Can a landlord change the lease terms to increase rent in Michigan?

Full question:

I leased out an apartment in Michigan. I created a lease for a rent of $1230 per month. The building being a condominium, I am incurring higher maintenance fees along with taxes and insurances. It was a mistake on my part not to consider these charges while agreeing on the rent amount. I would like to increase the rent and hence change the terms of the lease. Is it possible for the landlord to change the terms of the lease?

  • Category: Landlord Tenant
  • Subcategory: Lease Violation
  • Date:
  • State: Michigan

Answer:

The landlord and tenant can agree to change the lease terms at any time, provided the changes are made in writing and signed by both parties. Under Michigan law, a landlord may change lease terms if the change is required by law, necessary for health and safety, or to cover increased costs for taxes, utilities, or insurance. However, the landlord must give written notice thirty days before making any changes.

In your situation, you can change the lease terms to reflect higher maintenance and insurance costs without tenant approval. Still, it’s advisable to notify the tenant before making these changes.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

The 3x rent rule is a common guideline used by landlords to determine if a tenant can afford the rent. It typically means that a tenant's gross monthly income should be at least three times the rent amount. While not a law, many landlords in Michigan use this rule to assess potential tenants' financial stability. However, landlords can consider other factors, such as credit history and rental history, when evaluating applicants. It's important to communicate clearly about income requirements during the application process.