1. Address for Notices – Leases must include the name and address where notices can be sent by the tenant.^[1]
2. Domestic Violence Victims – A disclosure must be provided to tenants stating that if they believe they are in danger of being a victim of domestic violence, they will be released from their obligation to pay rent.^[2]
3. Inventory Checklist (PDF) – Landlords must provide two blank inventory checklists before tenancy begins so the tenant can take note of the condition of the property.^[3]
4. Lead-Based Paint Disclosure (PDF) – In accordance with federal law, a lead-based paint disclosure form must be delivered to all tenants who are renting a property constructed prior to the year 1978.^[4]
5. Security Deposit Notice (PDF) – This security deposit notice must be provided to all tenants who have been asked to put down a security deposit before renting residential property.^[5]
6. Truth in Renting Act – Lease agreements must a) state the name and address where notices should be sent and b) contain the following statement^[6]:

“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.”

Maximum Amount ($) – A security deposit cannot exceed one and a half months’ rent.^[7]

Collecting Interest – Collecting and distributing interest from security deposits is not mentioned in state law.

Returning to Tenant – A landlord has 30 days to return the security deposit to the tenant at the end of the lease.^[8]

Itemized List Required? – Yes, if the landlord plans to use all or a part of the security deposit for repairing damages, an itemized list must be sent to the tenant along with any balance remaining.^[9]

Separate Bank Account? – No, state law only requires landlords to hold security deposits at a “regulated financial institution.”^[10]

General Access – State statutes do not specify how much notice a landlord must give their tenant before accessing the property.

Immediate Access – Landlord access in emergency situations is not mentioned in state law.

Grace Period – There are no laws stating that a landlord must wait a certain number of days before charging a late fee.

Maximum Late Fee ($) – Michigan statutes don’t mention a maximum late fee amount.

Bad Check (NSF) Fee – If a tenant’s rent check bounces, they may be charged a $25 fee on top of the total rent amount if paid within 7 days or a $35 fee if payment is made within 30 days.^[11]

Withholding Rent – Tenants may withhold rent and deposit it into an escrow account if a government agency suspends the property’s certificate of compliance due to unsafe or unhealthy living conditions.^[12]

Non-Payment of Rent – Tenants who fail to pay rent may be served a notice to quit giving them seven days to pay or vacate the premises.^[13]

Non-Compliance – As long as it’s written in the lease agreement, the landlord may terminate a tenancy for non-compliance by providing 30 days’ notice.^[14]

• Exception: A tenant who causes a non-compliance that results in a health hazard or serious damage to the property can be served a 7-day notice to quit.^[15]

Lockouts – Tenants who have been prevented access to their rental property may be entitled to recover monetary damages in addition to gaining re-entry.^[16]

Leaving Before the End Date – A landlord’s remedies when a tenant abandons the rental property is not covered by state law.

Month-to-Month – Landlords and tenants have the right to end a monthly lease by providing one-month notice.^[17]

Unclaimed Property – What to do with a tenant’s unclaimed property after abandonment or lease termination is not mentioned in state statutes.