Michigan Landlord-Tenant Law 

In general, Michigan is considered a fairly landlord-friendly state. With no rent control and few laws regulating late fees, security deposits, or grace periods, investing in the state's many affordable cities is an attractive prospect for many landlords.

However, landlords in Michigan are still obligated to understand and comply with many landlord-tenant laws, which apply on the federal, state, and local levels. Rental laws cover everything from lease agreements to maintenance responsibilities and eviction procedures. These Michigan landlord tenant laws are essential to understand before enforcing your own rental policies. In this article, we'll cover the most important of these for landlords in the state to know.

Michigan's rental laws can be found in the Michigan state law code or this handy guide for Michigan landlords and tenants. However, these laws are subject to change, and the summary we provide below is not exhaustive. We'll also focus only on Michigan's state laws, but keep in mind that cities or localities within the state may also have rental laws — some of which may be stricter than those on the state level. If you have questions about Michigan's laws or about a specific dispute with a tenant, be sure to seek legal advice from an experienced real estate attorney.

Disclaimer: Innago does not provide legal advice. The content and materials provided in this article are for general informational purposes only and many not be the most up-to-date information.

NEW! 2025 Michigan Rental Laws

The following new rental laws passed in Michigan in recent years:

• Protection from discrimination based on source of income (SB 205, 206, 207): Effective April 2, 2025, this trio of laws prohibits Michigan landlords with five or more rental units from discriminating against tenants based on source of income. This means landlords cannot deny a renter's application because they have a housing voucher through the Section 8 program or any other public assistance program.

Michigan Quick Facts 

Rights and Responsibilities of Michigan Landlords and Tenants

Michigan landlords and tenants each have rights and responsibilities under the law. For example, landlords must provide safe, habitable housing, and tenants must pay rent on time. In return, landlords have the right to receive fair compensation for the use of their property, and tenants have the right to privacy and prompt maintenance of their home. Although the lease agreement is where these rights and responsibilities are primarily defined, keep in mind that lease terms are only enforceable insofar as they are compliant with Michigan law.

Below is a brief overview of the rights and responsibilities of both landlords and tenants in Michigan.

Michigan landlords have the right to:

• Collect rent as specified in the lease agreement.
• Hold a security deposit within legal limits for the duration of the lease. In Michigan, landlords can charge a maximum of 1.5 month's rent for a security deposit.
• Deduct funds from the security deposit for unpaid rent, excessive damage, or outstanding fees.
• Screen all tenants, including any individuals added to the lease after move-in.
• Enter the rental unit with proper notice for inspections, repairs, or showings.
• Initiate eviction proceedings if a tenant fails to pay rent, violates lease terms, or engages in illegal activity. You can learn more about Michigan's eviction process here.
• Set and enforce lease terms regarding pets, guests, parking, and other conditions, as long as they comply with Michigan's laws.

Michigan landlords are responsible for:

• Providing safe, habitable housing with secure structures, functioning utilities, and working appliances.
• Complying with all relevant health, safety, and building codes at the local and state level.
• Addressing maintenance and repair requests within a reasonable timeframe—typically 24 to 48 hours for emergencies and up to 30 days for non-urgent issues.
• Following fair housing laws to ensure tenant screening and rental policies are non-discriminatory.
• Giving reasonable advance notice before entering the rental unit for non-emergency reasons. While Michigan does not set a specific requirement for advanced notice, it's generally recommended to provide at least 24 hours' notice before entering for repairs, showings, or inspections.
• Maintaining common areas such as hallways, parking areas, and shared facilities.
• Paying property taxes and insurance premiums, even if these costs are factored into rent.
• Following the legal process for evictions, ensuring no tenant is removed without a court order.
• Returning the security deposit within the required timeframe after a lease ends, within 30 days according to Michigan law.

