Can my landlord shut off my power for not paying rent in Michigan?

No, Michigan law prohibits landlords from turning off electricity to force payment or eviction. This is considered illegal self-help eviction.

What should I do if my landlord turns off my electricity?

Promptly document everything, contact your landlord in writing, and file Form DC 368 at your local district court if service is not restored.

Who can legally disconnect my utilities for non-payment?

Only the utility company—never your landlord—if you are the account holder and receive proper advance notice.

What damages can I claim if my landlord disconnects electricity illegally?

You can claim three times your actual damages or $200 (whichever is higher), plus costs and attorney fees.

Where can I file a utility shut-off complaint against my landlord?

You can file a complaint at your local Michigan District Court using Form DC 368.

Can a Michigan Landlord Shut Off Your Electricity for Non-Payment?

Utilities, Services & Billing Michigan published June 21, 2025

If you're renting in Michigan and facing difficulty with utility payments, understanding your rights is crucial. Losing electricity can impact your well-being and feeling of security at home. This guide explains when, if ever, a landlord can legally shut off your electricity due to non-payment, what protections the law provides, and what steps you can take to address utility shut-offs.

Who Pays for Utilities in Michigan Rentals?

In Michigan, your lease will usually specify if electricity and other utilities are included in your rent, or if you are responsible for paying them separately. If your landlord covers electricity and you fall behind on rent, specific Michigan laws govern what the landlord can and cannot do about utility services.

Michigan Law: Landlord Utility Shut-Off Rules

Under the Michigan Truth in Renting Act and the Michigan Compiled Laws – MCL 600.2918, landlords generally cannot legally shut off or interrupt your electricity (or any other vital utility) to force you to pay rent or leave the property. This action is called a “self-help eviction,” and it is illegal in Michigan. Even if you owe rent or utility payments, the landlord must follow a legal eviction process, not take utility shut-offs into their own hands.

Landlords may not disconnect electricity as a way to force payment or remove you from the premises.
Utility shut-off as a form of eviction is prohibited.
Only the utility provider—and only under proper notice—may disconnect service for non-payment, if the account is in your name.

Exceptions to the Rule

There are some rare exceptions. For example, if a government order requires disconnecting utilities due to safety or code violations, this can occur. Otherwise, landlords must seek eviction through the courts, not by cutting utilities.

What To Do If Your Landlord Shuts Off Your Electricity

If your landlord turns off the electricity or arranges for it to be turned off, Michigan law allows you to take action to restore essential services and potentially recover damages. Here’s what you need to know and do:

Ask the landlord in writing (text, email, or letter) to restore the utility.
Contact your local utility company to check if the service is in your name or the landlord's and who authorized the disconnection.
If the landlord won’t restore service promptly, you may file a claim or emergency motion in district court for relief and to seek damages under MCL 600.2918 (see here).
Document everything with photos, messages, and details for your records.

Relevant Legal Form: Complaint for Illegal Lockout (Form DC 368)

Form Name: Complaint for Entry After Lockout (Form DC 368)
When to Use: Use this form if your landlord has shut off your utilities or locked you out of your rental unlawfully.
How to Use: File it at your local district court to request the judge order your landlord to restore services or allow you back in.
Download Form DC 368 (Complaint for Entry After Lockout)

For more guidance on using this form, visit the official Michigan Courts Landlord/Tenant Self-Help portal.

Which Tribunal Handles Utility Disputes?

Residential tenancy issues in Michigan, including illegal utility shut-offs, are generally handled by the Michigan District Court system. This is where renters can file complaints using forms like DC 368 or seek emergency orders for restoration of services.

If your landlord threatens or acts to disconnect your utilities, always document the situation and seek help promptly. The law protects your right to safe and habitable housing.

What If Your Utility Bill is in Your Name?

If the electricity account is in your name and you fall behind, only the utility provider (not the landlord) can shut off service, and only by following legal notice requirements. Review the provider's shut-off and assistance policies via the Michigan Public Service Commission for more details.

What Steps Can a Renter Take?

If you experience an illegal shut-off, protect yourself with these steps:

Contact your landlord in writing to ask for electricity to be restored
Gather evidence (photos of the shut-off, invoices, communication)
If not resolved, complete and file Form DC 368 at your district court
Attend the court hearing with documentation
Consider contacting tenant support services for advocacy

It’s important to act quickly to restore your electricity and your sense of safety at home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my landlord shut off my power for not paying rent in Michigan?
No, Michigan law prohibits landlords from turning off electricity to force a tenant to pay rent or move out. This is considered an illegal eviction method.
What should I do if my landlord turns off my electricity?
Document the shut-off, contact your landlord in writing, file a complaint (using Form DC 368) at your district court if needed, and review local support options.
Who can legally disconnect my utilities for non-payment?
Only the utility company, and only if you are the account holder and have received the required notice for disconnection.
What damages can I claim if my landlord disconnects electricity illegally?
You may sue for 3 times actual damages or $200, whichever is greater, plus costs and actual attorney fees, under MCL 600.2918.
Where can I file a utility shut-off complaint against my landlord?
In your local Michigan District Court, using Form DC 368 for illegal utility shut-off or lockout situations.

Summary and Key Takeaways

Michigan landlords cannot shut off electricity for non-payment—doing so is illegal.
Only utility providers may disconnect service, and only with proper notice to the renter.
If a landlord disconnects your power, file a complaint at your district court using the proper form.

Stay informed and document any issues to keep your home safe and your rights protected as a Michigan renter.