← All states
MI · State profile
Michigan landlord rules
1 of 10 values below carries a source-confirmed statute citation. The rest are conservative reference values from Aptoria's compliance data and are labeled unverified.
Deposits, fees, and notices
Security deposit limit
Unverified reference value
1.5× monthly rent
No verified statutory citation on file. Confirm with the current statute.
Deposit return deadline
Source-confirmed 2026-07
Within 30 days after the termination of occupancy, mail an itemized list of damages claimed (with estimated repair costs) plus a check for the balance. The notice must carry, in bold larger type, the statement that the tenant must respond by mail within 7 days or forfeit the amount claimed. Failing to notify within 30 days means the landlord agrees no damages are due and must remit the full deposit.
MCL § 554.609. Michigan Legislature (official) ↗
Michigan requires specific bold notice language and a move-in inventory checklist (MCL 554.608); the tenant has 7 days to respond to the damages notice.
Reference value on file: 30 days after move-out
Late fees
Unverified reference value
No statewide cap (reasonableness standard)
No verified statutory citation on file. Confirm with the current statute.
Rent-increase notice
Unverified reference value
30 days
No verified statutory citation on file. Confirm with the current statute.
Month-to-month termination notice
Unverified reference value
30 days
No verified statutory citation on file. Confirm with the current statute.
Pay-or-quit notice
Unverified reference value
7 days
No verified statutory citation on file. Confirm with the current statute.
Non-emergency entry notice
Unverified reference value
Reasonable notice
No verified statutory citation on file. Confirm with the current statute.
Application fee limit
Unverified reference value
No statewide cap
No verified statutory citation on file. Confirm with the current statute.
Statewide rent regulation
Unverified reference value
No statewide rent regulation (check local ordinances)
No verified statutory citation on file. Confirm with the current statute.
Separate pet deposit
Unverified reference value
Permitted
No verified statutory citation on file. Confirm with the current statute.
Payments, fair housing, and licensing
Card surcharges on rent
Allowed within card-network limits
Returned-payment (NSF) fee
No statewide statutory cap on file
Source-of-income protection
Protected statewide
Local ordinances can extend protection beyond the statewide rule.
Property-management licensing
License generally required to manage for others
MI Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act (ELCRA) amendment eff. April 2, 2025: SOI protection for landlords with 5+ units.
Michigan next to its neighbors
Own units on both sides of a state line? These are the same reference values for every bordering jurisdiction. Open a state to see its citations.
| Rule | Michigan | Indiana | Ohio | Wisconsin |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Security deposit limit | 1.5× monthly rent | No statewide cap | No statewide cap | No statewide cap |
| Deposit return deadline | 30 days after move-out | 45 days after move-out | 30 days after move-out | 21 days after move-out |
| Late fees | No statewide cap (reasonableness standard) | No statewide cap (reasonableness standard) | No statewide cap (reasonableness standard) | No statewide cap (reasonableness standard) |
| Rent-increase notice | 30 days | 30 days | 30 days | 28 days |
| Non-emergency entry notice | Reasonable notice | Reasonable notice | 24 hours | 12 hours |
| Pay-or-quit notice | 7 days | 10 days | 3 days | 5 days |
| Source-of-income protection | Protected statewide | No statewide protection on file | No statewide protection on file | No statewide protection on file |
| Card surcharges on rent | Allowed within card-network limits | Allowed within card-network limits | Allowed within card-network limits | Allowed within card-network limits |
Lease disclosures on file
• Lead-based paint hazards (pre-1978 housing) — EPA Pamphlet "Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home"
• Move-in inventory checklist
• Truth in Renting Act notice
Run the numbers
Security deposit calculator
Late fee calculator
Rent increase calculator
Move-in / move-out inspection checklist
Educational information only, not legal advice. Laws, local ordinances, court interpretations, and the facts of a tenancy can change the result. Verify the current binding text and obtain advice from a qualified local professional before acting.