Security deposit law · Michigan

Michigan Security Deposit Law: How to Get Your Deposit Back

If you rent in Michigan, the law gives you specific rights when you move out — a deadline for your landlord to return your deposit, rules on deductions, and a path to push back if they don't. Here's exactly how it works, and how to protect yourself.

Return deadline30 days
Governing statuteMich. Comp. Laws § 554.609
Deposit limit1.5 months of rent
Itemized deductionsRequired
Interest on depositNot required by statute
Last reviewedMay 2026

Michigan-specific rules to know

Deposit cap is 1.5 months' rent (Act 348 of 1972). Give the landlord your forwarding address in writing within 4 days of moving out — otherwise the landlord can keep the deposit. If the landlord sends a list of damages, you have 7 days from receipt to dispute it — silence forfeits your objection. Bad-faith retention: 2× the wrongfully withheld amount.

What Michigan law requires your landlord to do

Under Mich. Comp. Laws § 554.609, a Michigan landlord generally must return your deposit within 30 days and provide a written, itemized list of any amounts withheld. They may not deduct for ordinary wear and tear — only for damage beyond normal use, unpaid rent, or other charges the lease and statute allow.

What to do if your landlord won't return your deposit in Michigan

  1. 1. Know your deadline

    In Michigan, the return window is 30 days (Mich. Comp. Laws § 554.609). Mark the date you moved out and count forward.

  2. 2. Send a written demand

    Email and mail a dated letter requesting your full deposit, referencing the 30-day deadline under Mich. Comp. Laws § 554.609. Keep proof of delivery. Renter's Vault generates a Michigan-specific letter with the right statute citation filled in.

  3. 3. Gather your evidence

    Move-in and move-out photos with timestamps and location are the difference between your word and theirs. Attach your photo record and any move-in checklist.

  4. 4. Escalate to small claims

    If the landlord misses the deadline or won't respond, you can file in small claims court. Bring your dated demand letter and photo evidence.

Free Michigan dispute-letter guide

A clear, statute-cited demand letter resolves most deposit disputes without ever going to court. Renter's Vault builds a Michigan letter for you — pre-filled with Mich. Comp. Laws § 554.609, your deadline, and your deductions — in three escalating versions (first request, formal demand, and notice of intent to file).

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Michigan security deposit FAQ

How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Michigan?

Under Mich. Comp. Laws § 554.609, a Michigan landlord must return your security deposit within 30 days after you move out, along with an itemized statement of any deductions.

What can I do if my landlord won't return my deposit in Michigan?

Send a written demand letter that cites Mich. Comp. Laws § 554.609 and the deadline, keep copies of all communication and your move-in/move-out photos, and if that fails you can file in small claims court. Many states allow extra damages when a landlord withholds a deposit in bad faith.

Is there a limit on how much a landlord can charge for a deposit in Michigan?

In Michigan, the statutory deposit limit is: 1.5 months of rent. Always confirm against the current statute, since limits and exceptions change.

Are there any special deposit rules in Michigan?

Yes. Notable Michigan rules: Deposit cap is 1.5 months' rent (Act 348 of 1972). Give the landlord your forwarding address in writing within 4 days of moving out — otherwise the landlord can keep the deposit. If the landlord sends a list of damages, you have 7 days from receipt to dispute it — silence forfeits your objection. Bad-faith retention: 2× the wrongfully withheld amount.

This page is general information for tenants, not legal advice, and laws change. Always confirm the current text of Mich. Comp. Laws § 554.609 or consult a local attorney or tenants' rights organization for your situation. Last reviewed May 2026.