Michigan Security Deposit Law: Forwarding Address in 4 Days, Itemized List in 30
A Michigan deposit may not exceed 1.5 months' rent (MCL 554.602).
Give your landlord a forwarding address in writing within 4 days after moving out; the landlord then has 30 days to mail an itemized list of damages (MCL 554.611, 554.609).
To keep any money the tenant disputes, the landlord must go to court within 45 days; a landlord who fails to comply owes double the amount retained (MCL 554.613).
The key deadlines
| Step | Deadline | Statute |
|---|---|---|
| Landlord’s written notice with bank and forwarding-address statement | Within 14 days after you take possession | MCL 554.603 |
| You give a forwarding address in writing | Within 4 days after moving out | MCL 554.611 |
| Landlord mails itemized list of damages (with a check, money order or electronic transfer of any balance) | Within 30 days after you move out | MCL 554.609 |
| You respond to the list by mail | Within 7 days of receiving it | MCL 554.612 |
| Landlord sues for disputed amounts, or returns them | Within 45 days after you move out | MCL 554.613 |
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What if someone misses a deadline?
| Who missed it | What happens | Statute |
|---|---|---|
| Landlord didn’t send the itemized list in 30 days | Treated as agreement that no damages are due; the full deposit must be returned immediately | MCL 554.610 |
| Tenant didn’t give a forwarding address in 4 days | Landlord is relieved of sending the list, but you can still claim the deposit | MCL 554.611 |
| Landlord didn’t give the 14-day move-in notice | You are relieved of the 4-day forwarding-address duty | MCL 554.603 |
| Landlord kept money without a court judgment (outside the listed exceptions) | Waiver of the claim and liability for double the amount retained | MCL 554.613 |
Deposit cap and checklists
The deposit may not exceed 1.5 months’ rent (MCL 554.602). At move-in and move-out the landlord must use inventory checklists of the unit’s condition. You get two blank copies at move-in and must return one, filled in, within 7 days after taking possession unless you agree on a shorter period (MCL 554.608). Keep your copy: it is your evidence at the end.
Common questions
Q. I disagree with the deductions. What should I do?
A. Reply in writing by mail within 7 days of receiving the itemized list, saying which items you dispute (MCL 554.612). The landlord then has to sue within 45 days to keep the disputed amount (MCL 554.613).
Q. Can the landlord just keep the money and not go to court?
A. Generally no. Without a court judgment, the landlord may keep money only in the cases listed in MCL 554.613: you gave no forwarding address, you did not respond to the notice of damages, you agreed in writing, or the claim is entirely unpaid rent. Otherwise the landlord waives the claim and owes double the amount retained.
Statutes (official text): MCL 554.602 · MCL 554.603 · MCL 554.609 · MCL 554.611–613
This page explains the statute in general terms and is not legal advice. Local ordinances, your lease and court decisions can add rules. Found an error or a law change? Tell us.