States/Michigan/Security Deposit
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Michigan renter guide

Michigan Security Deposit Rules (2026)

Michigan uses a tightly sequenced security-deposit process: a 1.5-month cap, commencement and termination inventory checklists, a written forwarding address within four days, a 30-day itemized damage notice, a seven-day tenant response period and a separate 45-day action framework for disputed damage claims.

Last reviewed: August 30, 20263 official sources cited
Deposit maximum1.5 months’ rent

MCL 554.602.

Forwarding addressWithin 4 days

Written address after termination of occupancy under MCL 554.611.

Damage notice30 days

Itemized list after termination of occupancy under MCL 554.609.

Tenant response7 days

The statutory notice tells the tenant to respond by mail within seven days after receipt.

What to preserve

  • Lease and security-deposit receipt.
  • Commencement inventory checklist and move-in photos.
  • Move-out/termination inventory checklist.
  • Written forwarding-address notice and proof of delivery.
  • 30-day itemized damage notice and refund balance.
  • Any mailed response disputing the damages.

Michigan is procedure-heavy

The timing steps interact. A forwarding-address failure can change the landlord’s notice duty, while an undisputed or disputed damage list can affect what happens next. Keep each notice and date rather than relying on one move-out date alone.

Compare this topic across states

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

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