Can my landlord start charging me for trash or recycling if it wasn’t in the original lease?

If your current lease does not list a charge for trash or recycling, your landlord cannot add new charges until the lease is renewed or amended with your written agreement.

What should I do if I’m billed for trash when my lease says it’s included?

Notify your landlord in writing to request removal of the charge. If unresolved, you can contact your local Michigan District Court or file a complaint.

Does Michigan law require landlords to cover trash and recycling?

Unless your lease says you must pay, landlords are generally responsible for providing necessary services like trash collection under Michigan law.

Can a landlord charge extra administrative or service fees on trash bills?

Any additional fees for utilities or services must be clearly outlined in your lease. Unspecified extra fees are not permitted.

If my lease does not mention utilities, am I responsible for them?

If the lease is silent, Michigan law usually places responsibility for basic services such as trash on the landlord.

Can Michigan Landlords Charge for Trash and Recycling?

Utilities, Services & Billing Michigan published June 21, 2025

As a Michigan renter, you may wonder whether your landlord can charge you for trash and recycling services. Understanding your rights and obligations helps prevent surprise fees and ensures you’re treated fairly. This guide explains what Michigan law says about utility billing, how these charges should be handled, and what steps you can take if billing is unclear or you face a dispute over trash or recycling fees.

Trash and Recycling Charges in Michigan Rentals

Michigan law does not specifically prohibit landlords from charging tenants for trash or recycling collection, but such fees are regulated under the general rules for utility billing in rental housing. Whether your landlord can charge you depends on your lease agreement and how those services are billed.

What the Law Says

Lease terms control: If your written lease states that you are responsible for trash and recycling costs, your landlord may charge you for those services.
Default responsibility: If the lease does not mention trash or recycling, Michigan law assumes the landlord is responsible under Michigan Compiled Laws (MCL) 554.139, which requires landlords to keep rental premises and common areas in reasonable repair, including necessary services like trash removal.¹
Billing transparency: Michigan law requires landlords to be open and clear about fees. All additional charges, including utility fees, should be listed in the lease. Michigan's landlord-tenant utility guide explains these responsibilities.

Common Scenarios

Included in rent: Many leases include trash and recycling pick-up as part of rent. In these cases, there should not be extra fees unless otherwise specified.
Billed separately: Some leases specify tenants pay a separate fee or the actual bill. This is allowed as long as it’s disclosed in the lease.
Single vs. multi-unit properties: In single-family homes, tenants may be more likely to pay directly if the trash bill is in their name. In apartments, landlords often handle these services and may pass on costs per unit if the lease allows.

How Michigan Handles Utility Disputes

If you believe you’re being unfairly charged or the fees are not spelled out in your lease, you have options. The main body for resolving rental disagreements in Michigan is the District Court's Landlord-Tenant Division. This is where you file complaints about rental conditions, overcharging, or utility billing.

Forms and How to Use Them

Complaint Form (DC 102c – Complaint, Landlord-Tenant): Use this form if you need to start a dispute with your landlord about utility charges, including trash and recycling. Complete the form to outline the nature of your complaint, attach any supporting evidence (like your lease), and file it at your local District Court. View the DC 102c complaint form.
Before filing, try to resolve the issue directly with your landlord – written communication is best for your records.

What Else Should Be in the Lease?

All fees related to trash and recycling should be detailed, including how and when you will be billed.
The lease should explain what happens if the trash service is disrupted or unavailable, and whether fees change if municipal rates increase.

For general housing requirements, see MCL 554.139.¹

If a charge is not specified in your lease, you are typically not required to pay for it. Always review your rental agreement thoroughly, and request clarification in writing if anything is unclear.

FAQ: Trash, Recycling, and Utility Charges for Michigan Renters

Can my landlord start charging me for trash or recycling if it wasn’t in the original lease?
If your current lease does not mention a charge for trash or recycling, your landlord cannot add new charges until the lease is renewed or amended in writing with your agreement.
What should I do if I’m billed for trash when my lease says it’s included?
Start by notifying your landlord in writing. If the issue isn’t resolved, you can contact your local District Court or file a complaint using the proper form.
Does the Michigan law specifically list trash and recycling as landlord responsibilities?
The law requires landlords to maintain premises “in reasonable repair,” which generally includes trash removal unless your lease says you are responsible.
Can a landlord charge extra administrative or service fees on top of trash bills?
Any additional fees must be clearly spelled out in your lease. Unspecified extra fees are not allowed under Michigan law.
If my lease is silent about utilities, who pays?
If your lease doesn’t mention a particular utility or service, Michigan law generally places the obligation on the landlord.

Summary: Key Takeaways for Michigan Renters

Landlords may only charge you for trash and recycling if it’s specified in your lease.
If no charge is listed, the landlord is usually responsible for necessary services like trash collection.
All fees and billing practices for utilities and services must be transparent and written into your rental agreement.

Know your rights by reviewing your lease and Michigan rental laws. Don’t hesitate to seek advice or file a complaint if billing feels unfair or goes against your contract.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

Michigan District Court – Landlord-Tenant Division: Handles rental disputes and complaints.
Michigan Attorney General – Landlord/Tenant Relationships: Consumer alerts and guidance for tenants.
Michigan Legal Help – Utility Shut-Offs & Tenant Rights: Step-by-step information for utility disputes.
Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy – Recycling Info