Homeowners get mortgage interest deductions. Homeowners get capital gains exemptions. But renters? At the federal level, there’s nothing as your monthly rent payments don’t reduce your tax bill by a single dollar.
However, there’s good news: 23 states and Washington, D.C. have stepped in to fill that gap with renter tax credits, rebates, or deductions that can put real money back in your pocket at tax time. If you’re not claiming yours, you’re likely leaving money on the table.
Here’s a complete breakdown of every state that offers renter tax relief in 2026, how much you could get, and where to go to claim it.
What Is a Renter Tax Credit?
A renter tax credit is a state-level benefit that reduces the taxes you owe, or in some cases, sends you a direct check, based on the rent you paid during the year. Your landlord pays property taxes on the building you live in, and those costs are typically passed along to you through your rent. State renter credits acknowledge that indirect tax burden.
Programs generally fall into two categories:
- Tax credits reduce your state income tax liability dollar-for-dollar, and may boost your refund.
- Rebates are direct payments from the state, often available even if you owe little or no tax.
Eligibility varies by state, but most programs share a few common requirements: you must be a state resident, your name must be on the lease, the property must be subject to property taxes, you can’t be claimed as someone else’s dependent, and you must have lived in the state during the tax year. Some states add age, disability, or income requirements on top of that.
States with Renter Tax Credits in 2026
1. Arizona
Who qualifies: Renters aged 65 or older who meet income requirements and live in a property subject to property taxes.
Credit amount: Varies based on the percentage of rent attributable to property taxes (your landlord completes a certificate to help determine this).
Learn more: Arizona Department of Revenue — Property Tax Credit
2. California
Who qualifies: Renters who lived in California for at least half the year and earn under $53,994 (single filers) or $107,987 (joint filers/head of household).
Credit amount: $60 for single filers; $120 for joint filers, heads of household, or qualified widowers. Starting with the 2026 tax year, California is increasing this credit amount.
Learn more: California Franchise Tax Board — Renter’s Credit
3. Colorado
Who qualifies: Full-year Colorado residents who rent their primary residence within income restrictions. Seniors 65+, disabled residents, and those receiving rent/heat assistance may qualify for the full credit regardless of income.
Credit amount: Up to $1,178. This credit is available through the 2026 tax year.
Learn more: Colorado Department of Revenue — PTC Rebate
4. Connecticut
Who qualifies: Full-year Connecticut residents who are 65 or older, disabled, or surviving spouses who meet income and residency requirements.
Credit amount: Up to $900 for married couples; up to $700 for individuals. Calculated based on the difference between 35% of your rent and utility payments and 5% of your prior year income.
Learn more: Connecticut OPM — Renters’ Rebate Program
5. Washington, D.C.
Who qualifies: Full-year D.C. residents (not in public housing or tax-subsidized housing) who are not claimed as a dependent and earn less than $66,000, or $90,000 for those aged 70 and older.
Credit amount: Up to $1,425.
Learn more: DC Office of Tax and Revenue — Schedule H
6. Hawaii
Who qualifies: Legal Hawaii residents who lived in the state for at least nine months of the year and paid at least $1,000 in rent and earned less than $30,000 annually
Credit amount: $50 per claimed tax exemption.
Learn more: Hawaii Department of Taxation — Renters’ Credit
7. Indiana
Who qualifies: Any Indiana renter whose principal residence is subject to Indiana property tax — no age or income restrictions.
Credit amount: Deduction of up to $3,000 (or $1,500 if married filing separately).
Learn more: Indiana Department of Revenue — Renter’s Deduction
8. Iowa
Who qualifies: Iowa residents who are permanently disabled or aged 65 or older, with household income below $26,895.
Credit amount: Up to $1,000 rent reimbursement.
Learn more: Iowa Department of Revenue — Rent Reimbursement Program
9. Maine
Who qualifies: Maine residents who meet income qualifications and whose rent payments exceeded 40% of their adjusted gross income.
Credit amount: Up to $1,000 via the Property Tax Fairness Credit. Amount varies by household size and income.
Learn more: Maine Revenue Services — Property Tax Fairness Credit
10. Maryland
Who qualifies: Maryland renters who are aged 60 or older, permanently disabled, or have a dependent under 18 living with them, and who meet income thresholds.
Credit amount: Up to $1,000, paid as a direct check.
Learn more: Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation — Renters’ Tax Credit
11. Massachusetts
Who qualifies: Massachusetts residents whose principal residence is in-state.
Credit amount: Deduction of 50% of rent paid, up to a maximum deduction of $4,000 (increased for 2025 tax year). If two people share a unit, each can claim based on their individual rent payments.
