Michigan Residential Lease Disclosures: What Every Renter Needs to Know

Understanding which disclosures your landlord must provide in a Michigan residential lease can help you avoid unpleasant surprises and protect your rights. Michigan law requires landlords to include specific statements and provide certain forms to renters. This guide explains those requirements in plain language and helps you make informed decisions.

Key Required Disclosures in Michigan Residential Leases

When you sign or renew a lease in Michigan, your landlord is legally obliged to give you several important disclosures. These ensure you know your rights, the property’s condition, and any risks involved.

1. Truth-in-Renting Act Disclosure

• What it is: Every written lease must have a notice stating that illegal or unenforceable lease clauses are not valid under Michigan law.
• Required wording: "This agreement is subject to the Truth in Renting Act. If you have a question about the interpretation or legality of a provision of this agreement, you may want to obtain assistance from a lawyer or other qualified person."
• Why it matters: Protects renters from illegal lease terms.
• Michigan Attorney General: Landlord–Tenant Rights

2. Security Deposit Receipt and Disclosure

• What it is: If your landlord collects a security deposit, they must provide important details in writing.
• Key information:
  • The name and address of the bank or financial institution where your security deposit is held.
  • A statement of your right to an initial move-in checklist.
  • A notice telling you how to dispute deductions after move-out.
• Official checklist form:
  • Form Name: Inventory Checklist
  • When used: Provided when you move in. You should fill it out and return it to your landlord within 7 days to document existing property conditions.
  • Michigan Inventory Checklist (PDF)

3. Lead-Based Paint Disclosure (Federal Law)

• What it is: If the rental property was built before 1978, the landlord must inform you about any known lead paint hazards.
• Required form:
  • Form Name: Disclosure of Information on Lead-Based Paint and/or Lead-Based Paint Hazards
  • EPA Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Form
  • When used: Given before lease signing if the home was built before 1978. You must also receive a federal pamphlet about lead paint safety.
• EPA: Lead Disclosure Rules for Renters

4. Notice of Rights to Request a Move-In/Move-Out Inspection

• What it is: Landlords must let you know you have the right to request both move-in and move-out inspections.
• Why it matters: Helps you avoid unfair security deposit deductions.

5. Michigan Truth in Renting Act—Prohibited Clauses

• Landlords may not include lease clauses that waive your right to a notice of eviction, relieve the landlord of liability for their own negligence, or require you to pay legal fees if you sue and win.
• Any illegal clauses are unenforceable even if you sign the lease.
• Michigan Truth in Renting Act (MCL 554.631–554.641)

Who Oversees Rental Housing Issues in Michigan?

The main body that handles landlord–tenant issues at the state level in Michigan is the Michigan Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division. If you have disputes, concerns, or questions about your rights, you can reach out to them or file complaints.

For court matters (like eviction), your local District Court handles landlord-tenant cases.

Summary of Michigan Lease Disclosure Laws

Michigan’s laws aim to make information clear for renters, covering:

• Your rights under the Truth in Renting Act
• Clear information about where your security deposit is held
• Protection against hazardous lead paint (pre-1978 homes)
• Your ability to request inspections and challenge any unfair deposits

FAQ: Michigan Lease Disclosures

1. What happens if my landlord doesn’t give me a lead paint disclosure?
   If your rental was built before 1978 and you weren’t given the required form and pamphlet before you signed, your landlord may be in violation of federal law. You can contact the EPA or seek local legal help.
2. Does my landlord have to use the Michigan inventory checklist?
   Landlords are not required to use a specific state-issued form, but they must give you a move-in checklist or allow you to make your own. You can use the official Michigan Inventory Checklist to protect yourself.
3. Are oral leases subject to the same disclosure rules?
   No. Michigan’s written lease disclosure rules—including Truth in Renting Act disclosures—apply only to written leases.
4. Can my landlord require me to pay court or attorney fees in the lease?
   No. Lease terms that force you to pay the landlord’s legal fees or court costs for enforcing the lease are prohibited under Michigan law.
5. How do I report a landlord for missing or illegal disclosures?
   You can contact the Michigan Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division to file a complaint or get guidance.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Michigan Attorney General: Landlord–Tenant Rights & Complaints
• Michigan District Courts: Landlord–Tenant Cases
• U.S. EPA: Lead Poisoning Prevention
• Michigan Legislature - State Laws

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1. See Truth in Renting Act (MCL 554.631–554.641)
2. Security deposit rules: MCL 554.602
3. Lead disclosure requirements: EPA Lead Disclosure
4. Tenant move-in checklist: Inventory Checklist PDF

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