Idaho Bans Local Rent Control

Effective July 1, 2025, Idaho Code 55-306 states that "a local governmental unit shall not enact, maintain, or enforce an ordinance or resolution that would have the effect of mandating Idaho property owners to be forced to participate in an optional federal housing assistance program or any other program or law that would otherwise regulate rent, fees, or deposits charged for leasing private residential property." A cross-reference appears in Idaho Code 55-304(2). The law does not impair a local government's right to manage residential property in which it holds a property interest. Idaho has no statewide rent cap; landlords need only give 30 days' written notice of a rent increase under Idaho Code 55-304. No Idaho municipality operates rent control.

A local rent control ordinance would be preempted and unenforceable under Idaho Code 55-306; a property owner could challenge it in court to have the measure struck down. The statute fixes no fine, but preemption renders any conflicting local rule void.