Michigan Security Deposit Rules
Know the cap, the deadlines, and the exact steps to protect every dollar of your deposit.
Know the cap, the deadlines, and the exact steps to protect every dollar of your deposit.
The Michigan security deposit maximum is one-and-a-half months’ rent. That ceiling applies to all upfront fees that are meant to be refundable—including so-called “pet deposits” and “last-month’s rent.” Anything labelled “non-refundable” still counts toward the cap if the money is intended to cover damage or unpaid rent.
Because landlords sometimes blur the lines between deposits and fees, document the monthly rent shown on your lease. If your rent is $1,200, the most a landlord can hold as a deposit is $1,800—no add-ons.
| Aspect | Michigan Rule | Citation |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum cap | 1.5 months’ rent | MCL 554.602 |
| Pet deposits & other refundable fees | Must fit inside the 1.5-month cap | MCL 554.602(1) |
| Non-refundable “cleaning” or “amenity” fees | Illegal if intended to cover damage; legitimate only if true service charge and disclosed | MI Truth-in-Renting Act |
| Required interest | No statutory interest, but funds must stay in escrow account | MCL 554.604 |
Within 14 days of receiving your money, the landlord must provide a written receipt that lists the bank name and account number where your funds reside. Michigan law also requires the landlord to hand you an inventory checklist so you can document existing damage. Complete that checklist within seven days, attach photos, and return a copy—keeping your own file in cloud storage.
At move-out, the landlord must return funds—or mail an itemized list of deductions—within 30 calendar days, but only after you supply a forwarding address. Always give that address in writing within four days of leaving the unit. A quick email works, but certified mail adds extra protection.
Missing one step can cost you hundreds. Here are the non-negotiable deadlines every Michigan renter and landlord must follow.
| Event | Deadline | Statute |
|---|---|---|
| Landlord issues inventory checklist | Within 14 days of lease signing | MCL 554.608 |
| Tenant completes & returns checklist | Within 7 days of move-in | MCL 554.608 |
| Tenant provides forwarding address | Within 4 days after vacating | MCL 554.611 |
| Landlord mails refund or itemized list | Within 30 days after move-out | MCL 554.609 |
| Tenant disputes deductions | Within 7 days of receiving itemized list | MCL 554.613 |
Michigan landlords may keep only amounts that cover:
They cannot deduct for routine repainting, carpet cleaning, or minor nail holes. If your itemized list includes those, push back—politely but firmly.
You have just seven calendar days to dispute an itemized list. Use certified mail or email with read-receipt and attach:
If negotiation fails, file a small-claims action for up to $7,000 in your local district court. Michigan judges may award double damages plus attorney fees if the landlord acted in bad faith. Check our small-claims guide before filing.
Bottom line: Mastering these Michigan security deposit rules keeps your cash safe. Browse the related guides above for deeper dives into each step.