St. Paul rent stabilization: the 3% cap
Allowed increase for covered units: 3% (since May 1, 2022).
Checked against the official St. Paul sources on November 8, 2026. Last site change: November 8, 2026 (changelog).
How the increase is set
A flat 3% in any 12-month period, not tied to inflation, also across tenant turnover. Exceptions: self-certification for 3%–8%, staff determination above that based on net operating income, and up to CPI + 8% after a just-cause vacancy.
What else to know
- New construction: buildings that received their first certificate of occupancy after December 31, 2004 are exempt (fixed cutoff since June 2025; it replaced the rolling 20-year exemption).
- When a landlord applies for an exception, the city notifies tenants; tenants have 45 days to appeal.
Example
On a rent of $2,000 the most a covered unit can go up is $60, to $2,060 a month.
Which units are covered?
All residential rental units in Saint Paul except the listed exemptions (new construction as above, among others).
Notice
The ordinance itself sets no extra notice for increases up to 3%; Minnesota's general notice rules and the lease apply. See also notice rules by state.
Sources: City of Saint Paul: rent stabilization · Rules and processes