Types (6)
Commercial (PDF)
For leasing office, retail, industrial, or other business-use property to a commercial tenant under a fixed-term contract.
Lease-to-Own (PDF)
A residential lease that includes an option for the tenant to purchase the rental property at a set price before or at the end of the lease term.
Month-to-Month
A tenancy with no fixed end date that automatically renews each month until either party gives at least 1 month’s written notice to terminate.
Roommate (PDF)
An agreement among co-tenants in a shared rental that covers rent payments, utility splits, guest rules, and household responsibilities.
Standard (Residential)
Michigan’s go-to residential lease, typically set for 1 year, covering rent, deposits, and both parties’ rights under state law.
Sublease (PDF)
Allows a current tenant to transfer their rental obligations to a new occupant for the remainder of the lease, with the landlord’s consent.
Renting in Michigan
| Most Common Rental Type | Apartments |
| Average Rent | $1,168/mo |
| Households That Rent | 26.5% |
| Average Renter Household Size | 2.1 |
| Rental Vacancy Rate | 6.8% |
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (2024)[11] & Housing Vacancy Survey (2024)[12]
What is a Michigan Lease Agreement?
A Michigan lease agreement is a written contract that defines the rules of a rental between a property owner and a tenant. It puts the key terms in writing so that both parties have a clear record of their obligations.
Michigan’s Truth in Renting Act bars landlords from including illegal or unenforceable provisions in the lease. The state also requires a seven-day notice to quit for nonpayment of rent before eviction proceedings can begin, and tenants may withhold rent if the landlord fails to maintain habitable conditions.
State Laws & Guides
Laws: MCL §§ 554.131–554.139 – Landlord-Tenant Relationships | MCL §§ 554.601–554.616 – Security Deposits
Guides:
When is Rent Due?
Michigan does not specify a default rent due date. The lease agreement determines when rent is due. There is no state-mandated grace period, and late fees are not capped by statute but must be reasonable and specified in the lease.
Landlord’s Access
Emergency: Landlords may enter without notice in an emergency.
Non-Emergency: State law permits landlords to temporarily access the property for needed repairs or inspections. While no specific notice period is required by statute, 24 hours is the recommended standard.[1]
Landlord’s Duties
Under Michigan law, landlords must:[2]
- Habitability: Keep the premises in reasonable repair and fit for habitation.
- Building Codes: Comply with all applicable building and housing codes affecting health and safety.
- Repairs: Make all necessary repairs to keep the dwelling in a livable condition.
- Common Areas: Keep shared spaces clean and in a safe condition.
- Systems: Maintain all electrical, plumbing, heating, and sanitary systems in good working order.
Tenant’s Duties
Tenants must comply with the following:
- Building Codes: Comply with all applicable building and housing codes relating to health and safety.
- Cleanliness: Keep the rental unit clean and sanitary.
- Trash: Dispose of garbage in a safe and sanitary manner.
- Appliances & Systems: Use all provided facilities and appliances in the manner they are designed to be used.
- Property Care: Do not deliberately or negligently destroy, deface, or damage any part of the premises.
- Quiet Enjoyment: Do not disturb other tenants’ peaceful enjoyment of the premises.
Required Disclosures
Security Deposit Receipt (§ 554.603): Within 14 days of receiving a security deposit, the landlord must provide the tenant with a notice that includes the landlord’s name and address, the name and address of the financial institution holding the deposit, and the tenant’s obligation to provide a forwarding address within 4 days of vacating.[3]
Inventory Checklist (§ 554.608): Before collecting a security deposit, the landlord must provide the tenant with a detailed checklist of the property’s condition. The tenant has 7 days to review and return it.[4]
Domestic Violence Notice (§ 554.601b): Landlords must notify tenants that those with a reasonable apprehension of danger from domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking may have special rights to seek release from the lease.[5]
Name and Address (§ 554.634(1)): The lease must include the landlord’s name and address.[6]
Truth in Renting Act Notice (§ 554.634): The lease must contain a prominent notice regarding the Michigan Truth in Renting Act, informing tenants that lease provisions in violation of the law are unenforceable.[6]
Lead-Based Paint: Required under federal law for all dwellings built before 1978. The landlord must disclose known lead hazards and provide the EPA information pamphlet.[7]
Security Deposits
Maximum Amount: The security deposit cannot exceed 1.5 months’ rent.[8]
Holding Requirements: The deposit must be held in a regulated financial institution. The landlord must provide the tenant with the name and address of the institution within 14 days of receiving the deposit.[3]
Returning to Tenant: The deposit must be returned within 30 days after the tenant vacates. If any portion is withheld, the landlord must provide an itemized list of damages and estimated repair costs.[9]
Deposit Interest: Not required under Michigan law.
Uses of the Deposit: Landlords may deduct for:[10]
- Damage to the premises beyond normal wear and tear
- Unpaid rent or utility charges owed by the tenant
- MCL § 600.2918 – Recovery of Possession
- MCL § 554.139 – Landlord’s Covenants
- MCL § 554.603 – Security Deposit; Notice to Tenant
- MCL § 554.608 – Inventory Checklist
- MCL § 554.601b – Domestic Violence Notice
- MCL § 554.634 – Truth in Renting Act
- 42 U.S.C. § 4852d – Lead-Based Paint Disclosure (EPA)
- MCL § 554.602 – Security Deposit; Maximum Amount
- MCL § 554.609 – Return of Security Deposit
- MCL § 554.607 – Use of Security Deposit
- U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2024 1-Year Estimates
- U.S. Census Bureau, Housing Vacancies and Homeownership Survey (2024)