Michigan Landlord-Tenant Laws

• 30 days after lease termination
• 30 days to mail itemized list; if no forwarding address provided, deposit may be held
• 7 days after receiving itemized list to respond in writing

• Within 30 days after termination of occupancy, landlord must either: (1) return the FULL deposit, or (2) mail an itemized list of damages with amounts and the remaining balance (MCL 554.607)
• Itemized list must be mailed to tenant's FORWARDING ADDRESS — tenant must provide forwarding address within 4 days of moving out (MCL 554.608(2))
• The itemized damage notice MUST include this statement: 'You must respond to this notice by mail within 7 days after receipt of same, otherwise you will forfeit the amount claimed for damages' (MCL 554.609)
• Tenant has 7 days after receiving the itemized list to dispute the claimed damages in writing
• If tenant does NOT respond within 7 days, tenant forfeits the right to contest the deductions
• +3 more requirements

Within 30-day return window

• Landlord may deduct for: (1) unpaid rent, (2) damage beyond normal wear and tear, (3) unpaid utility bills (if lease makes tenant responsible), (4) other charges specified in the lease agreement
• CANNOT deduct for normal wear and tear — faded paint, worn carpet paths, loose hardware from normal use
• Must provide ITEMIZED list of each deduction with the specific amount for each item
• Move-in and move-out checklists are critical — landlord's ability to prove damage depends on documented condition changes
• If landlord did NOT provide move-in checklist, ability to claim damages is significantly weakened
• +2 more requirements

• 30-day notice to cure or quit (MCL 554.134(1))
• 7-day notice to cure or quit (MCL 600.5714(1)(d))
• 7-day notice to quit — NO cure opportunity (MCL 600.5714(1)(d))
• 24-hour notice to quit — NO cure opportunity (MCL 554.134(4))
• 30-day notice (one rental period) (MCL 554.134)
• Immediate — no additional notice required, but filing still needed

• GENERAL LEASE VIOLATION (30 days): tenant must receive written notice stating the breach and what is required to cure it; lease terminates if not cured within 30 days (MCL 554.134(1))
• HEALTH/SAFETY VIOLATION (7 days): if tenant 'willfully or negligently causes a serious and continuing health hazard' or 'extensive and continuing physical injury to the property' — landlord gives 7-day notice to cure or quit (MCL 600.5714(1)(d))
• PHYSICAL VIOLENCE OR THREAT (7 days): if tenant/household member/guest causes or threatens physical injury to another person on premises — 7-day notice, NO cure opportunity (MCL 600.5714(1)(d))
• ILLEGAL DRUG ACTIVITY (24 hours): if tenant/household member manufactured, delivered, or possessed controlled substance on premises AND police report has been filed — 24-hour notice, NO cure (MCL 554.134(4))
• MONTH-TO-MONTH (no cause): either party may terminate with one rental period's notice (usually 30 days) (MCL 554.134(1))
• +3 more requirements

• 7 to 30 days depending on cause (see eviction notice topics)
• After notice period expires, landlord files complaint in district court
• Typically within 10 days of filing
• Issued at or after hearing
• 10 days after judgment
• After 10 days, sheriff executes writ

• Step 1: SERVE PROPER NOTICE — correct form and timing required based on grounds (7-day, 24-hour, or 30-day)
• Step 2: FILE COMPLAINT — after notice period expires, landlord files Summons and Complaint for Summary Proceedings in district court where property is located
• Step 3: SERVICE OF SUMMONS — must be served on tenant by authorized process server
• Step 4: HEARING — scheduled typically within 10 days; both parties present evidence and arguments
• Step 5: JUDGMENT — court issues judgment; if for landlord, Judgment of Possession entered
• +6 more requirements

• Tenant must provide written notice (certified mail recommended) of the problem and intent to withhold or repair/deduct
• Landlord must be given a 'reasonable time' to make repairs before tenant acts
• Emergencies (no heat in winter, flooding) — shorter reasonable time (48 hours or less)

• REPAIR AND DEDUCT: If landlord fails to make necessary repairs after written notice and reasonable time, tenant may hire a professional, pay for repairs, and deduct the cost from next month's rent
• REPAIR AND DEDUCT CAP: Deduction is limited to the LESSER of one month's rent or $300 — this is a LOW cap compared to other states
• RENT WITHHOLDING: Tenant may withhold rent for habitability violations, but should deposit withheld rent in an escrow account
• WARNING: Simply withholding full rent without proper procedure is RISKY — landlord may serve a 7-Day Notice for nonpayment and the eviction process is fast in Michigan
• PROPER PROCEDURE: (1) Notify landlord in writing (certified mail) describing the problem, (2) state intent to withhold rent or repair and deduct, (3) wait a reasonable time for landlord to act, (4) then proceed with the remedy
• +3 more requirements

