Log In Get Started Free
Free letter · Michigan · updated 2026

Michigan Security Deposit Return Letter (Itemized Statement)

The itemized statement Michigan requires when you keep any part of a deposit — due within 30 days under MCL 554.602, 554.609 — generated from the deposit settlement in your ledger, with every deduction, the refund and the statute already in it.

Settle a deposit & send the statement — free →What must be in it? ↓
Free forever · emailed with a delivery record · reviewed against Michigan Compiled Laws, Security Deposits Act (Act 348 of 1972)
30 daysReturn deadline30 days
1.5 months’ rentMaximum deposit1.5 months’ rent
NoInterest owedNo
RequiredItemized statementRequired if the tenant gives a forwarding address within 4 d...

What applies to your Michigan move-out?

Pick the situation; the rule on each card is Michigan's statutory minimum — your lease can be more generous to the tenant, never less.

30days
Deductions takenSend the itemized list and the balance within 30 days. Normal wear and tear is never deductible; unpaid rent, damage beyond wear, and charges the lease allows are.Generated in-app from the settlement
30days
Full refundNo deductions to list, but the refund itself is still due within the same period. The statement is your proof of the date.Generated in-app from the settlement
Clock paused
No forwarding addressIn Michigan the period runs from the tenant's written forwarding address — hold the deposit, document the request, and send the moment you have one.Reference
No
Interest on the depositMichigan does not require interest on a residential deposit — the amount returned is the amount held, less deductions.Reference

What a Michigan deposit statement must contain

✓
Tenant name(s) and the rental addressPlus the date the tenant surrendered the premises — that is when the 30 days start (or the day you receive the forwarding address, in Michigan).
✓
The deposit held, including pet depositsThe full amount received at move-in, so the math adds up from the tenant's side.
✓
Each deduction, described and priced"Damage" is not enough; "carpet replacement, bedroom 2, tenant-caused stain — $240" is. Attach receipts or estimates.MCL 554.602, 554.609
✓
The balance refunded (or owed)If deductions exceed the deposit, the statement doubles as the demand for the difference.
✓
Sent to the forwarding address, on timeMail it to the address the tenant gave; keep the date and the method. 30 days.
✓
Landlord signature and dateAnd a copy on file with the lease — the court asks for it if the tenant sues.auto-logged

How it works

1 · Settle the depositAccounting → Deposit Disposition → Settle. Deposit held is pulled from the lease; add each deduction with a description and amount.
2 · Review the statementThe Michigan deadline, the statute and the deduction list are filled in. Add the forwarding address and receipts.
3 · Send and keep the recordEmailed to the tenant and downloadable for mailing; date, method and the PDF are logged with the tenant — the ledger posts the refund at the same time.

Michigan deposit return FAQ

How long does a Michigan landlord have to return a security deposit?

30 days (MCL 554.602, 554.609).

What can I deduct from the deposit in Michigan?

Unpaid rent and charges the lease allows, and damage beyond normal wear and tear. Not routine cleaning, repainting, or carpet wear from ordinary use. Each deduction must be itemized.

Is there a limit on the deposit in Michigan?

Yes: 1.5 months’ rent.

Do I owe interest on the deposit?

No.

What if the deductions are more than the deposit?

The statement shows the balance owed and the tenant is liable for it. The in-app settlement posts the difference to accounts receivable so it is not forgotten.

Other Michigan landlord documents

Michigan lease agreementEvery state disclosure built in Michigan eviction notice7 days for non-payment Move-out inspection checklistCondition report with photos Deposit limits by stateCalculator

Michigan landlord-tenant laws · Michigan lease template · Deposit return letters for all 50 states

Settle the deposit and send the Michigan statement in one step

Deductions, refund, deadline and the statute filled in from your ledger. Free.

Get Started Free →

Deadlines and rules are Michigan's statutory minimums as of 2026, reviewed against Michigan Compiled Laws, Security Deposits Act (Act 348 of 1972). General information for landlords, not legal advice; local ordinances can add requirements.

All free landlord forms and templates

Browse every template Eviction Notice Create a clear eviction notice using a free landlord form. Landlord Notice of Entry Template Lease Agreement Start with a free residential lease agreement template. Maintenance Request Document repair requests with a simple maintenance form. Rent Increase Notice Notify a tenant of a rent change in writing. Rental Application Collect applicant details with a reusable rental application. Tenant Reference Request consistent rental-history information from references.