Michigan 30-Day Security Deposit Damage Notice Rule

MCL 554.609 requires a damage notice within 30 days after termination of occupancy. The notice includes an itemized list, estimated repair cost for each damaged item and the amounts/bases assessed, together with the remaining deposit balance if any.

Last reviewed: August 30, 20263 official sources cited

Damage notice30 days

After termination of occupancy.

Cost detailEstimated cost by item

The notice identifies the amounts and bases of assessment.

BalanceCheck or money order

The undisputed difference accompanies the notice.

A forwarding address can affect this step

Michigan’s four-day written forwarding-address rule should be checked before concluding that a missing damage notice automatically violated the 30-day requirement.

Compare this topic across states

Deposit Deadlines by State
Compare return and accounting timelines across all 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

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.

Michigan LegislatureMCL 554.611 — forwarding address ↗

Primary law requiring the tenant to provide a written address within four days after termination of occupancy.

Related Michigan guides

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