Key Takeaways
- Massachusetts ranks #1 for renters due to strict landlord laws, good eviction notice periods, and strong healthcare, education, and job opportunities.
- Connecticut and Rhode Island are also some of the most tenant-friendly states, with low eviction rates, affordable deposits, and high quality of life.
- States like Minnesota, New York, and Oregon stand out for strong tenant protections, clear landlord requirements, and quick deposit return times.
- Affordability plays a big role—states like South Dakota and Iowa have low rent-to-income ratios and low eviction activity.
- Recent legal updates in Arizona and consistent rules in Nebraska support tenants with clear timelines for rent increases, repairs, and deposit returns.
Looking for a place to rent but want to make sure you get the best bang for your buck? Also, are you wondering where you should go to guarantee that your prospective property meets certain requirements, like having a swift deposit return time, a fair deposit amount, and strong repair policies?
Well, we’ve done the research so you don’t have to and found the 10 most renter-friendly states in the US. Using reliable sources from government websites, plus data from our own archives, we analyzed nine different data points for all 50 US states and gave each one a score out of 50 for each area.
If you’re a landlord, these states are also considered some of the least landlord-friendly states. To find out more about states that work best for renting property, you can check out our article on the top 10 landlord-friendly states.
However, if you’re a tenant, keep reading to find out which states are best for tenants across the United States to apply for a lease.
Top 10 Tenant-Friendly States
Who made it onto the most renter-friendly US state list? Our research originally included the 25 best states to rent in, but we decided to focus on on the top 10 due to their scoring results.
1. Massachusetts
Despite Massachusetts being the sixth-smallest state by land area, it comes in first for being the best place to rent. This is for a multitude of reasons. For example, Massachusetts has a large number of rental properties available and also has strict landlord requirements and laws.
The state also ranked highest for termination notice for violations, giving the tenant 14 days to pay rent or move before the landlord can file for eviction.
Massachusetts also has a reputation for political and social progressivism and cultural diversity, which is why it’s a perfect place to live for those looking to improve their quality of life. Plus, the state has great healthcare, an impressive job market, and is a hub of opportunity.
2. Connecticut
Neighboring Massachusetts in southern New England is Connecticut - the state that had the second least eviction notices and ranked number two for its excellent repair policies.
Connecticut also has one of the highest quality of life rankings in the US and low crime rates, which no doubt contributes to the former. In terms of education, Connecticut has highly ranked institutions, with high schools and college graduation rates being higher than average.
3. Rhode Island
Like Connecticut, Rhode Island had a lower number of eviction notice downloads, with only one eviction being reported in 2023. It also came in third for the amount of deposit needed, with tenants only being required to pay one month in advance.
According to the latest data from Eviction Lab, just 6,211 evictions were recorded from March 2024 to February 2025.
At its core, life in Rhode Island is laid back and easy. It’s the perfect location for those who are seeking a unique coastal lifestyle but still want access to larger cities and bustling culture.
4. Minnesota
Renting-wise, Minnesote is ideal for setting up roots in due to its eight landlord-tenant laws and its generous - and longer - notice period than other states.
Meanwhile, Minnesota has a high quality of life thanks to its excellent healthcare system, quality education, a strong sense of community, and, of course, its natural beauty.
5. New York
You might be surprised to find New York so high up on the renter-friendly list, considering it’s one of the most famous locations in the world.
However, with a good number of properties available to rent, plus a quick turnaround time of 14 days in terms of deposit refunds, New York has proved itself to be an all-rounder when looking for a place to live.
Whether you’re living in NYC or somewhere upstate, you can also benefit from good cause eviction laws in your local area that can protect you from discriminatory practices.
6. Oregon
Oregon scored the highest out of all the states for the number of landlord requirements and laws, giving the location legitimacy in terms of renting. The state also ranked well for rent control laws, coming in second just short of California.
But a positive renting reputation isn’t Oregon’s only great asset - it’s also a unique state that’s often defined by the contrasting landscapes.
The state also has a strong, thriving economy and is home to a slew of different industries, including education, technology, and healthcare. As of February 2025, Oregon has a relatively low unemployment rate of 4.5%, coupled with a median household income, which is a little higher than the national average.