Michigan tenants have the right to:

• Live in safe, habitable housing with working utilities, functional appliances, and no hazardous conditions.
• Take legal action if the landlord engages in negligence, harassment, or discrimination.
• Receive timely maintenance and repairs, with urgent issues addressed promptly.
• Privacy and security in their home, including working locks and protection from excessive landlord entry.
• Receive advance notice before rent increases, lease terminations, evictions, or landlord entry.
• Enjoy quiet enjoyment of the rental without excessive disturbances.
• Be protected from retaliatory eviction for reporting unsafe conditions or exercising their legal rights.
• Withhold rent or repair and deduct in certain situations if the landlord fails to address serious maintenance concerns (MCL § 554.139; Rome v. Walker). 

Michigan tenants are responsible for:

• Paying rent on time, including any late fees and agreed-upon utility payments.
• Following all lease terms, as long as they comply with local and state laws.
• Keeping the rental unit clean and safe, ensuring proper sanitation and waste disposal.
• Reporting maintenance issues promptly, especially urgent problems.
• Handling minor upkeep, such as replacing batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
• Covering the cost of any damages caused by negligence, whether by the tenant or their guests.
• Providing proper notice if they choose not to renew the lease.
• Using the property as intended, avoiding unauthorized business operations or unapproved uses.

Michigan Required Disclosures 

Required disclosures are information that landlords are obligated to disclose to tenants before entering into a lease agreement. These disclosures often pertain to hazards in the property, tenants' rights, or the landlord's policies.

Below are a few of the most important required disclosures in Michigan.

• Lead-based paint (Title X, Section 1018). Landlords in all 50 states must include information about lead-based paint hazards in the rental agreements for most properties built before 1978. Sellers and landlords must distribute an EPA-approved information pamphlet called “Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home” and disclose any known lead hazards in the property. These obligations were established by Section 1018 of the Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act of 1992.
• Landlord/Agent Identification (MCL § 554.634). Landlords must provide the name and address of the owner (or owner’s agent) where notices may be received in the rental agreement or lease.
• Truth in Renting Act (MCL § 554.634). A rental agreement or lease should include the following notice, no smaller than 12-point type in a legible font: “NOTICE: Michigan law establishes rights and obligations for parties to rental agreements. This agreement is required to comply with the Truth in Renting Act. If you have a question about the interpretation or legality of a provision of this agreement, you may want to seek assistance from a lawyer or other qualified person.” 
• Security Deposit Receipt (MCL § 554.603). Within 14 days after the tenant moves in, landlords are required to provide the name and address of the financial institution or surety company where the security deposit is held. The notice should also include the following statement in at least 12-pt boldface type: “You must notify your landlord in writing within 4 days after you move of a forwarding address where you can be reached and where you will receive mail; otherwise, your landlord shall be relieved of sending you an itemized list of damages and the penalties adherent to that failure.”
• Move-In/Move-Out Checklists (MCL § 554.608). Michigan landlords must provide an inventory checklist both at the commencement and termination of each tenancy wherein a security deposit is required. Both checklists should include the condition of carpeting, draperies, appliances, windows, furniture, walls, closets, shelves, paint, doors, plumbing fixtures, electrical fixtures, and other items. Upon termination of the lease, the landlord should complete the checklist and list all damages found to be caused by the tenant. The move-in checklist should also include the following notice in 12-pt bold type: “You should complete this checklist, noting the condition of the rental property, and return it to the landlord within 7 days after obtaining possession of the rental unit. You are also entitled to request and receive a copy of the last termination inventory checklist that shows what claims were chargeable to the last prior tenants.” 
• Domestic Violence Disclosure (MCL § 554.601b). Landlords must notify tenants of their right to be released from their lease agreement if they are in danger due to domestic violence. The tenant must submit a written notice. Rental agreements should contain the following provision: “A tenant who has a reasonable apprehension of present danger to him or her or his or her child from domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking may have special statutory rights to seek a release of rental obligation under MCL 554.601b.” If this notice is not included in the lease, the landlord must post a written notice in a visible place in their office or deliver it to the tenant directly. 

Additional Reading: Michigan Residential Lease Agreement

Michigan Rent and Fees 

Although rent control is banned in Michigan, the state still has laws that affect rent payments, fees, and the circumstances in which tenants can withhold rent. For example, landlords cannot increase rent in the middle of a lease terms or charge more than $25-$35 for a bounced check. Below are the most important rent and fee laws that landlords in Michigan should know.

