MCL 554.602: Michigan security deposit rules in plain English
What MCL 554.602 says about Michigan security deposits: the cap, the deadline to return the deposit, itemized deductions and interest. Every fact below comes from our statute-checked data. Last verified 2026-10-22.
Quick answer
- Return deadline
- 30 days
- The landlord must mail an itemized list of damages within 30 days after you move out. If they miss it, they must return the full deposit immediately.
- Give your forwarding address in writing within 4 days after you move out; otherwise the landlord does not have to send the itemized list. If you receive a list, respond by mail within 7 days or you forfeit the amount claimed.
- A landlord who keeps part of the deposit without a court judgment or your agreement can owe double the deposit retained.
- Maximum deposit
- 1.5 months' rent (554.602). The deposit must be kept in a regulated financial institution, or the landlord must instead post a cash or surety bond with the Secretary of State covering all deposits (554.604). Before it may require a deposit, the landlord must give the tenant a written notice, within 14 days after the tenant takes possession, of the landlord's name and address, the name and address of the financial institution or surety, and the tenant's duty to give a forwarding address within 4 days after moving out, with that warning in bold 12-point type (554.603). The landlord must give the tenant two blank copies of a move-in inventory checklist and a termination checklist is required at move-out; the tenant has 7 days after getting possession to return the move-in checklist (554.608). The deposit may be used only for actual damage beyond normal use, unpaid rent, rent due for early termination, and unpaid tenant utility bills (554.607).
- Itemized list
- Yes, an itemized list of deductions is required
- Interest
- No. The Michigan act does not require interest on the deposit.
What MCL 554.602 says, as we verified it
Deposit limit
1.5 months' rent (554.602). The deposit must be kept in a regulated financial institution, or the landlord must instead post a cash or surety bond with the Secretary of State covering all deposits (554.604). Before it may require a deposit, the landlord must give the tenant a written notice, within 14 days after the tenant takes possession, of the landlord's name and address, the name and address of the financial institution or surety, and the tenant's duty to give a forwarding address within 4 days after moving out, with that warning in bold 12-point type (554.603). The landlord must give the tenant two blank copies of a move-in inventory checklist and a termination checklist is required at move-out; the tenant has 7 days after getting possession to return the move-in checklist (554.608). The deposit may be used only for actual damage beyond normal use, unpaid rent, rent due for early termination, and unpaid tenant utility bills (554.607).
Interest
No. The Michigan act does not require interest on the deposit.
Full citation: MCL 554.602, 554.603, 554.604, 554.607, 554.608, 554.609, 554.610, 554.611, 554.612, 554.613 Read the official text
Michigan deposit deadline calculatorAll Michigan tenant law rulesDeposit return deadline by stateDeposit statutes for every state
FAQ: MCL 554.602
How long does a landlord have to return a deposit under MCL 554.602?
Under MCL 554.602, a Michigan landlord has 30 days to return the security deposit or send an itemized list of deductions. The landlord must mail an itemized list of damages within 30 days after you move out. If they miss it, they must return the full deposit immediately. Give your forwarding address in writing within 4 days after you move out; otherwise the landlord does not have to send the itemized list. If you receive a list, respond by mail within 7 days or you forfeit the amount claimed. A landlord who keeps part of the deposit without a court judgment or your agreement can owe double the deposit retained.
Is there a limit on the security deposit in Michigan?
1.5 months' rent (554.602). The deposit must be kept in a regulated financial institution, or the landlord must instead post a cash or surety bond with the Secretary of State covering all deposits (554.604). Before it may require a deposit, the landlord must give the tenant a written notice, within 14 days after the tenant takes possession, of the landlord's name and address, the name and address of the financial institution or surety, and the tenant's duty to give a forwarding address within 4 days after moving out, with that warning in bold 12-point type (554.603). The landlord must give the tenant two blank copies of a move-in inventory checklist and a termination checklist is required at move-out; the tenant has 7 days after getting possession to return the move-in checklist (554.608). The deposit may be used only for actual damage beyond normal use, unpaid rent, rent due for early termination, and unpaid tenant utility bills (554.607).
Does Michigan require an itemized list of deductions?
Yes, an itemized list of deductions is required. Citation: MCL 554.602, 554.603, 554.604, 554.607, 554.608, 554.609, 554.610, 554.611, 554.612, 554.613.
Does the landlord have to pay interest on the deposit in Michigan?
No. The Michigan act does not require interest on the deposit.
Check your lease against Michigan law
Scan it free and see which clauses break these rules.
Scan my Michigan leaseGeneral information only, not legal advice. Last verified 2026-10-22. Laws change; verify with the linked source or a licensed attorney.