Challenging Illegal Rental Fees in Michigan: Your Rights

If you’re a tenant in Michigan and notice questionable charges or fees on your rent bill, it’s important to understand your rights. Michigan law limits the kinds of fees landlords can charge renters, as well as the process for disputing fees that seem unfair or illegal. Knowing your options can help protect your finances and maintain a good rental relationship.

Understanding Legal and Illegal Rental Fees in Michigan

In Michigan, landlords are allowed to collect certain fees according to the Truth in Renting Act and the Michigan Landlord and Tenant Relationships Act¹. Common legal charges include:

• Monthly rent
• A security deposit (not to exceed 1.5 times your monthly rent)
• Fees specifically named in your lease agreement, such as late fees (if reasonable and clearly disclosed)

However, fees that are not listed in your signed lease, are excessive, or are prohibited by Michigan law are considered illegal.

Examples of Potentially Illegal Fees

• Security deposits above 1.5 times the rent
• Move-in or administrative fees not mentioned in the lease
• Maintenance or repair charges for normal wear and tear
• Penalties or surcharges that are excessive or predatory

Steps to Take if You Suspect an Illegal Fee

If you believe a fee on your rent bill is illegal or not permitted by your rental agreement, take these steps to protect your rights:

• Review your lease to confirm whether the fee is included and if so, whether it aligns with Michigan laws.
• Request a written explanation of the fee from your landlord, ideally by email or written letter.
• Keep copies of all correspondence and your rent bill for your records.
• Formally dispute the charge if your landlord does not correct or remove the fee.

How to Dispute an Illegal Fee

• Write a formal dispute letter to your landlord describing the fee, why you believe it’s illegal, and request its removal. Reference the specific Michigan law if possible.
• If the issue isn’t resolved, consider filing a complaint with the Michigan Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division.
• For unresolved disputes or if eviction is threatened, you may also bring your case to the district court where your rental is located, as Michigan lacks a specialized tenancy tribunal. More information is available from the Michigan Courts Landlord-Tenant Disputes page.

Official Forms for Michigan Renters

• Complaint: Landlord-Tenant (Form DC 102c)
  DC 102c: Demand for Possession Nonpayment of Rent
  Use if your landlord files for eviction due to nonpayment caused by illegal charges. File this with the local district court to respond to an eviction.
• Complaint About Housing or Fees
  Michigan Consumer Complaint/Inquiry Form
  Submit to the Attorney General for fee or lease violations. Example: you’re unable to resolve an illegal fee dispute directly with your landlord.

Always keep a copy of your completed forms and related documents. Forms should be submitted to the address or website listed on each official page.

Your Rights and Protections Under Michigan Law

The main laws governing rental fees are:

• Truth in Renting Act (Act 348 of 1978) — prohibits certain lease provisions and requires fees to be reasonable and disclosed.
• Landlord and Tenant Relationships Act — sets maximum security deposits and outlines the handling of deposits and fees.

For complex cases or court proceedings, renters may participate in hearings at their local district court, which acts as the authority for disputes related to rental agreements in Michigan².

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the maximum legal security deposit a landlord can charge in Michigan?
   Michigan law limits security deposits to 1.5 times the monthly rent.
2. Can my landlord add new fees after I sign my lease?
   No. Any additional fees must be disclosed in your original lease; otherwise, they are not enforceable.
3. What should I do if my landlord will not remove an illegal fee?
   Write a formal dispute letter and, if needed, file a complaint with the Michigan Attorney General or consult your local district court.
4. Does Michigan have a special housing tribunal?
   No. Disputes are handled by the local district courts, not a separate housing tribunal.
5. Are application or move-in fees legal in Michigan?
   Only if clearly disclosed in the lease and reasonable. Excessive or undisclosed fees may be illegal.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways

• Michigan law protects renters from illegal or excessive fees.
• Always check your lease, communicate with your landlord in writing, and keep records.
• Use official complaint forms or contact your district court if the issue is not resolved directly.

Understanding your rights gives you the confidence to challenge unfair charges and maintain fair rental practices.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Michigan Courts: Landlord-Tenant Disputes – Find guidance and forms for legal action.
• Michigan Attorney General: Consumer Complaints – File if you believe your rights have been violated.
• Michigan Legal Help – Free information and support for tenants navigating rental issues.

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1. Truth in Renting Act (Act 348 of 1978)
2. Michigan Courts: Landlord-Tenant Disputes

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