Minnesota Rent Increase & Late Fee Laws
Minnesota 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: No statewide rent cap. State law preempts local rent control unless the measure is approved by voters in a general election. Minn. Stat. § 471.9996; Saint Paul Legislative Code ch. 193A
The rules in Minnesota
| Rent control / increase limits | No statewide rent cap. State law preempts local rent control unless the measure is approved by voters in a general election. Saint Paul has a rent stabilization ordinance (originally adopted 'Ord of 11-2-2021', the 2021 general election date, per the ordinance's history notes): a 3% cap on increases within any 12-month period, with exceptions. Saint Paul ch. 193A (June 13, 2025 version, https://www.stpaul.gov/sites/default/files/2025-06/Rent%20Stabilization%20Ordinance%20--%2006-13-25.pdf) has these exceptions. Increases above 3% need a reasonable-return (RROI) determination before taking effect. After a 'just cause' vacancy, the landlord may raise rent up to 8% plus CPI. The cap does not apply to properties first issued a certificate of occupancy after December 31, 2004 (May 2025 amendment), to deed- or agreement-restricted affordable housing, or to Housing Support Act reimbursements. Landlords must tell prospective tenants when a unit is exempt. The ordinance took effect January 1, 2023. In a periodic tenancy, a rent increase requires written notice of one rental period plus one day (AG handbook). |
|---|---|
| Late fees | Allowed only if the landlord and tenant agreed in writing. The agreement must say when the fee will be charged. The fee may not exceed 8% of the overdue rent payment. There is no statutory grace period. A federal subsidy rule permitting a different late fee schedule controls if it conflicts. For tenancies with a government housing assistance payments contract, the fee is calculated only on the tenant's share of the rent. Most recently amended 2024 c 118. Source: Minn. Stat. § 504B.177 |
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.
Related questions
- Can a landlord raise the rent in the middle of a lease?
- How much can a landlord charge for a late fee?
- How much notice does a landlord have to give before raising the rent?
- Can a landlord evict you for no reason?
Minnesota vs. neighboring states
| State | Rent control / increase limits | Late fees |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota | No statewide rent cap. State law preempts local rent control unless the measure is approved by voters in a general election. Saint Paul has a rent stabilization ordinance (originally adopted 'Ord of 11-2-2021', the 2021 general election date, per the ordinance's history notes): a 3% cap on increases within any 12-month period, with exceptions. Minn. Stat. § 471.9996; Saint Paul Legislative Code ch. 193A | Allowed only if the landlord and tenant agreed in writing. The agreement must say when the fee will be charged. The fee may not exceed 8% of the overdue rent payment. There is no statutory grace period. Minn. Stat. § 504B.177 |
| Iowa | Preempted: cities and counties may not adopt or enforce any limit on the amount of rent for private residential or commercial property (except property in which the local government has an interest). No statewide cap. Iowa Code § 364.3(9) (cities); § 331.304(10) (counties) | Rent of $700/month or less: late fee may not exceed $12 per day or $60 per month. Rent over $700/month: not more than $20 per day or $100 per month. Iowa Code § 562A.9(4) |
| North Dakota | Statewide preemption: political subdivisions may not enact, maintain, or enforce rent control on private residential or commercial property. N.D.C.C. § 47-16-02.1 | No statutory cap No statute |
| South Dakota | No statewide rent control, and state law prohibits local rent control. No local government may enact, maintain, or enforce any ordinance or other measure that would control the rent charged for private residential property. SDCL 6-1-13 | No statutory cap or grace period. None in SDCL Chapter 43-32 |
| 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
More Minnesota rental law
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- Minnesota Eviction Laws
- Minnesota Notice to Vacate Rules
- Landlord Entry Rules in Minnesota
- Minnesota Repairs & Tenant Remedies
- Breaking a Lease in Minnesota
- Squatters' Rights in Minnesota
- Minnesota Rental Fee Rules
- Minnesota Section 8, Records & Right to Counsel
- Minnesota Mold, Pests, Heat & AC Rules
- Minnesota Privacy, Guests & Animal Rules
- Minnesota Landlord Selling the House
- Minnesota Lockouts, Utility Shutoffs & Retaliation
- Minnesota Subletting, Lease Endings & Tenant Death
- All Minnesota landlord-tenant rules
- Free legal help in Minnesota
Compare rent increases & late fees in all 50 states and DC →
Minnesota Rent Increase & Late Fee Laws FAQ
Is there rent control or a limit on rent increases in Minnesota?
No statewide rent cap. State law preempts local rent control unless the measure is approved by voters in a general election. Saint Paul has a rent stabilization ordinance (originally adopted 'Ord of 11-2-2021', the 2021 general election date, per the ordinance's history notes): a 3% cap on increases within any 12-month period, with exceptions. (Minn. Stat. § 471.9996; Saint Paul Legislative Code ch. 193A)
Is there a limit on late fees in Minnesota?
Allowed only if the landlord and tenant agreed in writing. The agreement must say when the fee will be charged. The fee may not exceed 8% of the overdue rent payment. There is no statutory grace period. (Minn. Stat. § 504B.177)
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.