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.
Detroit landlords follow Michigan's Truth in Renting Act, MCL §554.602 et seq. Security deposits cannot exceed one-and-a-half times the monthly rent. Landlords must deposit funds in a Michigan-regulated financial institution or post a surety bond, disclose the institution name and address in the lease, and provide tenants a move-in inventory checklist. Within 30 days after move-out, the landlord must mail an itemized list of damage deductions and the balance owed. Failure to comply forfeits the right to retain any portion of the deposit and entitles the tenant to double damages. Detroit-specific Title 18 housing code requires this disclosure on every Certificate of Compliance application.
Failure to itemize within 30 days: forfeiture of deposit + double damages to tenant. Excess deposit collection: refund plus statutory penalty $200.
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