Question 1

How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Michigan?

Accepted Answer

Under MCL 554.602, a landlord may require a security deposit for each rental unit. A security deposit shall be required and maintained in accordance with the terms of Act 348 of 1972 and shall not exceed 1 1/2 months' rent. Example: if monthly rent is $1,000, the security deposit may not exceed $1,500.

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

To claim damages, mail the tenant an itemized notice of damages, with estimated repair costs, within 30 days after occupancy ends.

Question 3

How much notice does a landlord have to give before entering a rental in Michigan?

Accepted Answer

No state statute setting a notice period before a landlord enters was found in the Landlord-Tenant Act (1972 PA 348, MCL 554.601-554.616), the Truth in Renting Act (MCL 554.631-554.641) and Revised Judicature Act chapter 57 (MCL 600.5701-600.5759), each reviewed by full-text search.

Question 4

How much notice does a landlord need to give to raise the rent in Michigan?

Accepted Answer

A lease cannot let the landlord change its terms mid-lease without the tenant's written consent. The lease may allow changes on at least 30 days' written notice, including rent increases to cover higher property taxes, utility charges or insurance premiums. No statute sets a notice period for increases at renewal.

Question 5

Can a landlord charge a late fee in Michigan, and how much?

Accepted Answer

There is no Michigan statute setting a late fee cap or grace period. The Truth in Renting Act (MCL 554.631 to 554.641) and the security deposit act (MCL 554.601 to 554.616) were reviewed by full-text search and do not regulate late fees.

Question 6

What notice does a landlord have to give before evicting for unpaid rent in Michigan?

Accepted Answer

7-day written Demand for Possession to pay the rent owed or move out (state court form DC 100a). The demand must state the amount due.

Question 7

Can cities in Michigan pass rent control?

Accepted Answer

Preempted. A local government may not enact, maintain, or enforce an ordinance that controls the amount of rent charged for private residential property, subject to limited exceptions in the statute.

Question 8

How much notice is needed to end a month-to-month tenancy in Michigan?

Accepted Answer

Either party may end a tenancy at will with 1 month's notice. If rent is paid at intervals shorter than 3 months, notice equal to the interval between payments is enough. For nonpayment, the landlord may end the tenancy with a written 7-day notice to quit.

Question 9

Does a landlord have to pay interest on a security deposit in Michigan?

Accepted Answer

Michigan's Landlord-Tenant Act (Act 348 of 1972, MCL 554.601 to .616) does not require interest on security deposits (full-text search of the act).

Question 10

Is a move-in or move-out inspection checklist required in Michigan?

Accepted Answer

Required. At move-in the landlord gives 2 identical blank inventory checklists with a required bold notice; the tenant completes and returns one within 7 days and may request the prior tenant's termination checklist. At move-out the landlord completes a termination inventory checklist listing claimed damages.

Question 11

Is landlord retaliation illegal in Michigan?

Accepted Answer

Retaliatory eviction is a defense to an eviction case.

Question 12

Can a landlord change the locks or shut off utilities in Michigan?

Accepted Answer

Self-help eviction is prohibited: a landlord may not remove a tenant by changing the locks, turning off utilities, or otherwise interfering with possession, except in limited circumstances, and may owe damages. Landlords must use the court summary proceedings.

Question 13

What can a tenant do if the landlord won't make repairs in Michigan?

Accepted Answer

For breach of the covenants of habitability and fitness, depending on the circumstances a tenant may sue for breach of contract, make repairs and deduct the cost from rent, or withhold rent. The landlord's breach is also a defense to eviction.

Question 14

What disclosures must a landlord give tenants in Michigan?

Accepted Answer

Leases must include the Truth in Renting notice, in a prominent place and at least 12-point type. Leases with a security deposit must also include the landlord's name and address for notices and the tenant's duty to give a forwarding address within 4 days of moving out. Federal lead-based paint notice is also required.

Question 15

What can a landlord do with property a tenant leaves behind in Michigan?

Accepted Answer

No state statute setting a procedure for property a tenant leaves behind was found in the Landlord-Tenant Act (1972 PA 348, MCL 554.601-554.616), the Truth in Renting Act (MCL 554.631-554.641) and Revised Judicature Act chapter 57 (MCL 600.5701-600.5759), each reviewed by full-text search.

Question 16

Can a tenant break a lease early for domestic violence or military service in Michigan?

Accepted Answer

Victims of domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking (or whose children are) may end a lease early under MCL 554.601b's detailed requirements. Seniors and people unable to live independently, after 13+ months of occupancy, may end with 60 days' written notice to move to subsidized senior housing or for certified incapacity. Servicemembers may terminate under the federal SCRA.

