How to Get Your Full Security Deposit Back in Michigan

Moving out of a Michigan rental? Understanding your rights and following the right process can help ensure you get your full security deposit back. Michigan law offers clear rules for both renters and landlords regarding deposits, deductions, and timelines.

Understanding Security Deposits in Michigan

A security deposit is money your landlord holds during your tenancy to cover unpaid rent, damage (beyond normal wear and tear), or other agreed-upon costs. In Michigan, the maximum allowed security deposit is one and a half months’ rent.^[1] Landlords must keep your deposit in a separate account and provide you with written notice of the financial institution within 14 days of your move-in.

What Landlords Can Deduct from Your Security Deposit

By law, landlords in Michigan can only deduct costs for:

• Unpaid rent
• Damage to the unit (excluding normal wear and tear)
• Other costs included in your lease (if legal)

If your deposit is used for any of these, your landlord must provide an itemized list of deductions within 30 days after you move out.

Steps to Get Your Full Security Deposit Back

• Give Proper Move-Out Notice. Notify your landlord according to your lease terms and Michigan landlord-tenant law.
• Document the Apartment’s Condition. Take photos or videos, and complete a move-out checklist. This helps prove the state of the unit if there are disputes.
• Provide Your Forwarding Address in Writing. Michigan law requires you to supply a forwarding address within 4 days of moving out to get deposit communications. Use the official "Forwarding Address Notice" form (see below).
• Request an Initial Inspection. You may request a walk-through with the landlord to discuss potential charges in advance.
• Return All Keys and Clean Thoroughly. Make sure the apartment is clean and all personal items are removed.

If your landlord keeps any part of your deposit, they must send you a detailed itemization within 30 days. If you disagree, you have the right to object in writing.

Required Forms: Forwarding Address Notice & Inventory Checklist

Forwarding Address Notice (Sample Language)

Michigan law doesn’t provide an official state form, but you must provide your forwarding address in writing within 4 days of moving out. For example, you might fill out or send a signed letter such as:

I, [Your Name], hereby provide my forwarding address for security deposit return: [Your New Address]

Deliver this to your landlord, keeping proof (like certified mail or email confirmation). Templates can be found on the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development (MDARD) site.

Inventory Checklist (Condition of Rental Property)

At move-in, your landlord should offer a two-part Inventory Checklist. This lists the condition of all rooms and items. Bring your copy up to date during move-out for your records—this will help if there are any disputes later. More details are found on the official Michigan Security Deposit Act overview.

Timeline for Deposit Return

Your landlord must:

• Send you an itemized list of deductions (if any) within 30 days of you moving out.
• Return the remainder of your deposit, if applicable, by this 30-day deadline.

If you don’t provide your forwarding address in writing, your landlord isn’t obligated to send you the notice or return the deposit.

What to Do If You Disagree with Deductions

If you believe your landlord made unfair deductions, you must object in writing within 7 days of receiving the itemized list. Otherwise, the list is considered accepted, and you may lose your right to contest charges. If you can’t resolve the matter, you may file a claim in your local district court (the tribunal for residential tenancies in Michigan) for deposit recovery.

Relevant Laws and Tenant Protections

Michigan’s security deposit rules are set by the Michigan Security Deposit Act (Public Act 348 of 1972).^[1] Dispute resolution is generally handled by the Michigan District Court system (small claims division for most deposit issues).

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long does my landlord have to return my security deposit in Michigan?
   Landlords must return your deposit (or provide an itemized list of deductions) within 30 days after you move out.
2. What if I forget to give my forwarding address?
   If you don’t provide your forwarding address in writing within 4 days of moving out, your landlord isn’t required to return your deposit or send the itemized list.
3. Can my landlord keep my deposit for normal wear and tear?
   No. Michigan law says “normal wear and tear” cannot be charged against your deposit. Only actual damage or unpaid rent may be deducted.
4. Do I have to sue my landlord if I disagree with deductions?
   You must first object in writing within 7 days. If this doesn’t resolve it, you can file a claim in your local district court’s small claims division.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development Landlord-Tenant Resources
• Michigan Courts: Landlord-Tenant Self-Help Center
• Michigan Legal Help: Security Deposits
• For unresolved disputes, contact your local Michigan District Court

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1. Michigan Security Deposit Act (Public Act 348 of 1972)

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