Michigan Compliance Hub

Michigan Landlord-Tenant Law: 2026 Guide

The plain-English breakdown of Michigan rental law every self-managing landlord needs. Security deposit limits, late fee rules, notice periods, eviction process, and the official statute link, all in one place.

Draft a Michigan Lease Get Started Free

Michigan at a glance

Security deposit
Max 1.5 Months
Late fees
Per lease
Notice period
30 Days
Deposit return
30 Days

Source: official Michigan statute. Verified against 2026 text.

Michigan landlord-tenant law in plain English

Michigan landlord-tenant law sets the rules every rental in the state has to follow. Security deposits are capped at max 1.5 months, late fees are governed by per lease, the standard notice to terminate a month-to-month lease is 30 days, and security deposits must be returned within 30 days after the tenant moves out. The exact statute is the source of truth for any specific dispute.

Common Michigan landlord questions

Answered against the verified facts above and the linked statute. Not legal advice.

What is the maximum security deposit a landlord can charge in Michigan?
In Michigan, the security-deposit cap is Max 1.5 Months. Always confirm with the linked statute before drafting your lease.
Does Michigan cap late fees on rent?
Michigan's late-fee rule is: Per lease. If the rule is 'per lease', spell out the exact dollar amount or percentage in writing so it is enforceable.
How much notice does a Michigan landlord have to give to end a month-to-month lease?
The standard notice period in Michigan is 30 Days. Different rules can apply for nonpayment, lease violations, or fixed-term leases ending.
How long does a Michigan landlord have to return the security deposit?
Michigan requires the deposit to be returned within 30 Days of move-out, with an itemized list of any deductions.
Can a landlord lock me out or shut off utilities in Michigan?
No. 'Self-help' evictions are illegal across all U.S. states. A landlord must serve written notice, file in court, and let a sheriff carry out any lockout.
Where can I read the full Michigan landlord-tenant statute?
The official statute link is at the bottom of this page. Rentari.ai cites it directly so you can verify any line item before signing or filing.

More state landlord-law guides

California → Florida → Georgia → Illinois → New York → Ohio →
See all 50 state guides
Built on this law

Draft a Michigan-compliant lease in minutes

Rentari.ai's lease builder bakes every Michigan requirement into the document automatically. Deposit cap, late-fee language, notice clauses, all of it. You approve the draft, send to e-sign, and store it in Files.

Get Started Free See the Lease Builder

Information here is general guidance, not legal advice. Verify with the linked statute or a licensed attorney before acting. Michigan statute: https://law.justia.com/codes/michigan/chapter-554/