Key Lease Addendums for Michigan Renters to Review

Signing a lease in Michigan protects your rights as a renter, but it's important to closely review any addendums attached to your agreement. Lease addendums can affect your daily living, responsibilities, and costs, so knowing what to look for helps you avoid surprises. This article covers the common lease addendums in Michigan, explains your legal rights, and provides official resources to help you stay informed and protected.

Understanding Lease Addendums in Michigan

A lease addendum is a legal document added to your rental contract after it’s signed, or as part of your initial lease package. Addendums change, add to, or clarify the standard lease terms. In Michigan, any addendum must be agreed upon by both you and your landlord, and cannot override your rights under state law.

Common Lease Addendums to Watch For

Here are some of the most frequent addendums Michigan tenants see, and what they mean for you:

• Pet Addendum: Sets conditions for pets, such as pet deposits, restrictions, or additional cleaning fees.
• Maintenance Responsibilities: Details who is responsible for repairs and upkeep, or if certain services are tenant-managed.
• Late Fee Addendum: Specifies penalties for late rent payments. In Michigan, late fees must be reasonable and clear in the lease.
• Utility Addendum: Clarifies who pays for utilities like water, gas, and electricity to prevent disputes.
• Smoke-Free Housing Addendum: Establishes whether smoking is allowed and any designated smoking areas.
• Mold/Lead Disclosure Addendum: Required for buildings built before 1978 (lead) and for any known mold issues – provides disclosures and health protection information.
• Renewal or Non-Renewal Terms: Describes how your lease renews or ends, and the process for giving notice.

Reviewing each addendum lets you spot obligations or fees that might be hidden in the fine print.

Your Legal Protections for Lease Addendums

Michigan law requires lease terms to be clear, in writing, and consistent with the Michigan Truth in Renting Act^[1] and the Michigan Landlord and Tenant Relationships Act^[2]. Your rights cannot be waived by any addendum.

• If an addendum is unfair or unclear, you have the right to request clarification before signing.
• Landlords must provide you with a copy of any signed addendum.
• Changes made after your initial signature usually require your written consent.

Official Forms Renters Should Know

• Notice of Change in Terms of Tenancy (No standard number):
  Used when a landlord wants to add or change an addendum at renewal or during a month-to-month lease—must give proper notice (usually 30 days).
  Example: If your landlord wants to add a new pet policy, you must receive this written notice.
• Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Form (EPA Sample Form):
  Required for houses built before 1978. Provides renters with information about lead in the property.
  Example: At move-in, your landlord should give you a copy to review and sign.
• Security Deposit Receipt (No standard form):
  A written receipt and explanation of how your deposit may be withheld must be provided. This protects you if an addendum affects refund conditions.

Where to Go if You Disagree with an Addendum

In Michigan, residential tenancy disputes are handled by the District Court Landlord-Tenant Division^[3]. If you are pressured to sign an unfair addendum or face a dispute, you can file a claim or seek mediation through your local court.

What Renters Can Do if Problems Arise

• Politely refuse to sign any new addendum you don’t agree with.
• Document all communications in writing.
• If changes are made without your approval, contact the district court clerk or local tenant resource center for help.
• File a formal complaint if your rights are violated (see resources below for contact details).

1. What is the difference between a lease and an addendum?
   A lease is the main rental contract, while an addendum modifies or adds to it. Both are legally binding when signed.
2. Can my landlord add an addendum after I’ve signed the original lease?
   Generally, no changes can be made during your lease term without your written agreement, unless your lease specifically allows it.
3. Are all addendums enforceable in Michigan?
   Only those that follow state laws and do not waive your legal rights are valid and enforceable.
4. Do I have to sign every addendum my landlord provides?
   No, you can negotiate, refuse, or seek clarification before signing. You cannot be forced to accept unfair terms.
5. How can I dispute an unfair addendum?
   You can contact your local district court’s landlord-tenant division, community legal aid, or mediation services. Keep copies of all communications and forms.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Michigan District Court Landlord-Tenant Division – Official site for tenant-landlord disputes and forms
• LARA: Landlord-Tenant Mediation Resources – Help with resolving disputes through free or low-cost mediation
• Michigan Legal Help – Housing Self-Help Tools – Guides and sample forms for renters
• Michigan Department of Health & Human Services: Housing Resources

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1. Michigan Truth in Renting Act (Act 348 of 1972)
2. Michigan Landlord and Tenant Relationships Act
3. District Court Landlord-Tenant Division (Michigan Courts)

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