7. South Dakota
Located in the North Central region of the US, South Dakota is part of the Great Plains.
Residents find South Dakota a great place to live because of its rental requirements. Not only does the state provide a fair deposit return time (14 days if there are no deductions, 45 days if there are deductions) (§43-32-24), but the rent is extremely affordable as well.
With an average monthly charge of $761 against an average monthly wage of $4,158, South Dakota’s rent prices as a % of income equate to 18.30%.
8. Arizona
Arizona is considered a renter-friendly state due to its balanced landlord-tenant laws that provide protections for both parties. Recent updates in 2024 include requirements for landlords to give tenants a minimum notice period of 30 days for rent increases and 10 days for eviction notices due to lease violations.
The state also mandates that security deposits cannot exceed one and a half months' rent, offering financial protection to tenants. Additionally, landlords are required to make necessary repairs promptly, enhancing tenant living conditions.
These laws help guarantee a fair rental environment, reflecting Arizona's commitment to tenant rights while maintaining landlord interests.
9. Iowa
There are multiple benefits to renting in Iowa - the first being that the average rent price is $806 while the average monthly income is $4,460. Meanwhile, in 2023, only five eviction notice downloads were recorded.
Meanwhile, it has a low employment rate, is one of the top educational performers in terms of schools and universities, and has a diversified economy thanks to finance, manufacturing, biotechnology, agricultural, and insurance industries.
10. Nebraska
Nebraska is another model state to rent in thanks to its short deposit return time (14 days after the tenant moves out) and the deposit amount needed: one month’s rent, excluding pet fees.
The state has a vast agricultural landscape and also encompasses the prairies of the Great Plains, like its neighboring state, South Dakota. In Nebraska, you’ll find a combination of job opportunities, affordability, quality education, cultural richness, and friendly residents who will be ready to welcome you with a warm smile.
Other renter-friendly states
The other states that made it onto the renter-friendly list are:
- North Dakota
- Kansas
- Maine
- Wisconsin
- Pennsylvania
- Alabama
- Washington
- New Mexico
- Colorado
- New Jersey
- Michigan
- New Hampshire
- Ohio
- North Carolina
- Tennessee
So, where will you set down your renting roots?
What Data Areas Were Used To Calculate the Scores?
The nine data areas that we used to calculate the scores were as follows. Also included is how each state ranked, so depending on what you value the most, you can make a more informed renting decision. Please note that this data was collected in 2023.
No. rental properties available per capita
(The higher the number, the better the score)
Top 5 states: Florida, Massachusetts, Nevada, Colorado and Arizona.
Rent prices as a % of income
(The lower the number, the better the score)
Top 5 states: Ohio, North Dakota, West Virginia, Iowa and Kentucky.
Eviction notices by state
(A lower number of evictions meant a better score)
Top 5 states: North Dakota, Connecticut, Rhode Island, South Dakota and Iowa.
Deposit amount needed
(The lower the deposit needed, the better the score)
Top 5 states: Alabama, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, South Dakota and Hawaii.
Deposit return time
(The shorter the deposit return time, the better the score)
Top 5 states: Arizona, Hawaii, Nebraska, New York and South Dakota.
Repair policies
(The stronger the repair policies were, and if the state allowed the use of the repair and deduct policy, the better the score)
Top 5 states: Arizona, Connecticut, Georgia, Hawaii and Nevada.
Landlord requirements/laws
(The more laws for landlords, the better the score)
Top 5 states: Oregon, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada and California.
Rent control laws
(States with rent control laws received a higher score, and those without a lower score)
Top 5 states: California, Oregon, Maine, Maryland and New Jersey.
Termination notice for violations
(The longer the notice period, the higher the score)
Top 5 states: Massachusetts, Minnesota, Tennessee, Vermont and Washington.
Helpful Resources
No. Rental properties Available - Zillow
Rent prices - Wordpopulationreview
Repair policies - Fitsmallbusiness
Least requirements from landlords - Avail
Table of Contents:
Table of Contents:
Key Takeaways
- Massachusetts ranks #1 for renters due to strict landlord laws, good eviction notice periods, and strong healthcare, education, and job opportunities.