Rent Payments

• Due Date: No statute in Michigan specifies when rent should be due. 
• Rent Increases: Rent control laws are banned in Michigan. This means Michigan landlords may increase rent as they see fit; however, they cannot increase rent in the middle of the lease term (MCL § 123.411(2)). 
• Grace Period: There is no required grace period in Michigan. 

Fees

• Application Fees: Rental application fees are not regulated in Michigan. 
• Late Fees: There are no statutory limits on late fees in Michigan. 
• NSF/Bounced Check Fee Maximum: If the tenant’s rent check bounces, the landlord may charge a maximum fee of $25 if paid within seven days of the due date and $35 if paid within 30 days (MCL § 600.2952). 

Tenant Remedies

• Withholding Rent/Repair and Deduct: If the landlord fails to comply with health and safety laws or make necessary repairs, Michigan tenants may either withhold rent and deposit it into an escrow account or pay for the repair themselves and deduct the cost from the rent. In either case, the tenant must first provide a written notice (by certified mail) of the problem and their intent to withhold rent or repair and deduct and wait a reasonable amount of time before proceeding (MCL § 554.139; Rome v. Walker). 

Security Deposits 

Almost all states have laws regulating security deposits. These regulations include limitations on the amount of deposits, whether interest accrues and should be paid to the tenant, how quickly deposits must be returned to the tenant after lease termination, and when landlords can withhold funds from it. Below are Michigan's security deposit laws.

• Deposit Limit: 1.5 months’ rent (MCL 554.602). 
• Interest: Michigan landlords are not required to pay interest on security deposits. 
• Return Within: 30 days (MCL 554.609). 
• Deposit Location: Michigan landlords must deposit security deposit funds at either a regulated financial institution (such as a bank) or a cash/surety bond with the Secretary of State (MCL 554.604). 
• Withholding: Landlords may withhold funds from the security deposit as reimbursement for unpaid rent or utility bills due to the premature termination of the rental agreement by the tenant OR for actual damages to the rental unit directly resulting from the tenants’ poor conduct (MCL 554.607). In order to withhold funds for these damages, the landlord must provide an itemized list of damages to be mailed to the tenant within 30 days after the lease termination and including this notice: “You must respond to this notice by mail within 7 days after receipt of same, otherwise you will forfeit the amount claimed for damages” (MCL 554.609). 

Michigan Tenant Screening and Fair Housing Protections 

What actions are considered housing discrimination?

Tenants have legal protection against unfair housing practices in every state. The Federal Fair Housing Act (Title 24 USC § 3601-3607) prohibits unlawful discrimination in all aspects of housing. Housing discrimination occurs when landlords engage in discriminatory practices when:

• Accepting or denying tenant applications
• Choosing the methods they will use to screen tenants
• Advertising units
• Writing listings
• Deciding to increase rent
• Allocating rent credits or discounts
• Providing maintenance and service to the property
• Evicting tenants
• etc.

What are the protected classes in Michigan?

The FHA specifically protects tenants from discrimination based on the following seven protected classes. This means that landlords cannot use a tenant's membership in any of the classes below to justify housing decisions:

• Race
• Color
• Religion
• Gender
• National origin
• Familial status
• Disability

In addition to these federal protections, the Michigan Fair Housing Act adds age and marital status as protected classes (MCL § 37.2502).

2025 UPDATE (SB 207): At the end of 2024, Michigan passed a bill to add source of income to the state's civil rights law as well. This means landlords in Michigan can no longer discriminate against tenants based solely on their participation in the Section 8 program. Tenants who receive income from public assistance, veterans' benefits, supplemental security income, or other retirement programs are also included.

Use of Credit Reports 

Michigan landlords are subject to the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) (15 USC § 1681) which outlines the responsibilities of landlords to protect tenant credit information. According to the Act, landlords may not share tenant credit information with anyone without a legal reason to view it. They must also investigate disputed information, dispose of credit reports after use in tenant screening, and notify applicants when their credit score or history was the reason for their denial. 

