Michigan landlord-tenant law is primarily governed by the Michigan Landlord and Tenant Relationships Act (MCL 554.601 et seq.) and the Security Deposit Act (MCL 554.601–554.616). Michigan's Security Deposit Act includes a strict cap and detailed return requirements that landlords frequently violate.
Security Deposits
Michigan's Security Deposit Act caps deposits at 1.5 months' rent for any tenancy. A landlord who charges more than 1.5 months' rent as a deposit violates the Act and the excess is returnable to the tenant. (MCL 554.602)
The deposit must be held in a financial institution in Michigan and the landlord must provide the tenant with written notice within 14 days of receiving the deposit, stating:
- The name and address of the institution where the deposit is held
- The tenant's right to object to itemised deductions
(MCL 554.603)
After move-out, the landlord has 30 days to return the deposit with an itemised written statement of deductions. If the landlord fails to comply, they forfeit the right to retain any portion of the deposit and may be liable for twice the amount wrongfully withheld. (MCL 554.609)
Michigan tenant tip: The 14-day notice requirement about deposit location is strict. If your landlord doesn't provide it, this is a significant procedural violation that strengthens any future deposit dispute.
Move-In Checklist
Michigan law requires landlords to provide a written move-in checklist (inventory checklist) at the start of the tenancy. The tenant has 7 days to review and return it. This checklist is critical — it establishes the property's condition at the start and limits what can be charged against the deposit at move-out. (MCL 554.608)
Watch out: If your landlord doesn't provide a move-in checklist, document the property's condition yourself with date-stamped photos and send a written summary to the landlord. This creates your own record if the checklist is missing.
Entry Rights
Michigan law does not specify a statutory minimum notice period for non-emergency entry. Courts generally apply a reasonableness standard under the covenant of quiet enjoyment. Common practice and well-drafted leases specify 24 hours' advance notice.
Emergency entry without notice is permitted. Repeated entry without notice or at unreasonable hours may constitute a breach of quiet enjoyment.
Habitability
Under the Michigan Landlord and Tenant Act, landlords must:
- Comply with local housing codes materially affecting health and safety
- Maintain the premises in reasonable repair
- Provide functioning heating capable of maintaining 65°F between October 1 and May 1
- Maintain plumbing, electrical, and hot water systems
Michigan's "repair and deduct" remedy allows tenants to have essential repairs done (up to $300 or one month's rent, whichever is less) and deduct the cost from rent, after giving the landlord 7 days' written notice to repair. (MCL 554.139)
Termination and Notice
- Month-to-month tenancy: 30 days' written notice from either party
- Week-to-week tenancy: 7 days' written notice
- Non-payment eviction: 7-day notice to pay or quit
- Lease violation: 30-day notice to remedy or vacate
Lease Clauses to Watch For in Michigan
- Deposit exceeding 1.5 months' rent: Violates MCL 554.602 — the excess is legally required to be returned
- Missing or waived move-in checklist: Undermines your deposit protection at move-out
- Failure to specify deposit institution: The 14-day notice requirement is mandatory — a lease that waives this may not remedy the procedural failure
- Self-help eviction provisions: Illegal in Michigan — eviction requires court process under the Summary Proceedings Act
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