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

Security deposit may not exceed one and one-half months' rent. (Mich. Comp. Laws § 554.602) The deposit must be accounted for within 30 days after the tenancy ends (Mich. Comp. Laws § 554.609).

Is there a limit on late fees in Michigan?

Michigan sets no statutory late-fee cap; the fee must be stated in the lease.

How much notice must a landlord give before entering a rental in Michigan?

Michigan has no statutory entry-notice requirement, so Landy's lease sets one by agreement. That agreed period is 24 hours.

How do you end a month-to-month tenancy in Michigan?

Either party must give at least 30 days' written notice to end a month-to-month tenancy. (Mich. Comp. Laws § 554.134)

What happens if a tenant does not pay rent in Michigan?

Tenant has 7 days to pay rent or vacate before the landlord may file for possession. (Mich. Comp. Laws § 600.5714) The case is filed as a summary proceedings for possession in District Court. A landlord may never change the locks or remove a tenant's belongings without a court order.

Does a residential lease have to be in writing in Michigan?

A written lease is not always legally required, but it is what makes the terms enforceable and provable. Michigan tenancies are governed by the Michigan Truth in Renting Act, and a written lease is the practical way to document rent, deposits, and each party's obligations. Landy builds a lease specific to Michigan with the statutory citations printed in it.

Michigan Residential Lease Agreement

A lease that works in the State of Michigan has to respect the Michigan Truth in Renting Act: a security deposit capped at one and one-half months' rent, accounted for within 30 days of move-out, and no statutory ceiling on late fees. Below is every number that governs a Michigan tenancy, with the statute it comes from.

Read the whole lease before you pay. $14.99 to download, or three for $29.

Michigan rental law at a glance

Each row is the rule Landy applies when it builds a Michigan lease. The citation is printed in the finished document too, so a tenant can check it.

Michigan landlord-tenant rules with statutory citations
Rule	Michigan	Citation
Security deposit limit	one and one-half months' rentSecurity deposit may not exceed one and one-half months' rent.	Mich. Comp. Laws § 554.602
Deposit return deadline	30 daysLandlord must return the deposit or an itemized list of damages within 30 days after termination.	Mich. Comp. Laws § 554.609
Interest on deposits	Not requiredMichigan does not require interest on security deposits.	Mich. Comp. Laws § 554.601
Late fee limit	No statutory limitMichigan sets no statutory late-fee cap; the fee must be stated in the lease.	No statute on point
Grace period before rent is late	No statutory grace periodMichigan sets no statutory grace period for rent.	No statute on point
Notice to pay or quit	7 daysTenant has 7 days to pay rent or vacate before the landlord may file for possession.	Mich. Comp. Laws § 600.5714
Time to cure a lease violation	7 daysTenant generally receives a 7-day notice for a lease violation causing damage, or 30 days for other violations.	Mich. Comp. Laws § 600.5714
Ending a month-to-month tenancy	30 days' noticeEither party must give at least 30 days' written notice to end a month-to-month tenancy.	Mich. Comp. Laws § 554.134
Notice before landlord entry	No statute — Landy's lease sets 24 hours by agreementMichigan has no statutory entry-notice requirement, so Landy's lease sets one by agreement.	No statute on point

Disclosures a Michigan lease must carry

Missing a required disclosure is the most common way an otherwise fine lease creates a problem. Landy adds these automatically, plus any that apply only to your specific property.

Lead-Based Paint Disclosure
Housing built before 1978 may contain lead-based paint. Lead from paint, paint chips, and dust can pose health hazards if not managed properly. Lead exposure is especially harmful to young children and pregnant women. Before renting pre-1978 housing, landlords must disclose the presence of known lead-based paint and lead-based paint hazards in the dwelling, provide any available records and reports to the tenant, and give the tenant the EPA-approved pamphlet "Protect Your Family From Lead In Your Home." Tenant acknowledges receipt of this information by signing below.
42 U.S.C. § 4852d; 24 C.F.R. Part 35; 40 C.F.R. Part 745 · applies to housing built before 1978
Truth in Renting Notice
NOTICE: Michigan law establishes rights and obligations for parties to rental agreements. This agreement is required to comply with the Truth in Renting Act. If you have a question about the interpretation or legality of a provision of this agreement, you may want to seek assistance from a lawyer or other qualified person.
Mich. Comp. Laws § 554.634
Move-In Inventory Checklist
Landlord has provided Tenant with two blank copies of an inventory checklist. Tenant must complete and return one copy within 7 days of taking possession.
Mich. Comp. Laws § 554.608

If things go wrong in Michigan

Where eviction is filed

District Court, as a summary proceedings for possession.

Governing law

Michigan Truth in Renting Act, cited from the Michigan Compiled Laws.

Never self-help

Changing locks, removing belongings, or shutting off utilities to force a tenant out is unlawful. A court order is the only route.

Michigan lease questions, answered

How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Michigan?: Security deposit may not exceed one and one-half months' rent. (Mich. Comp. Laws § 554.602) The deposit must be accounted for within 30 days after the tenancy ends (Mich. Comp. Laws § 554.609).
Is there a limit on late fees in Michigan?: Michigan sets no statutory late-fee cap; the fee must be stated in the lease.
How much notice must a landlord give before entering a rental in Michigan?: Michigan has no statutory entry-notice requirement, so Landy's lease sets one by agreement. That agreed period is 24 hours.
How do you end a month-to-month tenancy in Michigan?: Either party must give at least 30 days' written notice to end a month-to-month tenancy. (Mich. Comp. Laws § 554.134)
What happens if a tenant does not pay rent in Michigan?: Tenant has 7 days to pay rent or vacate before the landlord may file for possession. (Mich. Comp. Laws § 600.5714) The case is filed as a summary proceedings for possession in District Court. A landlord may never change the locks or remove a tenant's belongings without a court order.
Does a residential lease have to be in writing in Michigan?: A written lease is not always legally required, but it is what makes the terms enforceable and provable. Michigan tenancies are governed by the Michigan Truth in Renting Act, and a written lease is the practical way to document rent, deposits, and each party's obligations. Landy builds a lease specific to Michigan with the statutory citations printed in it.

Build a Michigan lease with these rules already in it.

Answer questions in plain English. Landy writes the Michigan lease around your answers, applies every limit above, and shows you the finished document before you decide to pay.

Lease laws in other states

This page summarizes Michigan law for general information and is not legal advice. Landy is a self-help document service, not a law firm. Cities and counties may impose additional requirements, and statutes change. Have a licensed Michigan attorney review your lease before you rely on it.