Question 17

Is there a grace period before a late fee can be charged in Michigan?

Accepted Answer

No state statute setting a late fee grace period was found in the Landlord-Tenant Act (1972 PA 348, MCL 554.601-554.616), the Truth in Renting Act (MCL 554.631-554.641) and Revised Judicature Act chapter 57 (MCL 600.5701-600.5759), each reviewed by full-text search.

Question 18

How does the eviction court process work in Michigan?

Accepted Answer

The summons orders the tenant to appear for trial within 10 days of issuance (served at least 3 days before), or within 30 days in proceedings under § 5726.

Question 19

What happens if a tenant stays after the lease ends in Michigan?

Accepted Answer

A landlord may recover possession through summary proceedings when a person holds over after the lease term ends, after the lease is terminated under a power in the lease or implied by law, or after a notice to quit.

Question 20

Can a landlord refuse Section 8 or other source of income in Michigan?

Accepted Answer

A landlord may not deny or end a tenancy, set different terms, or refuse to count rent vouchers or subsidies toward income requirements because of a tenant's or applicant's source of income.

Question 21

Does a landlord have to provide smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in Michigan?

Accepted Answer

Each unit in a class "A" multiple dwelling must have a single- or multiple-station smoke alarm meeting the state construction code, and the owner must comply. Violations are a misdemeanor (fine up to $500 and/or up to 90 days). Smaller rentals are covered by the state construction code, which this site has not reviewed.

Question 22

What is the deposit bank holding / separate account rule in Michigan?

Accepted Answer

The deposit must be kept in a regulated financial institution, unless the landlord posts a cash or surety bond with the Secretary of State, in which case the money may be used. Code text: "The security deposit shall be deposited in a regulated financial institution."

Question 23

What is the military lease termination (federal scra, all states) rule in Michigan?

Accepted Answer

Federal law that applies in every state: under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, a tenant may end a residential lease after entering military service, or after getting permanent-change-of-station orders or deployment orders of at least 90 days, by delivering written notice and a copy of the orders to the landlord. For a lease with monthly rent, termination takes effect 30 days after the next rent due date following delivery of the notice. Any state-specific rule on this page also applies. Code text: "The lessee on a lease described in subsection (b) may, at the lessee's option, terminate the lease at any time after" entering military service, the date of the military orders, or the date of a stop movement order (50 U.S.C. 3955(a)(1)(A)-(C)).

Question 24

What is the domestic violence early termination rule in Michigan?

Accepted Answer

A tenant with a reasonable apprehension of present danger to themselves or their child from domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking can be released from the rent obligation. They must give written notice and documentation. Rent stops no later than the first day of the second month that rent is due after notice. Code text: "A tenant who has a reasonable apprehension of present danger to the tenant or his or her child from domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking while that person is a tenant shall be released from his or her rental payment obligation in accordance with the requirements of this section after submittal of written notice of his or her intent to seek a release and written documentation that the tenant has a reasonable apprehension of present danger" (MCL 554.601b(1)).

Question 25

How much does it cost to file an eviction in Michigan?

Accepted Answer

$45. If the complaint seeks only recovery of possession (summary proceedings), the filing fee is $45. Joining a money-judgment claim adds the ordinary money-claim filing fee. Statute text: "If the complaint is for the recovery of possession of premises only, the fee for filing a proceeding under this chapter is $45.00. (2) If a claim for a money judgment is joined with a claim for the recovery of possession of premises, the plaintiff shall pay a supplemental filing fee in the same amount as established by law for the filing of a claim for a money judgment in the same court. (3) Of each filing fee collected under this section, at the end of each month, the clerk of the district cour" (MCL 600.5756(1)).

Question 26

What is the property manager licensing rule in Michigan?

Accepted Answer

In Michigan, a person who rents real estate for others or engages in property management as a vocation is a "real estate broker," and the Occupational Code (MCL 339.601) bars practicing a regulated occupation without a license. Statute text: "that leases or offers or rents or offers for rent real estate or the improvements on the real estate for others, as a whole or partial vocation; that engages in property management as a whole or partial vocation" (MCL 339.2501(u); MCL 339.601(1)).

Question 27

Can the city inspect my rental property in Michigan?

Accepted Answer

Under the Housing Law of Michigan, a local government is not required to inspect unless a tenant complains, but where an ordinance provides for regular inspections, multiple dwellings and rooming houses must be inspected at least every 4 years (6 years after a clean inspection with no ownership change). HUD or other agency inspections may be accepted instead. Statute text: "The period between inspections of a multiple dwelling or rooming house shall not be longer than 4 years, or 6 years if the most recent inspection of the premises found no violations of this act" (MCL 125.526 (Housing Law of Michigan § 126)).

