Michigan Security Deposit Law
Statute text last checked: October 23, 2026
Return deadline
30 days
Statute
MCL 554.602; MCL 554.607; MCL 554.608; MCL 554.609; MCL 554.610; MCL 554.612; MCL 554.613
Does your lease's deposit clause match Michigan law? Upload it to see which clauses may conflict.
Check your Michigan lease →How much can a landlord charge?
No more than 1½ months' rent (MCL 554.602).
When must the deposit be returned?
To claim damages, the landlord must mail an itemized notice of damages within 30 days after occupancy ends, with the balance of the deposit (MCL 554.609). Missing the 30 days means the landlord agrees no damages are due and must return the full deposit immediately (MCL 554.610).
Key rules
- A deposit may be used only for actual damages from conduct not reasonably expected in normal habitation, unpaid rent (including rent due for premature termination), and unpaid utility bills (MCL 554.607).
- The landlord must use move-in and move-out inventory checklists; the tenant returns the move-in checklist within 7 days (MCL 554.608).
- A tenant who disputes the notice of damages should respond by ordinary mail within 7 days, stating agreement or disagreement in detail (MCL 554.612).
- To keep disputed amounts, the landlord generally must sue within 45 days after occupancy ends (MCL 554.613).
If the landlord doesn't follow the law
A landlord who fails to comply fully with MCL 554.613 waives all claimed damages and is liable to the tenant for double the amount of the deposit retained.
Frequently asked questions
How much can a Michigan landlord charge for a security deposit?
No more than 1½ months' rent under MCL 554.602.
What if my Michigan landlord doesn't send a damage list within 30 days?
Under MCL 554.610, that counts as agreement that no damages are due, and the full deposit must be returned immediately.
Sources
- MCL 554.602 (official text)
- MCL 554.607 (official text)
- MCL 554.608 (official text)
- MCL 554.609 (official text)
- MCL 554.610 (official text)
- MCL 554.612 (official text)
- MCL 554.613 (official text)
Landlord keeping your deposit?
We're building a kit to help you request it back. Join the waitlist.
No spam. Informational tool, not legal advice; FlagMyLease is not a law firm.