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.
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The short version
- There is no statewide limit on how much rent can rise.
- A court cannot evict a tenant mainly in retaliation for enforcing rights, reporting code violations or joining a tenant group, and a complaint made within 90 days before the case creates a presumption in the tenant's favor.
- 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 has no statute that sets a special notice period for rent increases. The lease controls during a fixed term, and a month to month tenancy can be changed only after notice of at least one rental period.
Michigan rent increase notice at a glance
| Rule | Michigan | Law |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Statewide cap on increases | There is no statewide limit on how much rent can rise. | MCL 123.411 |
| Retaliation protection | A court cannot evict a tenant mainly in retaliation for enforcing rights, reporting code violations or joining a tenant group, and a complaint made within 90 days before the case creates a presumption in the tenant's favor. | MCL 600.5720 |
How much notice to give
Give the notice in writing, keep a copy and record how and when it was delivered.
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)
Fixed-term leases
During a fixed-term lease, rent usually stays as written until the term ends unless the lease itself allows an increase. Plan increases for the renewal.
Caps that limit the increase
Statewide cap on increases. There is no statewide limit on how much rent can rise. (MCL 123.411)
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)
Timing and retaliation
Retaliation protection. A court cannot evict a tenant mainly in retaliation for enforcing rights, reporting code violations or joining a tenant group, and a complaint made within 90 days before the case creates a presumption in the tenant's favor. (MCL 600.5720)
Mistakes to avoid
- Raising rent during a fixed term without a clause that allows it.
- Sending the notice by text or email when the lease or the law calls for written delivery another way.
- Increasing rent right after a repair request or complaint.
- Not keeping proof of when the notice was delivered.
Keep the Michigan rent increase notice summary on file
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General information, not legal advice.
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 554.134 and lease terms
- MCL 123.411
- MCL 600.5720
Official sources
Michigan forms for this topic
Letters and checklists for this topic
- Notice of Rent Increase · PDF or Word
- Rent Increase Letter · PDF or Word
- Lease Renewal Letter · PDF or Word
Before you act on it. Check the statute too; this is not legal advice.
How much notice is needed to raise rent in Michigan?
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. Source: MCL 554.134 and lease terms.
Is there a cap on rent increases in Michigan?
There is no statewide limit on how much rent can rise. Source: MCL 123.411.
Can a rent increase count as retaliation in Michigan?
A court cannot evict a tenant mainly in retaliation for enforcing rights, reporting code violations or joining a tenant group, and a complaint made within 90 days before the case creates a presumption in the tenant's favor. Source: MCL 600.5720.