Question 28

What federal protections does a tenant have after foreclosure in Michigan?

Accepted Answer

Federal law that applies in every state: under the Protecting Tenants at Foreclosure Act (made permanent in 2018), whoever takes over a home through foreclosure must give a bona fide tenant at least 90 days' notice to vacate. A tenant with a bona fide lease signed before the notice of foreclosure (the date title passes) can stay until the lease ends, unless the unit is sold to a buyer who will live there as a primary residence; that buyer must still give the 90-day notice. Month-to-month and at-will tenants also get the 90 days. A tenancy is bona fide only if the tenant is not the borrower or the borrower's child, spouse or parent, the deal was at arm's length, and the rent is not far below market (unless it is subsidized). State or local laws with longer notice or more protection still apply, and any state-specific rule on this page also applies. Statute text: "the provision, by such successor in interest of a notice to vacate to any bona fide tenant at least 90 days before the effective date of such notice" (Pub. L. 111-22, SEC. 702(a)(1)).

Question 29

What is the right to cure / redeem rule in Michigan?

Accepted Answer

Yes, after judgment. In most Michigan cases the court cannot issue the eviction order (writ of restitution) until 10 days after a judgment for possession. If the judgment is for unpaid rent or other money due under the tenancy and the tenant pays the judgment amount plus taxed costs within that time, the writ may not issue. Some cases, such as forcible entry or a serious health hazard, can get an immediate writ. Statute text: "the writ of restitution must not be issued if, within the time provided, the amount stated in the judgment, with the taxed costs, is paid to the plaintiff" (MCL 600.5744(5), (7)).

Question 30

What is the eviction notices for other grounds (lease violation, no-fault) rule in Michigan?

Accepted Answer

Michigan sets short notice periods for some non-rent grounds: 24 hours after a written demand for possession when the lease is ended under a drug clause and a formal police report has been filed; 7 days after a demand for possession when the tenant causes a serious and continuing health hazard or extensive and continuing physical injury to the premises and does not leave or repair; and 7 days after a notice to quit when the tenant, a household member or a guest caused or threatened physical injury to someone on the landlord's property and police were notified. Statute text: "neglects or refuses for 7 days after service of a demand for possession of the premises to deliver up possession of the premises or to substantially restore or repair the premises" (MCL 600.5714(1)(b), (d), (e)).

Question 31

Can a landlord deny a tenant for criminal or credit history in Michigan?

Accepted Answer

No state statute limiting criminal history or credit screening by private landlords was found in the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act real estate section (MCL 37.2502) or the landlord-tenant relationships act (MCL 554.601 to 554.616).

Question 32

Does Michigan have rent control?

Accepted Answer

Local governments may not enact, keep or enforce an ordinance that would control the amount of rent charged for private residential property, with limited exceptions.

Question 33

What is the warranty of habitability in Michigan?

Accepted Answer

In every residential lease the landlord covenants that the premises and common areas are fit for the use intended, kept in reasonable repair, and comply with state and local health and safety laws. Leases of at least 1 year may modify these duties.

Question 34

What disclosures must a landlord give in Michigan?

Accepted Answer

A rental agreement must state the name and address for giving notices to the landlord, and must include the Truth in Renting Act notice in at least 12-point type.

Question 35

Does a landlord have to give notice before not renewing a lease in Michigan?

Accepted Answer

Either party may end a tenancy at will with 1 month's notice. If rent is paid more often than every 3 months, notice equal to the rent interval is enough. A year-to-year tenancy ends 1 year after a notice to quit. A fixed-term lease ends at the end of its term.

Question 36

Can a tenant withhold rent for repairs in Michigan?

Accepted Answer

Under the Housing Law of Michigan, while a dwelling lacks a certificate of compliance, or its certificate is suspended for hazards to health or safety, the duty to pay rent is suspended and the rent is paid into an escrow account (MCL 125.530(3)). This does not apply if the occupants caused the conditions. The Housing Law covers each city, village and township with a population of 10,000 or more. In places under 100,000, it does not cover private dwellings and 2-family dwellings unless the local legislative body adopts it by resolution (MCL 125.401(2)).

Question 37

What is the pet deposits/fees & service/esa animals rule in Michigan?

Accepted Answer

A refundable pet deposit counts as a security deposit in Michigan: the definition covers any money returnable to the tenant on condition of the unit's return in the required condition, and total security deposits cannot exceed 1 1/2 months' rent (MCL 554.601(d), 554.602). The act sets no separate pet deposit rule. Fair housing rules on assistance animals also apply.

