Michigan 45-Day Security Deposit Court-Action Rule

MCL 554.613 establishes a 45-day post-occupancy action framework for a landlord seeking to retain disputed security-deposit money for damages, with exceptions that include certain failures by the tenant and written agreements between the parties.

Last reviewed: August 30, 20262 official sources cited

Court-action window45 days

Official Michigan guidance describes the period from termination of occupancy.

Not always requiredStatutory exceptions apply

Forwarding-address, response and written-agreement facts matter.

Do not treat day 45 as a universal automatic penalty

Whether court action was required depends on compliance with the preceding Michigan deposit steps and the exceptions in MCL 554.613. Review the full timeline before drawing a conclusion.

Procedure matters. Michigan’s forwarding-address, damage-notice, response and court-action steps interact. This guide is educational information and not legal advice.

Official sources

Michigan LegislatureMichigan Compiled Laws Chapter 554 — Landlord and Tenant Relationships ↗

Official compiled law containing MCL 554.602–554.614, including the deposit cap, inventories, damage notice and court-action rules.

Michigan LegislatureA Practical Guide for Tenants and Landlords ↗

Official practical guide with the security-deposit timeline and checklist.

Related Michigan guides

Security Deposit →1.5-Month Limit →Inventory Checklist →4-Day Address Rule →