- Connecticut and Rhode Island are also some of the most tenant-friendly states, with low eviction rates, affordable deposits, and high quality of life.
- States like Minnesota, New York, and Oregon stand out for strong tenant protections, clear landlord requirements, and quick deposit return times.
- Affordability plays a big role—states like South Dakota and Iowa have low rent-to-income ratios and low eviction activity.
- Recent legal updates in Arizona and consistent rules in Nebraska support tenants with clear timelines for rent increases, repairs, and deposit returns.
Looking for a place to rent but want to make sure you get the best bang for your buck? Also, are you wondering where you should go to guarantee that your prospective property meets certain requirements, like having a swift deposit return time, a fair deposit amount, and strong repair policies?
Well, we’ve done the research so you don’t have to and found the 10 most renter-friendly states in the US. Using reliable sources from government websites, plus data from our own archives, we analyzed nine different data points for all 50 US states and gave each one a score out of 50 for each area.
If you’re a landlord, these states are also considered some of the least landlord-friendly states. To find out more about states that work best for renting property, you can check out our article on the top 10 landlord-friendly states.
However, if you’re a tenant, keep reading to find out which states are best for tenants across the United States to apply for a lease.
Top 10 Tenant-Friendly States
Who made it onto the most renter-friendly US state list? Our research originally included the 25 best states to rent in, but we decided to focus on on the top 10 due to their scoring results.
1. Massachusetts
Despite Massachusetts being the sixth-smallest state by land area, it comes in first for being the best place to rent. This is for a multitude of reasons. For example, Massachusetts has a large number of rental properties available and also has strict landlord requirements and laws.
The state also ranked highest for termination notice for violations, giving the tenant 14 days to pay rent or move before the landlord can file for eviction.
Massachusetts also has a reputation for political and social progressivism and cultural diversity, which is why it’s a perfect place to live for those looking to improve their quality of life. Plus, the state has great healthcare, an impressive job market, and is a hub of opportunity.
2. Connecticut
Neighboring Massachusetts in southern New England is Connecticut - the state that had the second least eviction notices and ranked number two for its excellent repair policies.
Connecticut also has one of the highest quality of life rankings in the US and low crime rates, which no doubt contributes to the former. In terms of education, Connecticut has highly ranked institutions, with high schools and college graduation rates being higher than average.
3. Rhode Island
Like Connecticut, Rhode Island had a lower number of eviction notice downloads, with only one eviction being reported in 2023. It also came in third for the amount of deposit needed, with tenants only being required to pay one month in advance.
According to the latest data from Eviction Lab, just 6,211 evictions were recorded from March 2024 to February 2025.
At its core, life in Rhode Island is laid back and easy. It’s the perfect location for those who are seeking a unique coastal lifestyle but still want access to larger cities and bustling culture.
4. Minnesota
Renting-wise, Minnesote is ideal for setting up roots in due to its eight landlord-tenant laws and its generous - and longer - notice period than other states.
Meanwhile, Minnesota has a high quality of life thanks to its excellent healthcare system, quality education, a strong sense of community, and, of course, its natural beauty.
5. New York
You might be surprised to find New York so high up on the renter-friendly list, considering it’s one of the most famous locations in the world.
However, with a good number of properties available to rent, plus a quick turnaround time of 14 days in terms of deposit refunds, New York has proved itself to be an all-rounder when looking for a place to live.
Whether you’re living in NYC or somewhere upstate, you can also benefit from good cause eviction laws in your local area that can protect you from discriminatory practices.
6. Oregon
Oregon scored the highest out of all the states for the number of landlord requirements and laws, giving the location legitimacy in terms of renting. The state also ranked well for rent control laws, coming in second just short of California.
But a positive renting reputation isn’t Oregon’s only great asset - it’s also a unique state that’s often defined by the contrasting landscapes.
