Interactive Tools & Resources for Michigan Renters

Why These Calculators Matter

Unsure if your landlord over-deducted $200 from your security deposit? Wondering whether your prorated rent math is right or if you’ll owe an extra day? Michigan renters face a maze of numbers that can make or break a paycheck. Our calculators convert dense legal formulas into instant answers—no account, no data trail. Below, we break down exactly how each tool works and how to turn its output into protective action.

1. Security Deposit Calculator

The calculator pulls the 1.5 × rent ceiling from MCL 554.602 and factors in any non-refundable fees to show your lawful maximum. After move-out, plug in the deductions your landlord claims; you’ll see an Estimated Refund line—handy when drafting a demand via our Sample Letters Generator. Key tip: landlords must mail an itemized list within 30 days or risk double damages (MCL 554.613).

2. Prorated Rent Calculator

Michigan courts favor the daily-rate method: (Monthly Rent ÷ Days in Month) × Days Occupied. Our tool auto-detects leap years and months with 31 days, ending the myth of always dividing by 30. Always include the prorated figure in writing—see lease clauses—to avoid “he-said, she-said” disputes.

3. Move-In Checklist Generator

The generator builds a room-by-room list with photo prompts. Michigan’s deposit statute lets landlords deduct for damage beyond “ordinary wear and tear.” A detailed checklist plus timestamps creates a before-and-after record that wins small-claims cases (learn how).

4. Rent Affordability Calculator

Enter take-home income, debts, and utility estimates; the script shows a safe rent ceiling based on the 30 % rule used by HUD. Example: a student with $2 200 net income sees a $660 max figure, guiding a search toward affordable units before over-committing.

5. Lease Break Fee Estimator

Early termination fees can’t exceed the landlord’s actual re-rent costs once they mitigate losses. Plug in months remaining, expected re-rent speed, and advertising costs to get a ballpark figure. Victims of domestic violence can exit leases without penalty under MCL 554-601b—flagged within the estimator interface.

6. Repair Offset Calculator

Michigan’s repair-and-deduct cap equals the lesser of one month’s rent or $500. The calculator totals receipts for parts and labor, subtracts any credits, and warns if you exceed the cap—vital before withholding rent. Check maintenance rules for notice requirements.

7. Sample Letters Generator

Good arguments collapse without good paperwork. Choose the letter type, enter dates and figures, and click copy—the generator fills statutory citations and mailing addresses. Use certified mail for a paper trail that survives tenant-portal glitches.

8. Roommate Agreement Template

Roommates on a joint lease are jointly liable for rent, yet Michigan law lets them sue each other for contributive share. Our template injects clarity on utility splits, quiet hours, and pet damage so you avoid hallway showdowns. Pair it with our dispute guide if things sour.

Data & Privacy

Your numbers stay local. Every calculator runs in vanilla JavaScript; no values are sent to our server or stored in cookies. When you refresh the page, the slate clears. We never ask for email sign-ups or logins.

• No server calls after the page loads.
• No cookies, trackers, or hidden pixels.
• All math happens in your browser’s memory.

Road Map

We continually add utilities based on reader feedback. Upcoming ideas include a Utility Split Planner for roommates and a Late Fee Tracker that references local rent ordinances. Check back or explore the “Related Guides” links inside each tool to stay ahead of landlord surprises.