State law · statute quotes
Michigan security deposit laws for landlords and property managers
The words of Michigan's security deposit statute on each topic, quoted verbatim with pinpoint citations and links to the official source. No summaries, no interpretation.
Reviewed by Mark Shvaya, licensed California real estate broker (DRE #02243502), who uses ProFlow360 in a rental portfolio Mark manages
Last reviewed
Quoted on this page
- Deposit limit
- Returning the deposit
- Itemized statement
- Inspections and condition reports
- Photographs
- Normal wear and tear
- Interest
- Wrongful withholding
MCL 554.601-554.616 (1972 PA 348)
On this page
What this page covers
Michigan's residential security deposit provisions quoted here come from MCL 554.601-554.616 (1972 PA 348). Below are the statute's own words on 6 topics, each with a pinpoint citation and a link to the official text. This page does not summarize or interpret the law.
What does Michigan law say about move-in or move-out inspections?
(1) The landlord shall make use of inventory checklists both at the commencement and termination of occupancy for each rental unit which detail the condition of the rental unit for which a security deposit is required. ... (5) At the termination of the occupancy, the landlord shall complete a termination inventory checklist listing all the damages he claims were caused by the tenant.
What does Michigan law say about the amount of a security deposit?
A security deposit shall be required and maintained in accordance with the terms of this act and shall not exceed 1 1/2 months' rent.
What does Michigan law say about returning the deposit?
(1) In case of damage to the rental unit or other obligation against the security deposit, the landlord shall mail to the tenant, within 30 days after the termination of occupancy, a notice of damages that contains an itemized list of damages claimed for which the security deposit may be used as provided in section 7, including the estimated cost of repair of each damaged property item
What does Michigan law say about an itemized statement of deductions?
(4) The notice of damages must include the following statement in 12 point boldface type that is at least 4 points larger than the body of the notice: "You must respond to this notice by mail within 7 days after receipt of the notice of damages, otherwise you will forfeit the amount claimed for damages.".
How does Michigan law refer to normal wear and tear?
(a) Reimburse the landlord for actual damages to the rental unit or any ancillary facility that are the direct result of conduct not reasonably expected in the normal course of habitation of a dwelling.
What does Michigan law say about wrongful withholding?
Failure of the landlord to comply fully with this section constitutes waiver of all claimed damages and makes him liable to the tenant for double the amount of the security deposit retained.
Not quoted on this page
photographs, interest. That does not mean Michigan law is silent on them; other sections or local rules may apply. Read the full statute.
Has Michigan's security deposit law changed recently?
The quotes above were compared with the official source on October 16, 2026. For the amendment history, see the history notes on the official pages linked under Sources.
How does ProFlow360 help you document a Michigan tenancy?
ProFlow360 records and organizes inspection evidence; it does not tell you what the statute requires or allows. What it records, for any state:
- Move-in, routine, pre-move-out and move-out inspections with photos timestamped at capture.
- Each move-out photo beside its move-in match, filed under the tenancy.
- Itemized lines with your classification, the amount you entered, and the estimate or invoice attached.
- An issued record that is sealed, shared by a link that expires and can be revoked.
Do this in ProFlow360
Keep the photos, the call and the invoice on the same line
Every deduction line carries the move-in and move-out photos, your classification and its documents, so the record can be followed by someone who was not there.
Kitchen · counter burn, left of range
Line 2 of 5 · TEN-0418
MI-21 · Jul 12, 2024
MO-29 · Sep 30, 2026Security deposit statutes in nearby states
Sources
Sources checked October 16, 2026.
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