Michigan Security Deposit Calculator

Instantly check whether a deposit request is legal under the 1.5-month rule.

House keys resting on a freshly signed Michigan lease agreement

Security Deposit 1.5-Month Check

Result

Legal Maximum: $0.00

Your Total: $0.00

Why 1.5 Months?

Michigan caps security deposits at one-and-a-half months’ rent—a consumer-protection rule dating back to the 1972 Security Deposit Act. The idea is simple: tenants already juggle moving costs; oversized deposits create unfair barriers to safe housing. Most states hover around one month, but Michigan’s 1.5-month ceiling strikes a middle ground—landlords get a buffer for damage, and renters keep more cash on hand.

Example scenarios:

What Counts Toward the Cap?

The law groups any refundable upfront payment under the term “security deposit.” That means:

Non-refundable fees—such as a one-time cleaning fee—do not count, but they must be clearly labelled in the lease and reflect an actual service. Learn more in our complete deposit guide.

Landlord Corner: List each refundable fee separately on the receipt and keep combined totals at or below 1.5-months’ rent. This transparency reduces disputes and speeds lease signing.

Receipt & Trust Account Rules

Within 14 days of collecting money, a landlord must provide a written receipt showing:

  1. The amount received
  2. The bank name and address holding the funds or surety bond details
  3. The tenant’s right to a move-in checklist

Ask your landlord to email a PDF copy for your records. Michigan courts consider email receipts admissible evidence. For compliance tips, landlords can review our Landlord Portal.

Refund Timeline & Deductions

Michigan’s clock starts when you return the keys and provide a forwarding address. Here’s the lifecycle:

Day 0
Keys Returned
Day 4
Tenant Sends Address
Day 30
Landlord Mails Check or Itemized List
Day 37
Tenant Objects to Deductions

Deductions are limited to unpaid rent, utilities, or damage beyond normal wear. If the landlord misses Day 30 or can’t justify charges, you may claim double damages in small claims court. Use our dispute guide for step-by-step instructions.

Tenant Best Practices

Quick-Action Checklist
StepActionWhy It Matters
DocumentPhoto & video walk-throughProves pre-existing wear
StoreCloud backup + email receiptsEasy retrieval for court
Follow-Up7-day objection letterPreserves double-damage claim
Cross-check your numbers with this calculator whenever rent changes, or if you negotiate mid-lease pet deposits.

Related Reading

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. A clearly labelled “last-month’s rent” is not a security deposit and is not capped, but it must be applied only to rent—not damage—and cannot be double-counted as a deposit.

If the pet payment is refundable, it does count toward the cap. Non-refundable pet fees are allowed in Michigan, but they must be explicitly non-refundable and reflect a real cost.

Send a polite certified letter requesting the receipt and bank information. The omission itself does not void the lease, but courts may look unfavourably on the landlord if a dispute arises.

Within four days of moving out. Missing this deadline pauses the 30-day refund clock and may weaken double-damage claims.

No. Michigan law treats the deposit as a separate trust fund until tenancy ends. Withholding rent can trigger eviction and jeopardise your refund.

This tool offers general information, not legal advice. For situation-specific guidance, consult a qualified attorney.