Landlord Guide to Renting in Michigan

Michigan permits both written and oral leases. However, leases for a term exceeding one year must be in writing under the Statute of Frauds (MCL 566.108). The Michigan Truth in Renting Act (MCL 554.633) prohibits lease clauses that waive tenant rights under state law, shift liability for landlord negligence, or require confession of judgment.

• Oral leases are valid for terms of one year or less; longer terms must be in writing (MCL 566.108)
• Lease provisions violating the Truth in Renting Act are void and unenforceable (MCL 554.633)
• Month-to-month tenancies arise when no fixed term is specified or after a lease expires without renewal
• Landlords should provide tenants with a copy of all signed lease documents

Michigan limits security deposits to one and one-half months' rent under MCL 554.602. The deposit must be held in a regulated financial institution and may not be commingled with the landlord's personal funds. Within 14 days of the tenant taking possession, the landlord must provide notice of the depository name and address.

• Maximum deposit: 1.5 months' rent (MCL 554.602)
• Deposit must be held in a regulated financial institution; cannot be commingled with landlord funds (MCL 554.603)
• Landlord must notify the tenant in writing of the bank name and address within 14 days of occupancy
• A detailed inventory checklist of the premises condition should be completed at move-in (MCL 554.608)

Michigan landlords must make several disclosures before or at the beginning of a tenancy. Federal lead-based paint disclosure rules also apply to properties built before 1978.

• Lead-based paint disclosure for pre-1978 properties (42 U.S.C. § 4852d)
• Name and address of the property owner and the authorized agent for service of process and receiving notices (MCL 554.601b)
• Notice of the financial institution holding the security deposit and its address (MCL 554.603)
• Move-in checklist documenting the condition of the premises (MCL 554.608)

Rent is due on the date specified in the lease. Michigan does not mandate a statutory grace period for rent payment. Late fees are permitted but must be reasonable and specified in the lease. A landlord must serve a written 7-day demand for possession before filing an eviction for nonpayment of rent (MCL 600.5714(1)(a)).

• Rent is due on the date stated in the lease agreement
• No statutory grace period; any grace period must be negotiated in the lease
• Late fees must be reasonable and clearly stated in the lease
• A 7-day demand for possession is required before filing for eviction based on nonpayment (MCL 600.5714(1)(a))

Michigan recognizes an implied warranty of habitability. Landlords must maintain the premises in a condition fit for habitation and comply with applicable health and safety codes. Under MCL 125.536 (Housing Law of Michigan), landlords must keep rental units in reasonable repair and fit for the use intended.

• Maintain the premises in a fit and habitable condition (implied warranty of habitability)
• Comply with all applicable building, housing, and health codes
• Provide and maintain essential services including plumbing, heating, electricity, and hot water
• Make repairs within a reasonable time after receiving written notice from the tenant

Michigan does not have a statewide statute specifying a required notice period for landlord entry. However, landlords should provide reasonable notice — generally at least 24 hours — and enter only at reasonable times for legitimate purposes. The lease may specify entry requirements.

• No specific statewide statute on notice period; reasonable notice (typically 24 hours) is recommended
• Entry must be at reasonable times for lawful purposes such as repairs, inspections, or showing the unit
• Emergency entry is permitted without advance notice
• Excessive or unreasonable entry may violate the tenant's right to quiet enjoyment

Michigan does not impose statewide rent control. Landlords may increase rent between lease terms or during month-to-month tenancies with proper notice. Michigan law does not specify a minimum notice period for rent increases, but a full rental period's notice is standard practice.

• No statewide rent control; landlords may set market rent
• Rent cannot be increased during a fixed-term lease unless the lease expressly permits it
• For month-to-month tenancies, provide at least one full rental period's written notice before any increase
• Retaliatory rent increases are prohibited (MCL 600.5720)

Michigan notice requirements depend on the type of tenancy and the reason for termination. The Summary Proceedings Act (MCL 600.5714–600.5718) sets out the specific notice requirements for different situations.

• Month-to-month tenancy: one full rental period's written notice by either party
• Fixed-term lease: terminates at the end of the lease term without additional notice unless the lease provides otherwise
• Nonpayment of rent: 7-day demand for possession (MCL 600.5714(1)(a))
• Material lease violation: 30-day notice if health or safety is not at risk; immediate termination may be sought for serious violations (MCL 600.5714(1)(c))

Evictions in Michigan are governed by the Summary Proceedings Act (MCL 600.5701–600.5759). The landlord must serve the appropriate notice, then file a complaint for possession in the district court where the property is located.

• Serve the appropriate notice (7-day demand for nonpayment, or 30-day notice for lease violations) before filing
• File a complaint for possession in the district court (MCL 600.5735)
• A hearing is typically scheduled within 10 days of filing
• If the court rules for the landlord, a writ of restitution is issued; the tenant generally has 10 days to vacate before the writ is executed

Under MCL 554.609, landlords must return the security deposit within 30 days after the tenant vacates. If the landlord intends to withhold any portion, an itemized list of damages must be mailed to the tenant's forwarding address within that 30-day window.

• Return deadline: 30 days after the tenant vacates (MCL 554.609)
• Permissible deductions: unpaid rent, damages beyond normal wear and tear
• An itemized statement of damages must accompany any withheld amount
• Failure to return the deposit or provide an itemized list within 30 days may result in liability for double the withheld amount (MCL 554.613)