Move-In / Move-Out Checklist in Michigan

Record the condition of each room on move-in and again on move-out, with photos. It is the best evidence in a security deposit dispute. Some states require a move-in condition form.

What Michigan law says

Itemized deductions	Itemized notice of damages, mailed within 30 days after occupancy ends, listing each claimed damage, the estimated cost of repair for each item, and the amounts and bases for the charges, plus payment of any balance. Must include a bold notice (12-point boldface, at least 4 points larger than body text) that the tenant must respond by mail within 7 days or forfeit the amount claimed. Tenant has 7 days after receipt to respond by ordinary mail, stating in detail agreement or disagreement with each item (MCL 554.612). Landlord may not charge damages already recorded on a prior tenant's termination inventory checklist. Move-in and move-out inventory checklists are mandatory where a deposit is required; tenant gets 2 blank checklists and returns one within 7 days of possession (MCL 554.608). Source: MCL 554.609; MCL 554.612; MCL 554.608
Wear and tear / move-out charges	A deposit may be used only to reimburse actual damage to the unit or ancillary facilities that is the direct result of conduct not reasonably expected in the normal course of habitation, and for rent arrears, rent from early termination by the tenant, and unpaid utility bills. Ordinary wear from normal living cannot be charged. Landlords must use move-in and move-out inventory checklists covering items such as carpeting, draperies, appliances, walls, paint and fixtures. The tenant has 7 days after moving in to note the condition. The statute doesn't specifically mention cleaning charges. MCL 554.608: https://www.legislature.mi.gov/Laws/MCL?objectName=mcl-554-608. Michigan's standard is phrased as damage beyond 'the normal course of habitation' rather than 'wear and tear.' Source: MCL 554.607; MCL 554.608

Itemized deductions

Itemized notice of damages, mailed within 30 days after occupancy ends, listing each claimed damage, the estimated cost of repair for each item, and the amounts and bases for the charges, plus payment of any balance. Must include a bold notice (12-point boldface, at least 4 points larger than body text) that the tenant must respond by mail within 7 days or forfeit the amount claimed.

Tenant has 7 days after receipt to respond by ordinary mail, stating in detail agreement or disagreement with each item (MCL 554.612). Landlord may not charge damages already recorded on a prior tenant's termination inventory checklist. Move-in and move-out inventory checklists are mandatory where a deposit is required; tenant gets 2 blank checklists and returns one within 7 days of possession (MCL 554.608).

Source: MCL 554.609; MCL 554.612; MCL 554.608

Wear and tear / move-out charges

A deposit may be used only to reimburse actual damage to the unit or ancillary facilities that is the direct result of conduct not reasonably expected in the normal course of habitation, and for rent arrears, rent from early termination by the tenant, and unpaid utility bills. Ordinary wear from normal living cannot be charged. Landlords must use move-in and move-out inventory checklists covering items such as carpeting, draperies, appliances, walls, paint and fixtures. The tenant has 7 days after moving in to note the condition. The statute doesn't specifically mention cleaning charges.

MCL 554.608: https://www.legislature.mi.gov/Laws/MCL?objectName=mcl-554-608. Michigan's standard is phrased as damage beyond 'the normal course of habitation' rather than 'wear and tear.'

Source: MCL 554.607; MCL 554.608

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MOVE-IN / MOVE-OUT CONDITION CHECKLIST — [rental address]

Tenant: [tenant name] Landlord: [landlord name]

Move-in date: [move-in date] Move-out date: [move-out date]

Living room — walls, floors, windows, lights: move-in ____________ / move-out ____________

Kitchen — appliances, cabinets, sink, counters: move-in ____________ / move-out ____________

Bathroom(s) — toilet, tub/shower, sink, fan: move-in ____________ / move-out ____________

Bedroom(s) — walls, floors, closets, windows: move-in ____________ / move-out ____________

Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms tested: move-in ______ / move-out ______ Keys given: [number of keys]

Photos taken on: [photo dates]. Signed by tenant ____________ and landlord ____________

Move-In / Move-Out Checklist for other states · Michigan tenant rights

General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.