Michigan Rent Control Laws: Caps, Exemptions and Local Rules

By TenantLoop teamUpdated 2 min read

Get the PDF summary

General information, not legal advice. Landlord-tenant rules change, and cities and counties can add their own. Check the current statute and local ordinances, and talk to a licensed attorney before you act.

Last reviewed

The short version

  • Local governments in Michigan may not enact, maintain or enforce any ordinance that controls the rent charged for private residential property.
  • There is no statewide limit on how much rent can rise.
  • No statute sets a separate notice period for rent increases; during a fixed term the lease controls, and a month to month tenancy generally needs notice of at least one rental period before new terms apply.

Michigan does not allow rent control. State law bars cities and other local governments from adopting or enforcing any ordinance that controls the rent charged for private residential property.

Michigan rent control at a glance

RuleMichiganLaw
Rent control statusLocal governments in Michigan may not enact, maintain or enforce any ordinance that controls the rent charged for private residential property.MCL 123.411
Statewide cap on increasesThere is no statewide limit on how much rent can rise.MCL 123.411
Notice before a rent increaseNo statute sets a separate notice period for rent increases; during a fixed term the lease controls, and a month to month tenancy generally needs notice of at least one rental period before new terms apply.MCL 554.134 and lease terms

Does Michigan have rent control?

Rent control status. Local governments in Michigan may not enact, maintain or enforce any ordinance that controls the rent charged for private residential property. (MCL 123.411)

Limits on increases

Statewide cap on increases. There is no statewide limit on how much rent can rise. (MCL 123.411)

City and county rules

We could not confirm a statewide rule here. Check your county court or a local attorney.

Notice before an increase

Notice before a rent increase. No statute sets a separate notice period for rent increases; during a fixed term the lease controls, and a month to month tenancy generally needs notice of at least one rental period before new terms apply. (MCL 554.134 and lease terms)

Mistakes to avoid

  • Assuming a unit is exempt without checking the exemption rules and any notice the exemption requires.
  • Following state rules and missing a stricter city ordinance.
  • Raising rent in the middle of a fixed term when the lease does not allow it.
  • Giving less notice than the increase requires.
PDF

Keep the Michigan rent control summary on file

Download the PDF summary

Free, no sign up. The file downloads straight away.

Verify current law

We last checked these Michigan rules on . Laws change and cities can add their own, so confirm the current text before you rely on it, and talk to a Michigan attorney about your situation.

Laws named on this page

  • MCL 123.411
  • MCL 554.134 and lease terms

Official sources

Michigan forms for this topic

Every Michigan form in one place

Letters and checklists for this topic

Before you act on it. Check the statute too; this is not legal advice.

Does Michigan have rent control?

Local governments in Michigan may not enact, maintain or enforce any ordinance that controls the rent charged for private residential property. Source: MCL 123.411.

How much can rent go up in a year in Michigan?

There is no statewide limit on how much rent can rise. Source: MCL 123.411.

TenantLoop team · reviewed

Written by the team building TenantLoop. Our guides are general information for landlords and property managers; check current law and talk to a qualified professional before you act.