Team First Property Management Blog

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Introduction

Raising rent is one of the most sensitive — and important — parts of being a landlord. Do it too soon, and you risk losing great tenants. Wait too long, and your profits shrink.

At Team First Property Management, we help Green Bay landlords navigate rent increases strategically — staying compliant with Wisconsin laws while keeping tenants satisfied. Here’s how to decide when to raise rent, how much, and how to do it right.

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1. Follow Wisconsin’s Legal Requirements

Wisconsin law doesn’t set a statewide rent control, but it does require proper notice.

• For month-to-month leases: You must provide at least 28 days’ written notice before the new rent takes effect.
• For fixed-term leases: You can only raise rent at renewal, with written notice before the current lease ends.

Tip: Always communicate increases in writing and keep records for compliance.

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2. Watch the Green Bay Market

Before raising rent, review local market trends. If comparable units nearby are renting for more, you may be underpriced — but big jumps can backfire. Aim for 3–6% annual adjustments to stay competitive and fair.

At Team First, we conduct annual rent analyses for each property we manage to align pricing with current Green Bay market data.

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3. Consider Tenant Quality and Lease History

If you have reliable tenants who pay on time and take care of your property, a moderate or delayed increase might make sense. Keeping a great tenant is often more profitable than replacing them after a rent hike causes turnover.

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4. Offset Rising Costs — the Right Way

Property taxes, insurance, and maintenance costs often rise yearly. Instead of steep increases, consider incremental adjustments or improvements (like upgraded fixtures or added amenities) to justify the rent change.

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5. Communicate Early and Professionally

No tenant likes surprises. Notify tenants early, explain the reason for the increase, and show how the rent still reflects fair market value. Respectful communication builds trust and reduces turnover.

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Raising rent in Green Bay doesn’t have to feel uncomfortable — when done strategically, it’s a healthy part of maintaining your investment’s value.

At Team First Property Management, we help landlords make data-driven rent adjustments that protect relationships and ROI.

👉 Contact us today at (920) 328-5168 or info@teamfirstrents.com to learn how our market analysis and communication strategies make rent adjustments easy and effective.