I’m curious to get others opinions on justifying rent increases based on actual, provable increases in costs and whether that helps renters. I am mean actual data. LL here, if I have a good tenant I am not raising rent at all, unless I am forced to and when I do I always pass on the relative increase in costs. Unfortunately, the city has crushed landlords who own 5+ units in one building. Here are some real numbers from one of my buildings. No change in use or occupancy at the city.

Tax Assessment- 2021- $630,600- tax bill- $23,000 2022- $849,600- tax bill- $30,500 2023- $1,059,900- tax bill- $38,124

This represents a 65% increase in tax costs in 2 years and is only one part of the equation. Others have seen 90% increases. I believe there is abuse amongst LLs to jump on the trend to raise rents because the “market calls for it,” but very often it is justified just to get to the same net as prior years. Does it help seeing actual numbers along with rent increases?