Question 38

What is the rental / transient occupancy tax rule in Michigan?

Accepted Answer

Michigan taxes hotel and motel rooms and other public lodging under the Use Tax Act at 6%, except rooms rented for a continuous period of more than 1 month (MCL 205.93(1), 205.93a(1)(b)). Local and convention-area accommodation taxes may also apply.

Question 39

What rights does a tenant have after foreclosure in Michigan?

Accepted Answer

After a mortgage foreclosure sale, the buyer can bring summary eviction proceedings against anyone still in possession once the redemption period ends (MCL 600.5714(1)(g)). The federal Protecting Tenants at Foreclosure Act may give bona fide tenants more time.

Question 40

Can a tenant fix something and deduct it from rent in Michigan?

Accepted Answer

No state statute authorizing repair and deduct was found in the Landlord-Tenant Act (1972 PA 348, MCL 554.601-554.616), the Truth in Renting Act (MCL 554.631-554.641) and Revised Judicature Act chapter 57 (MCL 600.5701-600.5759), each reviewed by full-text search.

Question 41

How much can a landlord charge for a rental application fee in Michigan?

Accepted Answer

No state statute limiting rental application fees was found in the Landlord-Tenant Act (1972 PA 348, MCL 554.601-554.616), the Truth in Renting Act (MCL 554.631-554.641) and Revised Judicature Act chapter 57 (MCL 600.5701-600.5759), each reviewed by full-text search.

Question 42

What is the tenant buyout disclosures rule in Michigan?

Accepted Answer

No state statute on tenant buyout agreements was found in the Landlord-Tenant Act (1972 PA 348, MCL 554.601-554.616), the Truth in Renting Act (MCL 554.631-554.641) and Revised Judicature Act chapter 57 (MCL 600.5701-600.5759), each reviewed by full-text search.

Question 43

What is the scra / military lease termination rule in Michigan?

Accepted Answer

No state statute giving servicemembers a state right to end a lease was found in the Landlord-Tenant Act (1972 PA 348, MCL 554.601-554.616), the Truth in Renting Act (MCL 554.631-554.641) and Revised Judicature Act chapter 57 (MCL 600.5701-600.5759), each reviewed by full-text search.

Question 44

What happens to the lease when a tenant dies in Michigan?

Accepted Answer

No state statute ending a lease on a tenant's death was found in the Landlord-Tenant Act (1972 PA 348, MCL 554.601-554.616), the Truth in Renting Act (MCL 554.631-554.641) and Revised Judicature Act chapter 57 (MCL 600.5701-600.5759), each reviewed by full-text search.

Question 45

What is the eviction record sealing rule in Michigan?

Accepted Answer

No state statute sealing eviction records was found in the Landlord-Tenant Act (1972 PA 348, MCL 554.601-554.616), the Truth in Renting Act (MCL 554.631-554.641) and Revised Judicature Act chapter 57 (MCL 600.5701-600.5759), each reviewed by full-text search.

Question 46

Does a landlord need just cause to evict in Michigan?

Accepted Answer

No state statute requiring just cause to end a tenancy was found in the Landlord-Tenant Act (1972 PA 348, MCL 554.601-554.616), the Truth in Renting Act (MCL 554.631-554.641) and Revised Judicature Act chapter 57 (MCL 600.5701-600.5759), each reviewed by full-text search.

Question 47

What is the tenant relocation assistance rule in Michigan?

Accepted Answer

No state statute requiring relocation assistance was found in the Landlord-Tenant Act (1972 PA 348, MCL 554.601-554.616), the Truth in Renting Act (MCL 554.631-554.641) and Revised Judicature Act chapter 57 (MCL 600.5701-600.5759), each reviewed by full-text search.

Question 48

Do landlords need a rental license or registration in Michigan?

Accepted Answer

No state statute requiring rental registration was found in the Landlord-Tenant Act (1972 PA 348, MCL 554.601-554.616), the Truth in Renting Act (MCL 554.631-554.641) and Revised Judicature Act chapter 57 (MCL 600.5701-600.5759), each reviewed by full-text search.

Question 49

What are the Airbnb / short-term rental rules in Michigan?

Accepted Answer

No state statute regulating short-term rentals was found in the Landlord-Tenant Act (1972 PA 348, MCL 554.601-554.616), the Truth in Renting Act (MCL 554.631-554.641) and Revised Judicature Act chapter 57 (MCL 600.5701-600.5759), each reviewed by full-text search.