Use of Criminal Histories 

The use of criminal background checks during tenant screening is not regulated by Michigan state law. However, Michigan landlords should follow HUD recommendations for using criminal background checks fairly. This includes avoiding blanket policies for denying applicants with criminal convictions, assessing applicants and their criminal histories on a case-by-case basis, and only denying an applicant when they demonstrate a risk to the safety of other residents or the property. 

Michigan Fair Chance Access to Housing Ordinance: In Ann Arbor, criminal background checks as part of tenant screening are banned, with a few exceptions. It is illegal to inquire about renters’ criminal histories, require that a tenant disclose their criminal history, or deny housing based on such disclosure. However, some landlords who receive federal funding or accept tenants with federally subsidized housing vouchers must still conduct criminal background checks in order to comply with federal or state laws (Fair Chance Access to Housing Ordinance). 

Additional Reading: Michigan Background Checks & Screening Online

Michigan Landlord Entry Laws

Michigan does not have laws regulating landlord entry. However, most landlords provide at least 24 hours' notice before entering a rental property for a non-emergency reasons, such as repairs, inspections, or showings.

• Advanced Notice: There is no state law in Michigan requiring landlords to give advance notice before entering a property.  
• Permitted Times: Michigan state law does not designate any time-of-day restrictions for entering. 
• Emergency Entry: There are no laws in Michigan regarding emergency entry without notice. 

Michigan Eviction Notices 

Evictions are complex legal processes often poorly understood by both parties. Before pursuing eviction in Michigan, consider hiring an experienced real estate attorney and be sure to review the Michigan eviction process in more detail.

If you do pursue eviction in Michigan, the first step is to send a formal, written eviction notice. Michigan has several different types of eviction notices, each associated with a different circumstance:

• Rent Demand Notice: 7 days to pay or quit. This notice applies when the tenant fails to pay rent after any grace period has expired (MCL § 554.134(2)).  
• Lease Violation Notice: 30 days to quit. This notice applies when the tenant violates another term of the lease, such as having unauthorized pets or occupants (MCL § 554.134(1)). 
• Notice to Quit for Material Health or Safety Violation: 7 days to cure or quit. If a tenant “willfully or negligently causes a serious and continuing health hazard” on the premises or causes "extensive and continuing physical injury” to the property, the landlord may send a seven-day notice to cure or quit. If the tenant can substantially restore or repair the premises, the landlord should give them the opportunity to do so (MCL § 600.5714(1)(d)). 
• Notice to Quit for Violence: 7 days to quit. A seven-day notice to quit should also be provided (without opportunity to cure) if a tenant or guest/household member causes or threatens physical injury to another individual on the premises (MCL § 600.5714(1)(d)). 
• Unconditional Notice to Quit for Illegal Drug Activity: 24 hours to quit. According to eviction laws in Michigan, if the tenant or a member of the tenant’s household is found to have manufactured, delivered, or possessed a controlled substance on the leased premises, and a police report has already been filed for the same, the landlord may terminate the tenancy with a written 24-hour notice to quit (MCL § 554.134(4)). 
• Nonrenewal: A landlord or tenant who wishes to terminate a year-to-year lease may give the other party a notice to quit. After the notice is delivered, the tenancy will terminate when the lease next expires (MCL § 554.134(3)). 

Additional Reading: Michigan Eviction Process and Laws [2025]

Michigan Squatter's Rights

Squatters are individuals who move into a property without permission from the owner. Removing squatters in Michigan sometimes requires undergoing the entire eviction process.

However, Michigan has a unique law (HB No. 5069 of 2013, or Public Act 223 of 2014) that allows landlords to take certain self-help measures to encourage squatters to leave their property, such as shutting off utilities or changing the locks. These actions are illegal in other states and never allowed when evicting a tenant or anyone who had a written or oral lease agreement with the property owner in the past. Property owners are also forbidden from attempting to physically remove a squatter by force. However, the law does help Michigan landlords remove true squatters without undergoing the tedious and expensive process of an eviction lawsuit.

