Michigan Security Deposit Demand Letter
A free Michigan security deposit demand letter that follows Michigan law. Fill in the boxes, check the rules below, then print or copy it. Keep a copy and proof of how you sent it.
What Michigan law says
| Deposit return deadline | 30 days after the tenant's occupancy ends: landlord must mail an itemized notice of damages with the balance, or return the full deposit. If the landlord wants to keep any disputed amount it must sue within 45 days after termination of occupancy. |
|---|---|
| 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. |
| Penalty for withholding | Double the amount of the deposit retained, and the landlord waives all claimed damages, if the landlord fails to comply fully with MCL 554.613 Source: MCL 554.613(2); MCL 554.610 |
| 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. Source: MCL 554.607; MCL 554.608 |
Fill in your letter
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To: [landlord or manager name], [landlord address]
From: [your name], former tenant at [rental address]
I moved out and returned the keys on [move-out date]. I paid a security deposit of $[deposit amount]. I gave you my forwarding address in writing on [date you gave your address].
Under MCL 554.609; MCL 554.610; MCL 554.613, a landlord must return the deposit, or send an itemized list of lawful deductions, by the deadline set in that law. I have not received [the deposit / an itemized list].
Please send $[amount owed] to [forwarding address] within [number] days of this letter.
If I do not receive it, I plan to file a claim in small claims court and ask for any additional amount allowed by MCL 554.613(2); MCL 554.610.
Date: [today's date]
Tenant: [your name]
Signature: ____________________
How to send it: use a method you can prove — certified mail with return receipt, or email/text if your lease allows notices that way. Write down the date.
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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.