Question 50

What is the guest & occupancy limits rule in Michigan?

Accepted Answer

Michigan's landlord-tenant statutes (Mich. Comp. Laws §§ 554.131-554.201 (Revised Statutes of 1846, ch. 66), 554.601-554.616 (1972 PA 348), 554.631-554.641 (Truth in Renting Act) and 600.5701-600.5759 (summary proceedings); official text, full-text search on 2026-10-29) have no provision on guest stays or occupancy limits. The lease terms control unless another law applies. Local ordinances or other state or federal laws may still apply.

Question 51

What is the rent receipts, payment methods & cash rule in Michigan?

Accepted Answer

Michigan's landlord-tenant statutes (Mich. Comp. Laws §§ 554.131-554.201 (Revised Statutes of 1846, ch. 66), 554.601-554.616 (1972 PA 348), 554.631-554.641 (Truth in Renting Act) and 600.5701-600.5759 (summary proceedings); official text, full-text search on 2026-10-29) have no provision on how rent may be paid (cash, check, electronic payment) or rent receipts. The lease terms control unless another law applies. Local ordinances or other state or federal laws may still apply.

Question 52

Can a tenant sublet an apartment in Michigan?

Accepted Answer

Michigan's landlord-tenant statutes (Mich. Comp. Laws §§ 554.131-554.201 (Revised Statutes of 1846, ch. 66), 554.601-554.616 (1972 PA 348), 554.631-554.641 (Truth in Renting Act) and 600.5701-600.5759 (summary proceedings); official text, full-text search on 2026-10-29) have no provision on subletting or assigning a lease. The lease terms control unless another law applies. Local ordinances or other state or federal laws may still apply.

Question 53

What is the condo conversion protections rule in Michigan?

Accepted Answer

Under MCL 559.204, before offering any unit for sale, the developer of a conversion condominium project must notify each existing tenant of: the proposed conversion; a prospective purchaser's right to the disclosure documents listed in section 84a; the tenant's right to stay in the unit for 120 days after receiving the notice or until the lease ends, whichever is longer; and the tenant's right to end the tenancy on 60 days' notice to the developer. The notice must be physically delivered or sent by first class mail to each unit, addressed to the tenant. During that period the lessor may not end the tenancy, month to month or otherwise, without cause. A tenant who gets the notice may end the tenancy at any time by giving the developer at least 60 days' notice. If the developer takes reservations before giving this notice, it must first tell each tenant that the lease is not affected by the reservations and that, if the project is established, the tenant may get a full statement of rights and options from the developer. Apart from the notice requirement, section 559.204 does not apply to business condominium units. Under MCL 559.204a, a person who, on the date the master deed is filed, is 65 or older or is paraplegic, quadriplegic, hemiplegic or blind (as defined in MCL 206.504), lives in the building, and does not qualify for an extended lease arrangement under section 104b (MCL 559.204b) may not have the tenancy ended without cause within 1 year after receiving the notice. Section 104b sets separate extended lease rules for certain qualified senior citizens and persons with disabilities in conversion projects with 6 or more residential units; those rules are not summarized here. Example: a month-to-month tenant who receives the notice cannot be removed without cause for 120 days after receiving it, or for 1 year if the tenant meets every section 559.204a condition.

Question 54

What is the manufactured / mobile home parks rule in Michigan?

Accepted Answer

Under MCL 600.5775, a mobile home park tenancy may not be ended without just cause. Just cause means one or more of: using the site for an unlawful purpose; breaking the lease or a park rule adopted under the lease that is reasonably related to the health, safety or welfare of the park, its employees or tenants, other tenants' quiet enjoyment, or the physical condition or appearance of the park or its homes; violating rules issued under section 6 of the mobile home commission act (MCL 125.2306); intentionally injuring park staff or other tenants or intentionally damaging park or tenant property; violating a local ordinance, state law or government rule about mobile homes; paying rent or other charges late on 3 or more occasions in any 12-month period, where each time the owner or operator served a written demand for possession for nonpayment under MCL 600.5714(1)(a) containing the notice 'Notice: Three or more late payments of rent during any 12-month period is just cause to evict you.' and the tenant did not pay within the stated time (the tenant may still raise meritorious defenses to the late payments); conduct in the park that is a substantial annoyance to other tenants or the park, after notice and an opportunity to cure; failing to keep the home or site in reasonable condition consistent with the park's aesthetics; condemnation of the park; changes in the use or substantive nature of the park; or public health and safety violations by the tenant. The section does not bar changing the rent or tenancy terms after a written site lease ends or expires.

Michigan landlord-tenant law FAQ