What to save
For a Michigan security deposit dispute, the most important evidence usually starts with proof that you gave a written forwarding address within 4 days after termination of occupancy. Keep the address notice, move-out date, inventory checklist, condition photos, the landlord's damages list, your 7-day response, and proof of mailing.
Keep these records
- Lease and security deposit amount.
- Move-in inventory checklist.
- Move-out photos and video.
- Proof of termination of occupancy and key/access return.
- Written forwarding-address notice and delivery proof, including copies, screenshots, certified mail receipts, mailing receipts, email records, or tracking.
- Any itemized damages list from the landlord.
- Your written response if you dispute the damages list.
- Refund checks, money orders, envelopes, emails, and texts.
Why mailing proof matters
Michigan's security-deposit process uses mailed notices. Keep copies of envelopes, tracking, certified mail receipts, ordinary mail proof where available, and screenshots showing when messages were sent. This is the record that makes the deadline, objection, and damages questions easier to prove.
If deductions are claimed
Compare the claimed deductions to the move-in checklist, move-out photos, and normal-wear evidence. If you disagree with the landlord's damages list, respond by mail within 7 days and identify the disputed charges.
Related Michigan guides
- Michigan security deposit deadline
- Michigan move-out checklist
- What can a Michigan landlord deduct?
- Michigan security deposit demand letter
The guide above helps you organize the record. The paid system gives you the letters that use that record at each step, so your proof and your next written step stay matched.