the past 12 months, have you received a rent increase for your current home?

• Yes
• No
• Not sure

How much advance notice did you receive before the rent increase took effect?

• Less than 30 days
• 30 days
• 45 days
• 60 days
• More than 60 days
• Don't remember

Approximately what percentage was your most recent rent increase?

• Less than 2%
• 2–4%
• 5–7%
• 8–10%
• 11–15%
• 16–20%
• More than 20%
• Don't remember

How was the rent increase communicated to you? Select all that apply.

• Email
• Postal letter
• Tenant portal or app
• Text message (SMS)
• Phone call
• In-person conversation
• Notice posted at property
• Other (please specify)

Rank your preferred ways to receive a rent increase notice (drag to reorder; top = most preferred).

1. Email
2. Postal letter
3. Tenant portal or app
4. Text message (SMS)
5. Phone call

How clear was the explanation provided for your most recent rent increase?

Overall, how fair do you feel your most recent rent increase was?

Please indicate how much you agree or disagree: The rent increase notice was easy to understand.

Please indicate how much you agree or disagree: I received enough advance notice before the increase.

Please indicate how much you agree or disagree: The reason for the rent increase was clearly explained.

Please indicate how much you agree or disagree: I knew who to contact if I had questions about the increase.

What information would have made the rent increase feel more transparent? Select all that apply.

• Breakdown of how the amount was determined
• Comparable rents in the area
• Specific reasons for the increase
• Who to contact and how to reach them
• Options for payment timing or assistance
• Timeline with key dates
• Longer advance notice
• Other (please specify)

What actions, if any, did you take in response to the rent increase? Select all that apply.

• Accepted without discussion
• Negotiated the amount or timing
• Asked questions for clarification
• Sought legal or tenant advice
• Filed a complaint
• Planned to move
• Moved because of the increase

How likely are you to renew your lease at your current rental?

What could landlords or property managers do to make rent increase communication feel more fair and transparent?

Based on your responses in this survey, please share any additional thoughts or feelings about how your rent increase was communicated.

How long have you been renting your current home?

• Less than 6 months
• 6–11 months
• 1–2 years
• 3–5 years
• 6–9 years
• 10+ years
• Prefer not to say

Who primarily manages your rental property?

• Individual owner
• Property management company
• Housing association / non-profit
• Government / public housing
• Not sure
• Prefer not to say

What is your age?

• 18–24
• 25–34
• 35–44
• 45–54
• 55–64
• 65+
• Prefer not to say

What is your gender? Select all that apply.

• Woman
• Man
• Non-binary / gender diverse
• Prefer not to say

In which country do you currently live?

• United States
• Canada
• United Kingdom
• Australia
• Other
• Prefer not to say

What is the highest level of education you have completed?

• Some high school
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Some college / technical
• Associate degree
• Bachelor's degree
• Graduate / professional degree
• Prefer not to say

Thank you for completing this survey. Your feedback will help improve how rent increases are communicated to tenants. Your responses are confidential and will be reported only in aggregate.