What the letter should do
A Michigan security deposit demand letter should not ignore the forwarding-address issue. State your forwarding address, when you sent it, termination-of-occupancy date, deposit amount, what the landlord has or has not sent, whether you dispute claimed damages, and what you want the landlord to do next. The point is not to send a random angry note. The point is to show the landlord, calmly and in writing, that you know the Michigan sequence and the proof that supports it.
The letter should not treat Michigan as only a 30-day state. Mention the 4-day forwarding-address rule, the 30-day itemized damages notice, the 7-day objection window if a damages list was sent, and the 45-day disputed-deposit step when relevant.
If you sent the forwarding address within 4 days, say that clearly and attach or keep proof. If you missed the 4-day step, still provide your current mailing address, but be careful not to overclaim that the landlord violated the normal itemized-notice process before receiving a proper address.
What the letter should include
- Landlord name and contact information.
- Rental address.
- Termination-of-occupancy or move-out date.
- Date you returned keys or possession.
- Security deposit amount.
- Your written forwarding address and when you sent it.
- What the landlord has sent or failed to send.
- Whether you received an itemized damages notice.
- Whether you dispute any damages and when you mailed your response.
- The amount or action you are demanding.
Sample Michigan security deposit demand letter
Re: Michigan Security Deposit Demand - [Rental Address]
Dear [Landlord Name],
I am writing about the security deposit for [Full Rental Address]. My occupancy ended on [Termination of Occupancy Date], and I returned possession of the rental on [Key/Access Return Date]. The security deposit paid was [Deposit Amount].
I provided my forwarding address in writing as follows:
[Forwarding Address]
[City, State, ZIP]I sent that forwarding address on [Date Sent] by [Delivery Method].
Michigan's security-deposit process requires careful timing. The landlord must mail an itemized list of damages and any refund balance within 30 days after termination of occupancy if damages or other obligations are claimed. If I receive a damages list that I dispute, I must respond by mail within 7 days. If disputed damages remain unresolved, Michigan's 45-day lawsuit-or-return step may apply.
As of today, I have not received [describe what is missing: the deposit refund, a proper itemized damages notice, the refund balance, or a response to my written objection].
If you are claiming deductions, please identify each charge, the amount claimed, and the reason for the charge. I dispute any charge for ordinary wear, preexisting conditions, unsupported cleaning, or amounts not allowed under Michigan's security deposit law.
Please return the amount due from my security deposit or send a complete written resolution within 5 business days. I am preserving all rights available under Michigan law, including remedies available under MCL 554.609, MCL 554.611, MCL 554.612, and MCL 554.613 where the statute and facts support them.
Sincerely,
[Tenant Name]
[Tenant Email]
[Tenant Phone]
Related Michigan guides
- Michigan security deposit deadline
- Michigan security deposit deductions
- Michigan security deposit evidence guide
- Michigan small claims guide
The sample above shows the shape of the demand. The paid system gives you the full Michigan sequence: move-out notice, deposit-due request, entitlement notice, and final demand.