Q: Lease does not include MTM fees, but being charged anyway.
Our apartment lease in Michigan ended and we were told we needed to renew or we'd be subject to MTM fees. The lease agreement states there is a "one-time holdover fee when the lease contract renews to month-to-month," but no monthly fees are mentioned (I paid this holdover fee.) I understand my rent can increase at anytime, but does that also include new fees like this, especially since the "one-time holdover" fee was already paid? I interpret that as the cost to transition from a fixed lease into MTM. They have emailed me about this new MTM fee, but no other formal "in writing" descriptions of what specific parts of my lease agreement are changing. At this point, we are moving out, but am I liable for MTM fees that are not included in the original lease agreement? Or can they just email me and say "you're now on MTM and need to pay an extra $300?"
A: In Michigan, the written lease terms continue when holding over — however — the monthly payment can change with 30 day’s notice. They can increase fees or monthly rent at any time given that notice. It’s why month to month leases are generally a bad idea for anything more than a month or two ….
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