Michigan Rental Laws

Michigan Rental Laws

Your Michigan Rental Laws Guide to helpful links and information for leases, rent, security deposits, tenant screening, real estate and government.

Official Website of the State of Michigan

The United States Census Bureau estimates that the population of Michigan was 9,909,877 on July 1, 2014, a 0.27% increase since the 2010 United States Census.

The State of Michigan has 83 counties.

State Rules and Regulations

Important Lease Terms

Security Deposits

  • Amount: 1 and a half month’s rent
  • Return Deadline:  30 Days

State Fees and Notice

  • Applications Fees: No Restrictions
  • Termination Notice:  30 days for tenant at will or if lease provides for termination for violations of its provisions.
  • Tenant Rights to Withhold Rent: Tenant can repair and deduct

Landlord Disclosures

Real Estate Links

Federal Goverment

  • Fair Credit Reporting Act:  Federal Government legislation which promotes the accuracy, fairness, and privacy of consumer information contained in the files of consumer reporting agencies.
  • Fair Housing Act:  The Fair Housing Act protects people from discrimination when they are renting, buying, or securing financing for any housing. The prohibitions specifically cover discrimination because of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability and the presence of children

Credit Reports

Tenant Screening

  • Counties covered:  Alcona,   Alger,   Allegan,   Alpena,   Antrim,   Arenac,   Baraga,   Barry,   Bay,   Benzie,   Berrien,   Branch,   Calhoun,   Cass,   Charlevoix,   Cheboygan,   Chippewa,   Clare,   Clinton,   Crawford,   Delta,   Dickinson,   Eaton,   Emmet,   Genesee,   Gladwin,   Gogebic,   Grand Traverse,   Gratiot,   Hillsdale,   Houghton,   Huron,   Ingham,   Ionia,   Iosco,   Iron,   Isabella,   Jackson,   Kalamazoo,   Kalkaska,   Kent,   Keweenaw,   Lake,   Lapeer,   Leelanau,   Lenawee,   Livingston,   Luce,   Mackinac,   Macomb,   Manistee,   Marquette,   Mason,   Mecosta,   Menominee,   Midland,   Missaukee,   Monroe,   Montcalm,   Montmorency,   Muskegon,   Newaygo,   Oakland,   Oceana,   Ogemaw,   Ontonagon,   Osceola,   Oscoda,   Otsego,   Ottawa,   Presque Isle,   Roscommon,   Saginaw,   St. Clair,   St. Joseph,   Sanilac,   Schoolcraft,   Shiawassee,   Tuscola,   Van Buren,   Washtenaw,   Wayne,   Wexford
  • Options for Tenant Screening Packages and Prices
  • Summary of Your Rights Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)

Last Updated: April 13, 2020