Security Deposit Receipt Generator

Instant, statute-ready receipts for Michigan landlords—meet MCL 554.603 in two clicks.

Landlord creating a security-deposit receipt on a laptop for a Michigan rental

Michigan’s MCL 554.603 requires landlords (or their agents) to issue a written security-deposit receipt within 14 days of receiving any deposit funds. Failure to do so can bar the landlord from keeping any portion of the deposit at move-out—even if real damage exists. The free tool below auto-formats every legally mandated line, including Michigan’s unique four-day forwarding-address notice, so you can paste, print, or PDF the receipt in under a minute.

The generator runs entirely in your browser—no data leaves your device. Simply fill in the names, amount, and address, click “Generate Receipt,” then copy or print. For e-signing, save as PDF and email it to the tenant. This page also covers key legal background, timelines, and common mistakes to keep your paperwork bullet-proof.

Interactive Security Deposit Receipt Generator














Legal Background: MCL 554.603 Explained


Michigan’s Security Deposit Act devotes an entire provision—MCL 554.603—to the simple requirement of a written receipt. The legislature’s intent is twofold: (1) force landlords to acknowledge possession of the tenant’s money, and (2) remind tenants of their duty to provide a forwarding address within four days of move-out to claim their refund. Courts interpret non-compliance harshly. In Williams v Riley, an Ingham County judge barred a landlord from retaining any deductions because the receipt was missing.



Statute Snapshot: “Within 14 days after receiving a security deposit, the landlord shall provide the tenant a receipt for the deposit...” — MCL 554.603
                    


A proper Michigan security-deposit receipt must therefore include:


    

  • Date funds received.
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  • Name of tenant who paid.
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  • Amount (written and numeric).
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  • Landlord or agent’s full name and mailing address for notices.
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  • Forwarding-address reminder (“within 4 days...”).
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Contrary to popular belief, bank account details are not mandatory; those belong on the separate “security-deposit receipt and notice” delivered within 14 days, which our complete deposit guide discusses. The generator on this page covers every element judges actually look for.







When to Issue a Michigan Security Deposit Receipt


Best practice is to hand the receipt to the tenant at the very moment you accept any security-deposit funds, whether cash, cheque, money order, or electronic transfer. Michigan law is forgiving enough to allow up to 14 days, but delaying opens the door to disputes—and penalties if you forget altogether.


Typical Scenarios


    

  • Lease-Signing Day: Deposit collected with signatures? Produce the receipt before everyone leaves the table.
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  • Pre-Lease Holding Deposit: If you accept deposit weeks before move-in, the clock starts immediately—email a PDF within 48 hours.
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  • Deposit Increase Mid-Tenancy: For pet-related increases, issue a supplemental receipt referencing the original date.
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Electronic delivery is valid in Michigan under the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act so long as the tenant consents. Attach the PDF and request a quick “Got it” reply for your records. For cash payments, always provide a paper receipt with both parties’ signatures, then photograph it for digital backup.







Step-by-Step Usage Guide


    

  1. Enter Names Exactly as on the Lease. Typos can derail small-claims cases—copy-paste if necessary.
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  2. Input the Full Dollar Amount. The tool spells it out (“Nine Hundred Fifty Dollars”) to avoid ambiguities.
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  3. Add the Complete Rental Address. Include unit number and city for clarity in multi-property portfolios.
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  4. Confirm the Payment Date. Defaults to today but adjust if funds cleared earlier.
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  5. Click “Generate Receipt.” An ASCII-style document appears in the grey box—scroll if needed.
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  6. Copy or Print. Use the “Copy Receipt” button or press Ctrl + P/Cmd + P and select “Save as PDF.”
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  7. Sign & Save. While signatures aren’t legally required, adding them boosts credibility. File a copy with the lease paperwork and email another to the tenant.
    8. 



For a complete financial picture, pair this receipt with our security-deposit calculator and the move-in checklist generator.







Common Mistakes Landlords Make


    

  • Using a Generic Multi-State Form. Many templates omit Michigan’s four-day forwarding-address notice, leaving landlords technically non-compliant.
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  • Listing the Wrong Amount. Double-check cents and spelling; courts toss receipts that conflict with tenant banking records.
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  • Missing Unit Address. A street address alone isn’t enough in duplexes—add “Unit A” or “Apt 2B.”
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  • Forgetting Signature or Date. While not compulsory, unsigned receipts invite “I never got it” defenses.
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  • Failing to Update After Deposit Increases. Each new payment (e.g., pet deposit) needs its own dated receipt referencing cumulative totals.
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Michigan-Specific FAQs















                                    A payment screenshot alone rarely satisfies MCL 554.603 because it lacks the statutory language about forwarding addresses. Courts have accepted electronic receipts if they include required elements and are emailed or otherwise delivered to the tenant. Our generator lets you paste the Venmo transaction ID in the “Notes” area of the final PDF for extra clarity.
                                

















                                    The receipt requirement triggers the moment money changes hands, regardless of whether the lease exists. Issue the receipt naming the “prospective tenant” and the address being held. Once the formal lease is signed, attach the receipt to the agreement for a seamless paper trail.
                                

















                                    No. Bank details appear on the separate notice under MCL 554.604. The receipt itself focuses on acknowledging the amount and reminding tenants about their forwarding-address obligation. If you need help tracking interest, visit our complete guide.
                                

















                                    Under MCL 554.603, failure to provide a receipt bars you from retaining any portion of the deposit—even for actual damages—and may expose you to double-damage penalties in small-claims court. Remedy the lapse immediately and document delivery. If the tenant already moved out, consult our dispute guide for next steps.
                                

















                                    Technically yes, but most attorneys recommend separate documents for clarity. Combining forms often leads to incomplete sections or lost signatures. Use our generator for the receipt and the checklist generator for condition reports, then staple or digitally merge the PDFs.
                                










This page provides general information, not legal advice. For interpretation of Michigan law, consult a qualified attorney.