Security deposit rules in Michigan
The deadline for the itemized statement, what can be deducted, and the documents to keep — with links to the statute.
Itemized statement due within
30 days
Within 30 days after termination of occupancy, mail the tenant a notice of damages itemizing each claimed item with its estimated repair cost, accompanied by the balance of the deposit (§ 554.609). Disputed amounts may only be kept after the steps in § 554.613.
If it's missed: Not giving the notice of damages within 30 days after occupancy ends constitutes agreement that no damages are due, and the full deposit must be returned immediately (§ 554.610).
Michigan prescribes a notice
MCL § 554.609(4) sets out a “Notice to tenant”. MoveOutGuard prints it in the PDF, filled in with your amounts. Mail the notice of damages within 30 days after termination of occupancy.
What the statement must cover
- Itemize each claimed item with its estimated repair cost and the basis for the amount.
- Include the statutory 7-day response statement in large bold type — MoveOutGuard prints it in your packet.
- Do not deduct for normal wear and tear.
- If the tenant disputes the claim, you may keep the disputed amount only by suing within 45 days or under the exceptions in § 554.613.
Receipts and documentation
- Mail the notice of damages within 30 days, listing each damaged item with its estimated cost of repair and the amounts and bases you intend to assess.
- Send the balance of the deposit with the notice — by check or money order, or electronically within 10 days of mailing the notice (§ 554.609(2)–(3)).
- Do not include damages that were listed on a previous termination inventory checklist from before this tenant's occupancy.
Gray areas to review carefully
Required 7-day response statement
The notice of damages must include the statutory statement about responding by mail within 7 days, in 12-point boldface at least 4 points larger than the body text (§ 554.609(4)).
Disputed amounts and the 45-day rule
Within 45 days after occupancy ends, either sue for the disputed damages or return the balance, unless an exception applies (no forwarding address, no tenant response, written agreement, or unpaid rent) (§ 554.613).
Normal wear and tear vs. damage
Only damage beyond normal wear and tear is deductible.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Michigan?
Within 30 days after termination of occupancy, mail the tenant a notice of damages itemizing each claimed item with its estimated repair cost, accompanied by the balance of the deposit (§ 554.609). Disputed amounts may only be kept after the steps in § 554.613. Source: Michigan Compiled Laws Sections 554.601 to 554.616 (checked October 2026). This is a general rule — verify your specific situation and any local ordinances.
Is an itemized statement required in Michigan?
Yes. Michigan requires a written itemized list of deductions. Itemize each claimed item with its estimated repair cost and the basis for the amount.
Can a landlord deduct for "normal wear and tear" in Michigan?
Generally no. Deductions are for damage beyond ordinary wear and tear — such as stains, burns, large holes, or breakage — not for the normal aging of a unit. Compare move-in and move-out photos for each item, and check Michigan Compiled Laws Sections 554.601 to 554.616 for the exact rule.
What happens if the landlord misses the deadline in Michigan?
Not giving the notice of damages within 30 days after occupancy ends constitutes agreement that no damages are due, and the full deposit must be returned immediately (§ 554.610). This is a summary of the statute, not legal advice.
Does MoveOutGuard support Michigan?
Yes. Pick Michigan when you open a packet: the deadline estimate (30 days after occupancy ends, with the required notice), the itemization checklist and the statute reference (Michigan Compiled Laws Sections 554.601 to 554.616) come with it, and the notice wording Michigan requires (MCL § 554.609(4)) is printed in the PDF. You upload photos and receipts, review every line, and export the packet.
Build your Michigan statement packet
Upload photos and receipts, draft and review each deduction, and track the Michigan deadline — free. $29 unlocks the itemized statement and PDF for that packet.
MoveOutGuard is a document preparation and evidence organization tool. It is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. Drafts, checklists, and deadline estimates require your review and are not a guarantee of compliance or outcomes. For legal questions, consult a licensed attorney.