Minnesota Maximum Late Fee for Rent

Minnesota late fee rules at a glance

Minnesota caps rent late fees at 8 percent of the overdue rent, under Minn. Stat. § 504B.177. The fee must be specified in the written lease to be collectable. Critically, the 8 percent applies to the past-due amount, not the full monthly rent: if a tenant pays $800 toward $1,400 in rent on time and is $600 late, the maximum fee is 8% of $600 ($48), not 8% of $1,400.

The Minnesota 8 percent cap explained

The statute fixes the cap at 8 percent of the overdue rent. A fee that exceeds 8 percent is unenforceable. The cap is one of the more landlord-friendly statutory caps in the country (compared to states with a 5% cap or a $5 cap), but the "overdue rent" basis means that partial payments shrink the allowable fee.

Minnesota grace period rules

Minnesota does not set a statutory grace period. The lease controls when rent is considered late and when a fee begins to apply. Standard practice in Minneapolis and St. Paul leases is a 3 to 5 day grace, though leases that apply the fee immediately on the due date are also enforceable.

What must be in the Minnesota lease

The late fee must be specified in the written lease to be collected under § 504B.177. A lease silent on late fees forecloses charging one. Best practice: state the fee as "the lesser of 8 percent of overdue rent or $X" and include the grace period.

How to use this calculator

Enter monthly rent, proposed late fee, and grace period. The calculator shows the Minnesota 8 percent cap (using full monthly rent as the reference) and flags whether your proposed fee exceeds it.

Frequently asked questions about Minnesota late fees

What is the maximum late fee for rent in Minnesota?

8 percent of the overdue rent under Minn. Stat. § 504B.177. The cap applies to the past-due amount only, not the full monthly rent.

Is there a grace period for late fees in Minnesota?

No statutory grace period. The lease controls. Most Minnesota leases include 3 to 5 days; some apply the fee immediately on the due date.

Can a Minnesota landlord charge a daily late fee?

Only if the cumulative amount stays at or below 8 percent of the overdue rent. A daily fee that runs the total above 8 percent of the overdue amount is unenforceable for the excess.

What if the late fee is not in the Minnesota lease?

Unenforceable. Minnesota late fees must be specified in the written lease to be collected under § 504B.177.

Do Minneapolis or St. Paul have separate late-fee ordinances?

No. The state 8 percent cap applies statewide. Minneapolis and St. Paul do not impose stricter local late-fee caps as of 2026.