Michigan security deposit law

Michigan Security Deposit Law

Michigan security deposit law is a sequence, and the first urgent tenant step comes fast. Within 4 days after termination of occupancy, give the landlord a written forwarding address. That helps preserve the normal notice process before the landlord's 30-day damages notice, the tenant's 7-day response window, and any 45-day disputed-deposit step. The leverage comes from showing, in writing, that you kept the sequence intact and can prove it.

The Michigan rules that matter most

Deposit cap: Michigan caps the security deposit at one and one-half months' rent.
Forwarding address: the tenant should give a forwarding address in writing within 4 days after termination of occupancy. This can be a new address, P.O. Box, or another reliable mailing address.
30-day notice: if the landlord claims damages or another obligation against the deposit, the landlord must mail an itemized list and any balance within 30 days after termination of occupancy.
7-day response: if the tenant receives a damages list and disagrees, the tenant should respond by mail within 7 days and explain the disagreement.
45-day step: for disputed damages, the landlord generally must sue for the disputed amount, return the balance, or fit within a statutory exception.

What the deposit can be used for

Michigan allows deposit money to be used for actual damages beyond normal habitation, unpaid rent, rent due for premature termination, and unpaid utility bills that fit the statute. Ordinary wear from normal living should not be treated as damage.

Inventory checklist and move-out records

Michigan uses inventory checklists at the beginning and end of occupancy when a security deposit is required. At move-in, the tenant normally reviews the checklist, notes the condition, and returns a copy within 7 days after receiving possession unless a shorter agreed period applies.

At move-out, photos, video, keys/access return proof, and the termination inventory checklist can help show whether a claimed charge is real damage or normal wear.

When stronger remedies may matter

Michigan can support stronger recovery when the landlord misses the required 45-day action or return step and the tenant has taken the steps the security deposit law requires. Do not treat that as automatic in every dispute. Missing the 4-day written forwarding-address step can relieve the landlord from the normal itemized-damages notice process and make the cleaner recovery path harder, though it does not mean every possible deposit claim is lost.

Official sources

Source reviewed: April 2026.

Related Michigan guides

The free guide above explains the Michigan rule. The paid system gives you the Michigan-specific letters in order, so you are not guessing what to send next or what proof the landlord still has to answer.

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