Michigan Tenant Rights FAQ 2025

Thirty calendar days after you move out, provided you supply a forwarding address within four days (MCL 554.609-611). Missing either step can delay or forfeit your claim. If the deadline passes, send an itemized demand letter—our security-deposit overview explains each timeline.

Michigan courts apply a reasonableness test—fees above 5 % of monthly rent or over $50 flat are often struck down. Review late-fee rules for typical grace periods and a fee calculator to see if your charge is excessive.

For fixed-term leases, rent can rise only at renewal unless the contract allows mid-term hikes. Month-to-month tenants must receive a full rental-period notice—usually 30 days. Michigan has no statewide rent control, but local ordinances may mandate additional notice. Learn more in our upcoming rent-control explainer.

Loss of essential services—heat, electricity, running water, or serious structural threats—are emergencies. Landlords must act “as soon as reasonably possible,” usually within 24 hours. Document the issue with dated photos and send a certified repair request; see our forthcoming emergency-repairs guide.

Michigan tenants may withhold or escrow rent when serious habitability defects persist after proper notice. Always put requests in writing and keep funds separate. Judges require proof, so keep receipts and photos. Consult our repairs guide for step-by-step instructions.

A “reasonable” 24-hour written notice is the Michigan norm, except for bona fide emergencies. Notices should state date, time, and purpose. If entry is attempted without notice, remind the landlord of MCL 600.2918. Details in privacy & entry rights.

Politely refuse entry, document the incident (time, witnesses, video), and send a certified objection letter. Persistent violations may entitle you to statutory damages up to $500 per incident under MCL 600.2918. Generate a letter in seconds with our Sample Letters tool.

Seven calendar days after valid service. If mailed, add three extra days. Review timelines and cure options in Michigan eviction notices.

Yes. Paying the full amount within the 7-day window usually cancels the notice. Partial payments may also void it if accepted by the landlord. Use our eviction timetable to confirm deadlines in the eviction process guide.

For non-payment cases, tendering the full balance (including late fees and court costs) before judgment typically halts the process. Obtain a written receipt or conditional dismissal agreement.

Yes—1.5 months’ rent maximum (MCL 554.602). Any pet or key deposits count toward this cap. Excess demands may entitle you to double damages. See our complete deposit guide.

Only with written consent or a court order. Unauthorized lock changes can be treated as lease violations. Instead, pursue legal remedies under MCL 600.2918.

Unlimited daily accruals (e.g., $10/day) are often ruled punitive. Courts favor reasonable caps. Check our late-fee estimator to calculate a fair figure.

No. Both federal Fair Housing Act and Michigan’s Elliott-Larsen Act bar discrimination based on disability. Landlords must accommodate legitimate service and emotional-support animals even in “no pets” buildings.

Faded paint and minor nail holes are normal wear. Broken windows, large wall holes, or pet-stained carpets are damage. Our move-in/move-out guide includes a deduction forecaster to estimate charges.

Keep a dated log, screenshots of messages, and surveillance footage in common areas (legal under one-party consent rules). Courts value contemporaneous evidence.

Court judgments appear on tenant-screening and public record reports, not traditional credit scores. However, unpaid rent may be sold to collections and then impact credit. Seek a conditional dismissal or record sealing. Our full eviction timeline explains record-sealing steps.

No—utility shutoffs are illegal “self-help” evictions under MCL 600.2918. Restore service, document everything, and consider an injunction. Details in our upcoming utilities guide.

Yes. The Michigan Treasury sets an annual rate (0.6 % for 2025). Landlords must credit or pay it every year. Use our deposit calculator to project earnings.

Only if the lease explicitly permits mid-term adjustments. Otherwise, rent is locked until renewal.

Certified letters, dated photos, witness statements, and police reports strengthen a small-claims case. Upload proof to our future small-claims calculator to estimate potential damages.

Twenty-four hours is standard, but check your lease. Notices must state the exact window and purpose (showing to buyers or tenants).

If your lease treats utilities as additional rent, non-payment can trigger a 7-day notice. Provide payment proof or dispute billing errors promptly.

File with the Michigan Department of Civil Rights or HUD. Keep timelines—MDCR complaints must be filed within 180 days of the incident.