Michigan Landlord-Tenant Law at a Glance
Michigan’s Truth in Renting Act voids lease clauses that waive tenant rights, and its Security Deposits Act caps deposits at one and a half months’ rent (MCL 554.602). A tenant who moves out has only 4 days to give a forwarding address or loses the right to an itemized list of damages.
How Long Does a Landlord Have to Return a Security Deposit in Michigan?
A Michigan landlord has 30 days after the tenant moves out to return the deposit or mail an itemized list of damages — provided the tenant gave a forwarding address within 4 days.
| Maximum Deposit | 1.5 months’ rent |
| Return Deadline | 30 days |
| Interest Required | No |
| Itemized Statement | Required if the tenant gives a forwarding address within 4 days |
| Statute Reference | MCL 554.602, 554.609 |
How Much Can a Landlord Raise Rent in Michigan?
Michigan prohibits local rent control and sets no cap on increases; month-to-month terms change with one rental period’s notice.
| Late Fee Limit | Must be reasonable |
| Rent Control Status | Prohibited (MCL 123.411) |
| Rent Increase Notice | One rental period for month-to-month |
| Statute Reference | MCL 123.411, 554.134 |
How to Evict a Tenant in Michigan
A Michigan eviction for unpaid rent begins with a 7-day demand for possession; illegal drug activity reported to police allows a 24-hour notice.
| Non-Payment Notice | 7 days |
| Month-to-Month Notice | One rental period |
| Illegal Activity | 24 hours for illegal drug activity with a police report |
| Statute Reference | MCL 600.5714, 554.134 |
Can a Landlord Enter Without Permission in Michigan?
Michigan has no statute setting a notice period; the lease controls, and entry must be reasonable.
| Notice Required | No statutory period; follow the lease |
| Emergency Entry | Allowed |
What Must a Michigan Lease Disclose?
- Lead-based paint disclosure (pre-1978 housing)
- Truth in Renting Act notice in the lease (MCL 554.634)
- Move-in inventory checklist (MCL 554.608)
- Landlord’s name and address for notices (MCL 554.603)
What Repairs Is a Landlord Responsible For in Michigan?
Michigan landlords covenant that the unit is fit for its intended use and will be kept in reasonable repair during the lease.
What Michigan landlords must maintain
- • Keep the premises fit for the use intended (MCL 554.139)
- • Keep the premises in reasonable repair and comply with health and safety laws
What a Michigan tenant can do
- • Pay rent into escrow in an eviction case
- • Court action for damages or repair orders
| Statute Reference | MCL 554.139, 600.5741 |