Security Deposit Rules: Dearborn vs Detroit
How do security deposit rules rules compare between Dearborn, MI and Detroit, MI?
Dearborn and Detroit have similar restriction levels.
Dearborn, MI
Wayne County
Michigan caps residential security deposits at 1.5 months of rent under MCL 554.602, with strict notice and return procedures that apply uniformly across Wayne County, including Detroit, Dearborn, and unincorporated townships overseen by county zoning.
View full Dearborn rules →Detroit, MI
Wayne County
Michigan's Truth in Renting Act (MCL §554.602) caps Detroit residential security deposits at 1.5 times monthly rent. Landlords must hold deposits in a regulated bank account and provide written itemization within 30 days of move-out.
View full Detroit rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Dearborn | Detroit |
|---|---|---|
| Deposit cap | 1.5 months rent | - |
| Bank notice | Within 14 days | - |
| Return deadline | 30 days after move-out | - |
| Statute | MCL 554.602 | MCL §554.602 |
| Maximum deposit | - | 1.5 months rent |
| Itemization deadline | - | 30 days post-move-out |
| Account requirement | - | Michigan-regulated bank |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Dearborn FAQ
What is the maximum security deposit in Wayne County?
Michigan caps it at 1.5 months of rent. Wayne County and its cities cannot raise this limit, though landlords may charge separate non-deposit fees for cleaning, pets, or damage waivers.
How long does my landlord have to return my deposit?
Thirty days after you move out. The landlord must either return the full amount or send an itemized list of damages with any remaining balance to your forwarding address.
Detroit FAQ
Can a landlord charge a 'last month rent' separately?
Yes, but it counts as a deposit under Michigan law and combined with security cannot exceed 1.5 months total. Some landlords mistakenly stack these and violate the cap.
What if the itemization arrives late?
Late itemization waives the landlord's right to keep any deposit. Tenants can sue in 36th District small-claims court for the full amount plus statutory damages and court costs.
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