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Michigan Landlord-Tenant Laws

This overview summarizes common Michigan landlord-tenant topics using published statute references (Michigan Compiled Laws 554.601). Laws change — confirm details with official sources.

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Michigan at a glance: Security deposit limit: 1.5 months' rent. Return deadline: 30 days. Month-to-month notice: 30 days. Source: Michigan Compiled Laws 554.601.

Security deposit

Maximum deposit
1.5 months' rent
Return deadline
30 days
Interest required
No statutory requirement

The rule: Max 1.5 months' rent. Within 30 days after the tenant moves out the landlord must mail an itemized notice of damages with the balance; without it the full deposit is due immediately. The tenant must give a forwarding address within 4 days of moving out. Since September 21, 2026 (2026 PA 102) the balance may be paid electronically within 10 days after the notice (MCL 554.602, 554.609, 554.610).

Landlords should provide an itemized deduction list when withholding any portion of the deposit.

Source read · MCL 554.602, 554.609, 554.610

Eviction notice

Nonpayment of rent
7 days notice
Lease violation
30 days notice

Court filing and service rules vary by county. Use our eviction timeline calculator for planning.

Notice to vacate

Month-to-month lease
30 days notice
Fixed-term lease
No notice required if lease ends

Late rent fees

Grace period
No statutory requirement
Maximum late fee
No limit

Additional regulations

Rent control
No statewide rent control
Landlord entry notice
Reasonable notice

Primary statute reference: Michigan Compiled Laws 554.601

Sources

When to use Michigan document templates

Use LeaseCraft templates when you need PDF and editable DOCX lease and notice forms built for Michigan landlords and tenants. Start with the residential lease generator, then add notices from the list of Michigan documents.

Common mistakes in Michigan

  • Relying on verbal agreements instead of a written lease with required disclosures
  • Missing the security deposit return deadline (30 days)
  • Serving eviction or termination notices with incorrect day counts

Frequently asked questions

  • In Michigan the security deposit limit is 1.5 months' rent. The return deadline is 30 days. Max 1.5 months' rent. Within 30 days after the tenant moves out the landlord must mail an itemized notice of damages with the balance; without it the full deposit is due immediately. The tenant must give a forwarding address within 4 days of moving out. Since September 21, 2026 (2026 PA 102) the balance may be paid electronically within 10 days after the notice (MCL 554.602, 554.609, 554.610).

    Confirm current rules in Michigan Compiled Laws 554.601.

  • Michigan month-to-month tenancies typically require 30 days written notice unless the lease specifies otherwise.
  • Use our Michigan lease agreement generator to build a residential lease with state-structured clauses. Preview free before download.

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