Not legal advice
This guide is for informational purposes only. Laws change frequently — verify current requirements with a local attorney. Information last reviewed 2026-03-19.
Security deposits
- Maximum amount
- 1.5 months’ rent maximum.
- Return deadline
- 30 days after the tenant vacates. Landlord must provide an itemized list of damages within 30 days.
- Itemized deduction requirements
- Landlord must mail an itemized list of damages and the remaining deposit within 30 days. Landlord must conduct a joint move-in and move-out inspection if requested by the tenant. Failure to comply may result in liability for double the deposit.
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Notice requirements
- Entry notice
- No specific statutory requirement for advance notice of entry. A 24-hour notice is generally recommended as best practice.
- Lease termination notice
- 30 days’ notice for month-to-month tenancies. For yearly tenancies, notice must be given before the end of the lease term.
- Rent increase notice
- No specific statutory requirement. For month-to-month tenancies, a rent increase typically requires the same notice as lease termination (30 days).
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Rent rules
- Rent control
- No rent control. Michigan has a state preemption law (MCL §123.411) that prohibits local rent control ordinances.
- Late fee regulations
- No statutory cap. The Truth in Renting Act requires that lease provisions (including late fees) not be unconscionable.
- Payment methods
- No specific statutory requirements. Payment methods are governed by the lease.
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Eviction process
- Notice to quit / cure period
- 7-day demand for rent for nonpayment. 30-day notice for lease termination or violations. In cases of serious health or safety issues, a 7-day notice may be used.
- Court filing
- Summary proceedings complaint filed in District Court. Hearing typically within 10 days. If the court finds for the landlord, a judgment of possession is entered and a writ may be issued after 10 days.
- Estimated timeline
- Approximately 3–6 weeks for uncontested cases. Contested cases may take several weeks to months.
Maintenance & habitability
- Implied warranty of habitability
- Yes. Michigan courts recognize an implied warranty of habitability. Landlords must maintain the premises in reasonable repair and comply with applicable health and safety codes.
- Repair response requirements
- Landlords must make repairs within a reasonable time after receiving notice from the tenant. Local housing codes may specify timelines.
- Tenant remedies
- Tenants may withhold rent (after proper notice), contact local code enforcement, or pursue court remedies. Michigan does not have a broad statutory repair-and-deduct provision.
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Lease requirements
- Required disclosures
- Lead-based paint disclosure (pre-1978 buildings)
- Landlord’s name and address (or authorized agent)
- Move-in checklist (itemizing existing damage before occupancy)
- Truth in Renting Act notice (if lease contains provisions that violate the Act)
- Lease term requirements
- No statutory restrictions on lease length. Leases for more than 1 year must be in writing.
- Required clauses
- The Truth in Renting Act prohibits certain unconscionable lease provisions (e.g., waiver of landlord liability for negligence, confession of judgment clauses).
Key statute reference
Michigan Compiled Laws, Act 348 of 1972 (Security Deposit Act, MCL §554.601–616); Truth in Renting Act (MCL §554.631–641); Summary Proceedings Act (MCL §600.5701–5759)
Primary state statute governing landlord-tenant relationships in Michigan. For the full text, consult the Michigan legislature's website or a legal database.
Not legal advice. Laws change. Verify current requirements with a local attorney before making decisions.