ReclaimDepositMichigan Security Deposit Laws (2026)
Key rules for deadlines, penalties, and documentation requirements, with direct links to the official statute.
Deadline
30 days
30 days after termination of occupancy
Penalty
2x
2x deposit amount for failure to comply
Small claims limit
$6,500
Small Claims Division (District Court)
Requirements
Move-in checklistRequired
Pre move-out inspectionNot required
Certified mailRequired
Forwarding addressRequired
Notes
- Security deposit limited to 1.5 months' rent maximum
- Landlord MUST provide inventory checklist at move-in
- Itemized statement must be sent by first-class mail to forwarding address
- If no forwarding address provided, landlord must hold deposit for up to 4 years
- 2x penalty for non-compliance is automatic, not requiring bad faith
Citations
Quick references pulled from our shared state law dataset. Always verify against the official statute.
- MCL 554.609 - Landlord must return deposit within 30 days with itemization
- MCL 554.611 - Landlord must mail itemized statement to forwarding address
- MCL 554.609 - Cannot deduct for normal wear and tear
- MCL 554.613 - Failure to comply = 2x security deposit amount
- MCL 554.608 - Must provide inventory checklist with deposit receipt
- MCL 554.602 - Deposit cannot exceed 1.5 months' rent
Next steps
Use free tools to estimate your deadline and prepare a demand letter.