Michigan Tenant Rights
& Rental Laws

In Michigan, the security deposit limit is 1.5 months' rent.

Michigan landlords must return security deposits within 30 days after you move out (the tenant must give a forwarding address within 4 days).

No Michigan statute sets how much notice a landlord must give before entering, so your lease's entry terms apply.

Late fees in Michigan: No statutory cap — must be reasonable. No mandatory grace period.

No notice statute; no caps. No Michigan statute sets how much notice a landlord must give before raising rent. A tenancy at will ends on one month's notice, or notice equal to the rent period (MCL 554.134(1)). No statewide cap, and local governments may not control rent (MCL 123.411). Source: No Statute.

No set deadline. Landlord must keep the home and common areas fit for use, in reasonable repair, and up to state and local health and safety laws (MCL 554.139(1)). No statewide repair deadline, and a lease of 1 year or longer can change these duties (MCL 554.139(2)). Put repair requests in writing and keep a copy as proof (good practice; not required by MCL 554.139). In an eviction for unpaid rent, the court must subtract rent excused by the landlord's failure to repair (MCL 600.5741). In communities covered by the Housing Law of Michigan, rent goes into escrow while a rental certificate is withheld or suspended for hazards (MCL 125.530). Source: MCL 554.139; MCL 600.5741.

Defense to eviction. A court may not enter a judgment for possession if the eviction was meant primarily as a penalty for you enforcing your rights, complaining to a government agency about a health or safety code violation, or taking part in a tenant organization (MCL 600.5720(1)). If you took official action through a court or government agency within 90 days before the eviction case began and it was not dismissed or denied, the law presumes in your favor unless the landlord proves otherwise (MCL 600.5720(2)). This protects you in an eviction case; it does not make every retaliatory act unlawful on its own. Source: MCL § 600.5720.

Released from rent after notice. A tenant with a reasonable fear of present danger from domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking may ask to be released from rent. Send written notice by certified mail with a protection order, a police report that led to charges, or the statute's qualified-third-party form. Rent stops no later than the first day of the second month rent is due after notice, and not before you move out; the deposit can still be kept as the law allows. Applies to leases made or renewed after October 5, 2010. Source: MCL § 554.601b.

Self-help illegal. Self-help evictions illegal. Court process required. Utility shutoffs prohibited. Source: MCL § 600.2918.

Michigan tenants have rights including security deposit protections, notice requirements for landlord entry, habitability standards, and protections against retaliation. Use Honestkey to analyze your specific lease against Michigan law.