Michigan Rent Increase & Late Fee Laws

Michigan rules on rent increases & late fees for renters and landlords, with the statute or official page behind each answer. Last verified: 2026-10-23.

Short answer: Statewide preemption: local governments may not adopt, maintain, or enforce any ordinance or resolution that would have the effect of controlling rent on private residential property. No statewide rent cap. MCL 123.411

The rules in Michigan

Rent control / increase limits	Statewide preemption: local governments may not adopt, maintain, or enforce any ordinance or resolution that would have the effect of controlling rent on private residential property. No statewide rent cap. Exceptions: property in which the local unit has an ownership interest, and plans using voluntary incentives/agreements to increase the supply of moderate- or low-cost private housing. Last amended 2018 PA 585 (eff. Mar. 28, 2019). Source: MCL 123.411
Late fees	No statutory cap The Legislature's Practical Guide for Tenants & Landlords (Rev. 3/2026, Q12): a landlord may generally charge a late fee, but it must be reasonable and proportionate to the actual damages suffered from the late payment. No statutory grace period. Source: None (common law)

Rent control / increase limits

Statewide preemption: local governments may not adopt, maintain, or enforce any ordinance or resolution that would have the effect of controlling rent on private residential property. No statewide rent cap.

Exceptions: property in which the local unit has an ownership interest, and plans using voluntary incentives/agreements to increase the supply of moderate- or low-cost private housing. Last amended 2018 PA 585 (eff. Mar. 28, 2019).

Source: MCL 123.411

Late fees

No statutory cap

The Legislature's Practical Guide for Tenants & Landlords (Rev. 3/2026, Q12): a landlord may generally charge a late fee, but it must be reasonable and proportionate to the actual damages suffered from the late payment. No statutory grace period.

Source: None (common law)

Free calculators

Late Fee Checker — Check a late fee against your state's cap and grace period.
Rent Increase Calculator — In states with a statewide rent cap, see the most your rent can go up this year.

Michigan vs. neighboring states

Rent Increases & Late Fees: Michigan vs. neighboring states
State	Rent control / increase limits	Late fees
Michigan	Statewide preemption: local governments may not adopt, maintain, or enforce any ordinance or resolution that would have the effect of controlling rent on private residential property. No statewide rent cap. MCL 123.411	No statutory cap None (common law)
Indiana	Preempted: local units may not regulate rental rates for privately owned property, nor screening, security deposits, lease applications, lease terms, disclosures, parties' rights, or landlord fees, unless authorized by the General Assembly. Does not apply to property receiving government funds for reduced rents. IC 32-31-1-20	No statutory cap or grace period. IC 32-31 (no late-fee provision); IC 32-31-1-20(c)(7)
Ohio	Local rent control and rent stabilization are preempted statewide. Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.19(A)	No statutory cap No statute; Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.14 (unconscionable clauses)
Wisconsin	Preempted. No city, village, town, or county may regulate the amount of rent or fees charged for a residential rental unit. Inclusionary zoning is also prohibited. Wis. Stat. § 66.1015	No statutory cap. A late fee may be charged only if the rental agreement specifically provides for it. Prepaid rent must be applied before a late fee is charged, and no fee may be charged for not paying a late fee. Wis. Admin. Code ATCP 134.09(8)

City rules that may add to state law

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