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Late rent · checked October 21, 2026

Rent late fee law in Minnesota

Limit: 8% of the overdue rent payment. Timing: only if agreed in writing, which must say when the fee applies. Rule: Minn. Stat. § 504B.177(a).

Check a fee All states

1234
  1. 1Cap8% of rent
  2. 2WaitNone stated
  3. 3On $1,500 rent$120
  4. 4StatuteMinn. Stat. § 504B.177(a)

The rule in Minnesota

Minnesota caps a residential late fee at 8% of the overdue rent payment (Minn. Stat. § 504B.177(a)): “In no case may the late fee exceed eight percent of the overdue rent payment.”

On timing: “A landlord of a residential building may not charge a late fee if the rent is paid after the due date, unless the tenant and landlord have agreed in writing that a late fee may be imposed.” In short, only if agreed in writing, which must say when the fee applies.

In dollars: $1,000 rent allows up to $80, $1,500 rent allows up to $120 and $2,000 rent allows up to $160.

At $1,500 a month, Minnesota's ceiling of $120 is 8% of the rent and ranks 2nd highest of the 10 verified states that set a dollar or percentage limit; Virginia allows the most ($150) and New York the least ($50). Late in every month of a year, the ceiling adds up to $1,440.

Neighbouring states with a verified rule: Iowa ($12 a day up to $60 a month (rent $700 or less); $20 a day up to $100 a month (rent over $700)).

Related Minnesota rules: ending a month-to-month tenancy takes one month (notice rules); a security deposit is due back within 21 days of the end (deposit rules); disputes over fees go to small claims up to $20,000 (small claims).

Virginia$150Hawaii$120Minnesota$120Iowa$100Delaware$75Maryland$75Nevada$75North Carolina$75Maine$60New York$50
Largest late fee on $1,500 monthly rent in each verified state with a fixed limit, Minnesota highlighted. Bar lengths are to scale.
$80$1,000$120$1,500$160$2,000
Largest late fee in Minnesota at three example rents (columns to scale).

Source: Minnesota Revisor of Statutes, Minn. Stat. § 504B.177 · last checked October 21, 2026.

Reading a lease against the statute

A late fee needs a basis in the rental agreement, and the statute sets the outer limit. The guide on rent late-fee limits works the verified caps through the same rents side by side.

Questions

What is the maximum late fee for rent in Minnesota?

8% of the overdue rent payment (Minn. Stat. § 504B.177(a)); on $1,500 rent that is $120.

Is there a grace period for rent in Minnesota?

The section quoted states none (only if agreed in writing, which must say when the fee applies).

Where is the rule written?

Minn. Stat. § 504B.177(a), read on the Minnesota Revisor of Statutes, Minn. Stat. § 504B.177 page on October 21, 2026.

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