Learn more: Massachusetts Department of Revenue — Rent Deduction
12. Michigan
Who qualifies: Michigan renters who meet income and residency requirements for the Homestead Property Tax Credit.
Credit amount: Varies; calculated using the Homestead Property Tax Credit Worksheet (MI-1040CR).
Learn more: Michigan Department of Treasury — Homestead Property Tax Credit
13. Minnesota
Who qualifies: Minnesota residents with household income below $77,570 who paid rent on a building where the owner was assessed property tax.
Credit amount: Up to $2,720 (refundable — meaning you can receive it even if your tax liability is zero). Starting with tax year 2024, this is now claimed directly on Form M1 — no separate form required.
Learn more: Minnesota Department of Revenue — Renter’s Credit
14. Missouri
Who qualifies: Missouri residents aged 65 or older, or disabled, who meet income limits.
Credit amount: Up to $750 for renters (based on income and rent paid).
Learn more: Missouri Department of Revenue — Property Tax Credit
15. Montana
Who qualifies: Montana residents who meet income requirements, particularly seniors or those with disabilities.
Credit amount: Varies based on income and rent paid.
Learn more: Montana Department of Revenue — Elderly Homeowner/Renter Credit
16. New Jersey
Who qualifies: New Jersey residents who are 65 or older, or disabled, and meet income requirements.
Credit amount: Up to $450 (senior freeze / property tax reimbursement program for renters).
Learn more: New Jersey Division of Taxation — Property Tax Relief
17. New Mexico
Who qualifies: New Mexico residents meeting income requirements, with additional eligibility for low-income renters.
Credit amount: Varies; part of the Low-Income Comprehensive Tax Rebate.
Learn more: New Mexico Taxation & Revenue — Tax Credits
18. New York
Who qualifies: New York residents meeting income requirements, particularly through the Real Property Tax Credit.
Credit amount: Up to $375, depending on income and housing costs.
Learn more: New York State Department of Taxation — Real Property Tax Credit
19. North Dakota
Who qualifies: North Dakota residents aged 65 or older, or disabled, who meet income requirements.
Credit amount: Varies based on income and rent paid.
Learn more: North Dakota Office of State Tax Commissioner — Renter’s Refund
20. Pennsylvania
Who qualifies: Pennsylvania renters aged 65 or older, widows/widowers aged 50 or older, or permanently disabled individuals aged 18 or older, who meet income requirements.
Credit amount: Up to $1,000 through the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program.
Learn more: Pennsylvania Department of Revenue — Property Tax/Rent Rebate
21. Rhode Island
Who qualifies: Rhode Island residents meeting income requirements, particularly seniors and disabled individuals.
Credit amount: Up to $350 through the Property Tax Relief Credit.
Learn more: Rhode Island Division of Taxation — Property Tax Relief
22. Utah
Who qualifies: Utah residents aged 66 or older, blind, or disabled, who meet income requirements.
Credit amount: Varies; up to $1,259 via the Circuit Breaker Credit.
Learn more: Utah State Tax Commission — Renter Refund / Circuit Breaker
23. Vermont
Who qualifies: Vermont renters meeting income thresholds, which are determined by county and family size.
Credit amount: Up to $2,500 — one of the highest maximums in the country.
Learn more: Vermont Department of Taxes — Renter Credit
24. Wisconsin
Who qualifies: Wisconsin residents meeting household income requirements (generally under $24,680 for renters).
Credit amount: Up to $1,168 via the Homestead Credit.
Learn more: Wisconsin Department of Revenue — Homestead Credit
How to Claim Your Renter Tax Credit
The process varies by state, but here’s the general playbook:
- Check your state’s eligibility requirements: income limits, residency rules, and property qualifications vary widely.
- Gather documentation: typically proof of rent paid (receipts, lease agreements, or a Certificate of Rent Paid from your landlord) and your state tax return.
- File the right form: most states require a specific form or schedule alongside your state income tax return. Some, like Maryland, have a separate standalone application.
- Meet the deadline: most credits are claimed when you file your state taxes, but a few (like Maryland’s) have separate application deadlines.
The Bottom Line
If you’re a renter in one of these 23 states or D.C., there’s a good chance you qualify for some form of tax relief and it may be more money than you expect. Minnesota’s credit tops out at $2,720. Vermont’s reaches $2,500. Even California’s modest $60–$120 credit takes minutes to claim.
Tax laws change annually, so it’s worth checking your state’s official revenue department website each year to confirm current eligibility thresholds and credit amounts. When in doubt, a tax professional can help ensure you’re not leaving money behind.
Zumper provides this article for informational purposes only and it does not constitute tax, legal, or financial advice. Please consult a licensed tax professional for guidance specific to your situation.
Search apartments for rent on Zumper in one of these states and enjoy tax-deductible rent.
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