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.
Under the Michigan Landlord-Tenant Relationships Act, landlords cannot collect more than one and one-half months of rent as security. They must give the tenant written notice within 14 days of move-in identifying the bank or financial institution holding the deposit. After move-out, landlords must return the deposit or send an itemized list of damages within 30 days. Failure to follow these procedures can forfeit the right to retain any portion of the deposit. Wayne County does not add separate rules, but Detroit rental licensing inspections often surface deposit handling issues during habitability complaints.
Charging more than 1.5 months rent, missing the 30-day return deadline, or skipping the bank notice can force forfeiture of the deposit and double damages in district court.
Dearborn, MI
Dearborn requires all residential rental properties to register with the city and undergo periodic inspections under Chapter 11 of the city code.
Dearborn, MI
Dearborn does not have a just-cause eviction ordinance. Michigan state law governs all evictions through the summary proceedings process in MCL 600.5701 et seq.
See how Dearborn's security deposit rules rules stack up against other locations.
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