1. Domestic Violence Victims – The landlord must disclose, either in the lease, on a notice posted in their office, or in a written notice, that a tenant under threat of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking may have statutory rights to terminate their lease by including this phrase:^[2]

A tenant who has a reasonable apprehension of present danger to him or her or his or her child from domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking may have special statutory rights to seek a release of rental obligation under MCL 554.601b.

2. Inventory Checklist – The landlord must provide the tenant with an inventory checklist at the beginning and end of occupancy. The tenant must use this checklist to review the property’s condition and return the list to the landlord within seven days.^[3]

3. Lead-Based Paint Disclosure & EPA Pamphlet – Federal law requires all landlords to disclose to their tenants that if the residential unit was built before 1978, the presence of lead-based paint may pose a danger if exposed.^[4]

4. Notice Information – The landlord must provide an address in the lease where the tenant can send legal notices.^[5]

5. Truth in Renting Act – The following statement must be written in 12-point font and no less than 1/8 inch in height, establishing that the rental agreement must comply with the Truth in Renting Act:^[6]

NOTICE: Michigan law establishes rights and obligations for parties to rental agreements. This agreement is required to comply with the Truth in Renting Act. If you have a question about the interpretation or legality of a provision of this agreement, you may want to seek assistance from a lawyer or other qualified person.

6. Security Deposit Receipt – The landlord must provide the tenant with a receipt for their security deposit, including the financial institution where the funds are located. The receipt must also include the following statement in 12-point boldface type, which is at least 4 points larger than the body of the notice or lease agreement:^[7]

You must notify your landlord in writing within 4 days after you move of a forwarding address where you can be reached and where you will receive mail; otherwise your landlord shall be relieved of sending you an itemized list of damages and the penalties adherent to that failure.

Maximum Amount – The landlord cannot require a security deposit greater than one and a half months’ rent.^[8]

Collecting Interest – The landlord is not required to hold the security deposit in an interest-bearing account. However, Michigan state law does require that it be deposited in a regulated financial institution.^[9]

Receipt – The landlord must provide the tenant with a receipt for their security deposit within 14 days. This receipt must include the name and address of the institution holding the deposit and inform the tenant of their obligation to provide the landlord with a forwarding address no later than four days after the end of their lease.^[7]

Returning – The landlord must return the security deposit, minus any amounts used to cover the costs of damages or unpaid rent, to the tenant within 30 days of the end of occupancy.^[7]

• Itemized List – If the landlord uses any amount of the security deposit to pay for repairs to the property, they must provide the tenant with an itemized list of damages that includes the estimated costs of repairs.^[10]

Grace Period – Michigan state law does not establish a rent grace period. The rent must be stated when it is due in the lease.^[11] If rent is late, the landlord can send the tenant a seven-day notice to quit to begin formal eviction proceedings.^[12]

Maximum Late Fee – There is no statutory limit on late fees in Michigan. The landlord may charge as much as desired.

NSF Fee – $25 is the maximum allowable charge for a bad check.^[12]

Withholding Rent – The tenant can withhold rent needed to maintain the property in a habitable condition or to maintain its condition in accordance with health and safety laws.^[13]

There is no Michigan state law regarding a landlord’s right to access the property. However, in non-emergency situations, it is recommended that the landlord give the tenant 24 to 48 hours’ written notice.

Absence – Michigan state law does not establish a set number of days that a tenant must be absent for a unit to be considered abandoned. However, the law does permit the landlord to evict a tenant if the rent has not been paid and they believe “in good faith” that the tenant has abandoned the property.^[14]

Breaking the Lease – The tenant may terminate the lease if they or their child are in present danger of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking.^[15] A tenant who has lived in a unit for at least 13 months may also terminate their lease if they become eligible for subsidized senior citizen housing or can no longer live independently.^[16]

Tenant’s Utility Shutoff – If the tenant’s failure to pay for essential utilities creates a serious health hazard or causes extensive damage to the property, then the landlord may give seven days’ notice to vacate.^[17]

Unclaimed Property – Michigan state law does not require a landlord to store a former tenant’s abandoned personal property or to attempt to contact the tenant about said property.