Michigan security deposit rules
How Michigan deposit returns generally work
Michigan generally requires a landlord who claims damages against a security deposit to mail the tenant an itemized notice of damages, with estimated repair costs and any undisputed balance, within 30 days after the tenant’s occupancy ends, and to start a court action within 45 days to keep disputed amounts unless a statutory exception applies. Tenants have strict deadlines of their own: a written forwarding address within 4 days after moving out and a detailed mailed response within 7 days after receiving a notice of damages.
MCL 554.611 requires the tenant to give the landlord a written forwarding address within 4 days after termination of occupancy; missing it relieves the landlord of the notice-of-damages requirement but does not forfeit a later claim for the deposit.
MCL 554.609 requires a landlord claiming damages to mail an itemized notice within 30 days after termination of occupancy; under MCL 554.610, missing that deadline constitutes agreement that no damages are due.
A tenant who receives a notice of damages must respond in detail by mail within 7 days (MCL 554.612), and to keep disputed amounts a landlord generally must sue within 45 days (MCL 554.613), which describes waiver and double the amount retained.
Watch your own deadline: Michigan has two short tenant deadlines. Under MCL 554.611, give the landlord a written forwarding address within 4 days after your occupancy ends (this duty may not apply if the landlord never gave you the required move-in notice of it). If you received a notice of damages, MCL 554.612 requires a detailed response by ordinary mail within 7 days after receiving it, or you may forfeit the amount claimed. Mail this letter within that window and keep proof of the mailing date.
Check coverage: The Act covers rental units used as a residence, including apartments, rooming houses, mobile home spaces, and single- and two-family dwellings. Since September 21, 2026 (2026 PA 102), a landlord may send the undisputed balance electronically within 10 days after mailing the notice of damages.
These are general summaries, not conclusions about your situation. Review the linked official text and obtain legal advice when needed.
Deadline calculator · Normal wear and tear vs. damage · How to get your deposit back · Deadlines in other states