Before using self-help measures or filing for eviction in Michigan, be sure to review the relevant statutes and seek advice from a real estate lawyer. When in doubt, rely on expert advice for navigating a squatter situation.

Additional Reading: Michigan Squatter's Rights & Adverse Possession Laws [2025]

Other Laws and Facts About Michigan 

• The average rent rate in Michigan is $1,400 per month, according to Zillow. 
• The average rent rate in Detroit is $1,337 per month, according to RentCafe. 
• The cities with the fastest-growing home prices in Michigan last year were Southfield, Saginaw, Norton Shores, Allen Park, and Dearborn.

Conclusion

Michigan's rental laws protect both landlords and tenants, establishing the guidelines for fair relationships between both parties. Understanding these laws is essential to not only avoid legal penalties and fines, but also to build strong, lasting relationships with your tenants. Landlords who keep up-to-date with local laws, respect tenants' rights, and consult legal experts when necessary are more likely to see renewed leases and satisfied tenants—which is great for your business, too.

FAQs

Is Michigan a landlord-friendly state?

Yes, Michigan is considered landlord-friendly because there are no rent control laws, meaning landlords can set rent prices freely. Additionally, there are no statutory limits on late fees or requirements for grace periods. However, landlords must still comply with state and federal fair housing laws.

Can a landlord refuse to rent to someone using Section 8 vouchers in Michigan?

Previously, Michigan law allowed landlords to refuse tenants based on source of income, including housing vouchers. However, starting April 2, 2025, landlords with five or more rental units cannot discriminate against tenants using housing vouchers. This change aligns Michigan with other states that have adopted similar tenant protections.

What is the maximum security deposit a landlord can charge in Michigan?

Michigan law allows landlords to charge a maximum security deposit of 1.5 months’ rent. This deposit must be held in a separate account, and landlords must provide tenants with a receipt stating the financial institution where the deposit is kept. At the end of the lease, the deposit must be returned within 30 days, minus any deductions for damages or unpaid rent.

How much notice must a Michigan landlord give before entering a rental unit?

Michigan law does not specify a required notice period for a landlord to enter a rental unit. However, providing at least 24 hours’ notice is considered best practice. Landlords can enter without notice in emergencies, such as fires, gas leaks, or urgent maintenance issues that threaten health or safety.

What maintenance responsibilities do Michigan landlords have?

Landlords must ensure that rental units remain safe and habitable, complying with Michigan’s health and safety codes. This includes maintaining plumbing, heating, and electrical systems in working order. If a landlord fails to make necessary repairs after reasonable notice, tenants may be legally allowed to withhold rent or pay for repairs and deduct the cost from rent.

How much notice should a Michigan landlord give to evict a tenant for nonpayment of rent?

If a tenant fails to pay rent, Michigan law requires landlords to provide a 7-day “pay or quit” notice before filing for eviction. This means the tenant has seven days to pay the overdue rent or move out. If the tenant does neither, the landlord can proceed with the formal eviction process through the courts.

What protected classes are covered under Michigan fair housing laws?

Michigan fair housing laws prohibit discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, familial status, age, and marital status. Additionally, starting April 2, 2025, “source of income” will be a protected category, meaning landlords cannot refuse to rent to someone solely because they receive housing assistance. 

Free Downloads

1. Michigan Residential Lease Agreement Template
2. Michigan Quitclaim Deed
3. Michigan Demand for Possession (nonpayment of rent)
4. Michigan Demand for Possession (damage/health hazard to property)
5. Michigan Demand for Possession (unlawful drug activity on premises)
6. Michigan Notice to Quit to Recover Possession of Property
7. Michigan Complaint to Recover Possession of Property

Resources

1. Michigan Landlord-Tenant and Land Contract Forms
2. Michigan Courts Fines, Fees, Costs, and Rates
3. Michigan Process Service Fees
4. Michigan District Court Rules of Civil Procedure
5. Michigan Eviction Process & Laws [2025]
6. Michigan Communities and Squatting: What You Need to Know
7. Michigan Housing Market Trends & Forecast
8. Real Estate Terms & Definitions