Michigan Lease Non-Renewal: Renter Rights Explained

Are you a Michigan renter worried about your lease ending and wondering if your landlord can refuse to renew it? Understanding your rights when your lease is up is essential. Here’s a clear overview of Michigan lease non-renewal laws so you can approach your situation with confidence.

When Can a Landlord Refuse to Renew a Lease in Michigan?

In Michigan, landlords generally have the right to choose not to renew a lease once it ends. However, they must follow state laws for notice and cannot violate anti-discrimination protections or retaliate against you for exercising your legal rights.

Notice Requirements for Lease Non-Renewal

If you have a fixed-term lease (for example, 12 months), it will usually end on the specified date unless both parties agree to renew. In most cases:

• The landlord is not required to give notice if the lease simply expires as scheduled and does not automatically continue month-to-month.
• If your lease converts to a month-to-month agreement after its term, landlords must give you at least one full rental period of written notice to end the tenancy.^[1]
• The notice must be given before the start of the final rental period, typically 30 days ahead of the desired termination date.

If your landlord does not follow these notice rules or attempts to end your lease for an illegal reason, you may have additional protections.

Illegal Reasons for Not Renewing a Lease

• It is illegal for a landlord to refuse lease renewal based on your race, religion, national origin, disability, sex, familial status, or other protected characteristics under Michigan civil rights laws and the Fair Housing Act.
• Landlords cannot deny renewal to retaliate against you for requesting repairs, joining a tenant union, or reporting health/safety violations.^[2]

Required Form: Michigan Notice to Quit (Form DC 100c)

If your agreement is month-to-month and your landlord wants you to move out, they must serve you a document called the Notice to Quit—To Recover Possession of Property (Form DC 100c):

• Form Name: Notice to Quit—To Recover Possession of Property
• Form Number: DC 100c
• When Used: When a landlord wants to terminate a month-to-month tenancy for no specific cause (not for nonpayment or a lease violation).
• How Used (Example): Your lease switched to month-to-month after the initial term. Your landlord delivers the filled DC 100c form at least one rental period before they want you out.
• Official Link: Download DC 100c from Michigan Courts

You have the right to remain in the unit until the notice period ends. If you refuse to move, the landlord must file for eviction through the local district court.

What Should You Do if Your Lease Isn’t Renewed?

If you receive a notice or believe your landlord will not renew your lease, here are steps to protect your rights:

• Check that the notice is in writing and meets legal requirements.
• If you suspect discrimination or retaliation, gather any supporting documentation (such as emails or service request receipts).
• Contact the Michigan Department of Civil Rights if discrimination is suspected.
• If you need more time, try to discuss options with your landlord. Document your conversations in writing.

For eviction proceedings, cases are handled by your local District Court, Michigan’s official tribunal for landlord-tenant matters.

FAQ: Michigan Lease Non-Renewal

1. Can a landlord end my lease without giving a reason?
   Yes. If your fixed-term lease is simply ending, they do not need to give a reason. For month-to-month tenancies, they can choose not to renew but must provide written notice as required by law.
2. How much notice does my landlord need to give before ending a month-to-month lease?
   In Michigan, your landlord must provide at least one full rental period’s written notice before terminating a month-to-month tenancy, usually 30 days.
3. What if I suspect my landlord isn’t renewing my lease for a discriminatory reason?
   You can contact the Michigan Department of Civil Rights and file a complaint. Discrimination in housing is prohibited under state and federal law.
4. What should I do if I can’t move out by the date stated in the notice?
   Try to communicate with your landlord to request more time. If necessary, seek assistance from legal aid services or the court if an eviction is filed.
5. Can my landlord increase my rent if I want to renew my lease?
   Yes, but only if they provide proper notice of the change before the renewal or start of a new lease. Rent increases cannot be retaliatory or discriminatory.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Michigan District Court – Landlord-Tenant Resources (handles eviction cases and disputes)
• Michigan Attorney General: Landlord-Tenant Rights (plain-language guides and contacts)
• Michigan Department of Civil Rights – Fair Housing Information
• Michigan Legal Help – Housing Resources

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1. See Michigan Compiled Laws § 554.134 (Notice required for terminating periodic tenancies).
2. Anti-retaliation and fair housing protections: MCL § 600.5720 and Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act (Fair Housing Act).

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