The state also has a strong, thriving economy and is home to a slew of different industries, including education, technology, and healthcare. As of February 2025, Oregon has a relatively low unemployment rate of 4.5%, coupled with a median household income, which is a little higher than the national average.
7. South Dakota
Located in the North Central region of the US, South Dakota is part of the Great Plains.
Residents find South Dakota a great place to live because of its rental requirements. Not only does the state provide a fair deposit return time (14 days if there are no deductions, 45 days if there are deductions) (§43-32-24), but the rent is extremely affordable as well.
With an average monthly charge of $761 against an average monthly wage of $4,158, South Dakota’s rent prices as a % of income equate to 18.30%.
8. Arizona
Arizona is considered a renter-friendly state due to its balanced landlord-tenant laws that provide protections for both parties. Recent updates in 2024 include requirements for landlords to give tenants a minimum notice period of 30 days for rent increases and 10 days for eviction notices due to lease violations.
The state also mandates that security deposits cannot exceed one and a half months' rent, offering financial protection to tenants. Additionally, landlords are required to make necessary repairs promptly, enhancing tenant living conditions.
These laws help guarantee a fair rental environment, reflecting Arizona's commitment to tenant rights while maintaining landlord interests.
9. Iowa
There are multiple benefits to renting in Iowa - the first being that the average rent price is $806 while the average monthly income is $4,460. Meanwhile, in 2023, only five eviction notice downloads were recorded.
Meanwhile, it has a low employment rate, is one of the top educational performers in terms of schools and universities, and has a diversified economy thanks to finance, manufacturing, biotechnology, agricultural, and insurance industries.
10. Nebraska
Nebraska is another model state to rent in thanks to its short deposit return time (14 days after the tenant moves out) and the deposit amount needed: one month’s rent, excluding pet fees.
The state has a vast agricultural landscape and also encompasses the prairies of the Great Plains, like its neighboring state, South Dakota. In Nebraska, you’ll find a combination of job opportunities, affordability, quality education, cultural richness, and friendly residents who will be ready to welcome you with a warm smile.
Other renter-friendly states
The other states that made it onto the renter-friendly list are:
- North Dakota
- Kansas
- Maine
- Wisconsin
- Pennsylvania
- Alabama
- Washington
- New Mexico
- Colorado
- New Jersey
- Michigan
- New Hampshire
- Ohio
- North Carolina
- Tennessee
So, where will you set down your renting roots?
What Data Areas Were Used To Calculate the Scores?
The nine data areas that we used to calculate the scores were as follows. Also included is how each state ranked, so depending on what you value the most, you can make a more informed renting decision. Please note that this data was collected in 2023.
No. rental properties available per capita
(The higher the number, the better the score)
Top 5 states: Florida, Massachusetts, Nevada, Colorado and Arizona.
Rent prices as a % of income
(The lower the number, the better the score)
Top 5 states: Ohio, North Dakota, West Virginia, Iowa and Kentucky.
Eviction notices by state
(A lower number of evictions meant a better score)
Top 5 states: North Dakota, Connecticut, Rhode Island, South Dakota and Iowa.
Deposit amount needed
(The lower the deposit needed, the better the score)
Top 5 states: Alabama, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, South Dakota and Hawaii.
Deposit return time
(The shorter the deposit return time, the better the score)
Top 5 states: Arizona, Hawaii, Nebraska, New York and South Dakota.
Repair policies
(The stronger the repair policies were, and if the state allowed the use of the repair and deduct policy, the better the score)
Top 5 states: Arizona, Connecticut, Georgia, Hawaii and Nevada.
Landlord requirements/laws
(The more laws for landlords, the better the score)
Top 5 states: Oregon, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada and California.
Rent control laws
(States with rent control laws received a higher score, and those without a lower score)
Top 5 states: California, Oregon, Maine, Maryland and New Jersey.
Termination notice for violations
(The longer the notice period, the higher the score)
Top 5 states: Massachusetts, Minnesota, Tennessee, Vermont and Washington.
Helpful Resources
No. Rental properties Available - Zillow
Rent prices - Wordpopulationreview
Repair policies - Fitsmallbusiness
Least requirements from landlords - Avail
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