No statutory notice period — best practice is 24 hours

• Michigan has NO state statute specifying a required notice period for landlord entry
• BEST PRACTICE: 24 hours' notice is widely recommended and often included in lease agreements
• Entry should be at reasonable times and for legitimate purposes: repairs, inspections, showings, emergencies
• Landlord may enter without notice in genuine emergencies (fire, flood, gas leak)
• Excessive or harassing entry may violate the implied covenant of quiet enjoyment
• +4 more requirements

At lease execution

• TRUTH IN RENTING NOTICE: Every rental agreement must include this notice in at least 12-point legible type: 'NOTICE: Michigan law establishes rights and obligations for parties to rental agreements. This agreement is required to comply with the Truth in Renting Act...' (MCL 554.634(2))
• LANDLORD/AGENT IDENTIFICATION: Lease must include the name and address of the owner (or owner's agent) where notices can be received (MCL 554.634)
• DOMESTIC VIOLENCE DISCLOSURE: Lease must include or landlord must separately post/deliver notice about tenant's right to terminate for domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking (MCL 554.601b)
• SECURITY DEPOSIT RECEIPT: Within 14 days of move-in, landlord must provide institution name and address where deposit is held (MCL 554.603)
• PROHIBITED LEASE PROVISIONS (MCL 554.633): Clauses that (a) waive Landlord-Tenant Act rights, (b) violate ELCRA anti-discrimination law, (c) include confession of judgment, (d) waive landlord liability imposed by law, (e) waive tenant's right to jury trial, notice, or procedural rights
• +4 more requirements

• One rental period (typically 30 days) written notice from either party (MCL 554.134(1))
• Notice to quit; tenancy terminates when lease next expires (MCL 554.134(3))
• Ends automatically at term expiration — no notice required unless lease specifies
• 60-day written notice if tenant has been in unit 13+ months and becomes eligible for subsidized senior housing (MCL 554.601a)

• MONTH-TO-MONTH: Either party may terminate with one rental period's notice (usually 30 days) — notice must be in writing
• YEAR-TO-YEAR: Either party may give notice to quit; tenancy terminates at next lease expiration date (MCL 554.134(3))
• FIXED-TERM LEASE: Ends automatically; holdover tenant may be evicted via summary proceedings
• EARLY TERMINATION FEE: If included in lease, cannot exceed 1.5 months' rent (MCL 554.602)
• SENIOR CITIZEN/SUBSIDIZED HOUSING: Tenant who has occupied unit 13+ months may terminate with 60-day notice if they become eligible for subsidized senior housing or become incapable of independent living (MCL 554.601a)
• +3 more requirements

At all times — advertising through termination

• FEDERAL FAIR HOUSING ACT protects: race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, disability
• MICHIGAN ELLIOTT-LARSEN CIVIL RIGHTS ACT (ELCRA) adds: age, marital status, height, weight, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression (MCL 37.2102, 37.2502)
• NEW (April 2, 2025): SOURCE OF INCOME DISCRIMINATION PROHIBITED (MCL 554.601c, Act 178 of 2024)
• Source of income includes: Section 8 vouchers, emergency rental assistance, government benefits (disability, Social Security, etc.)
• Landlord CANNOT: deny tenancy, discriminate in terms/conditions, make unit unavailable, discourage rental, or advertise preferences based on source of income
• +7 more requirements

Immediate upon submission of written notice and documentation

• Tenant with reasonable apprehension of present danger from domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking may be released from rental payment obligation (MCL 554.601b(1))
• Tenant must submit: (1) written notice of intent to seek release, (2) written documentation of reasonable apprehension of present danger
• Notice must be delivered by CERTIFIED MAIL
• Acceptable documentation includes: (a) valid personal protection order, (b) valid probation/parole/conditional release order, (c) written police report with charges filed within 14 days, (d) police report with charges filed 14+ days ago PLUS demonstration of verifiable present danger
• REQUIRED LEASE DISCLOSURE: Rental agreements MUST include a provision notifying tenants of this right, OR landlord must post notice visibly in office or deliver it when lease is signed
• +3 more requirements

After writ of restitution is executed

• After a lawful eviction and writ of restitution, tenant's remaining personal property must be stored at a licensed public warehouse
• Sheriff/officer must provide written notice to tenant including: statement that property will be stored, warehouse name/address/phone number, warehouse storage rates, statement that property not claimed within 6 months may be sold at auction
• Tenant should notify warehouse of any address changes
• Warehouse may sell unclaimed property at auction after 6 months and retain proceeds for storage costs
• Landlord should NOT dispose of tenant's property without following proper procedures
• +2 more requirements

Varies by municipality

• ANN ARBOR: Security deposit limited to 1 month's rent (stricter than state's 1.5x), rental registration required, additional tenant protections
• EAST LANSING: Security deposit limited to 1 month's rent, rental inspection program, student tenant protections
• DETROIT: Rental registration and inspection ordinance, additional housing code enforcement
• GRAND RAPIDS: Rental registration and inspection program
• KALAMAZOO: Rental inspection and registration requirements
• +5 more requirements