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Can a landlord in Michigan demand three months' rent as a security deposit?

Can a landlord in Michigan demand three months' rent as a security deposit?

Full question:

My landlord has asked me to pay 3 month’s rent as security deposit. Can a landlord demand three months rent as security deposit under the law prevailing in Michigan law?

Category: Landlord Tenant
Subcategory: Security Deposit
Date: 04/07/2025
State: Michigan

Answer:

In Michigan, landlords can only require a security deposit of up to one and a half months' rent. This is stated in the law: a landlord may require a security deposit for each rental unit, but it cannot exceed one and a half months' rent (MCLS § 554.602). Therefore, your landlord cannot legally demand three months' rent as a security deposit.

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

Can a landlord ask for first and last month rent plus security in Michigan?

In Michigan, a landlord can request the first month's rent and a security deposit, but they cannot legally demand the last month's rent as part of the security deposit. The total security deposit cannot exceed one and a half months' rent (MCLS § 554.602). Therefore, while a landlord may ask for the first month's rent and a security deposit, they cannot combine it with a request for last month's rent as part of the security deposit requirement. *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.*

What is the statute on security deposits in Michigan?

The statute governing security deposits in Michigan is found in the Michigan Compiled Laws, specifically MCLS § 554.602. This law states that landlords can require a security deposit of up to one and a half months' rent for each rental unit. It also outlines the conditions under which the deposit must be returned to the tenant after the lease ends. *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.*

What is the law on security deposits in Massachusetts?

In Massachusetts, landlords can charge a security deposit of up to one month's rent. Additionally, they must provide a receipt and hold the deposit in a separate interest-bearing account. When the lease ends, the landlord must return the deposit within 30 days, along with any interest accrued, unless there are valid deductions for damages or unpaid rent. *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.*

Can my landlord charge me more than my deposit?

In Michigan, a landlord cannot charge you more than the agreed-upon security deposit, which is limited to one and a half months' rent. However, if there are damages beyond normal wear and tear or unpaid rent, the landlord may withhold part of the deposit to cover those costs. Any additional charges beyond the deposit would need to be justified and agreed upon in the lease. *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.*

What are the rules for security deposits in NJ?

In New Jersey, landlords can charge a security deposit of up to one and a half months' rent. The deposit must be held in an interest-bearing account, and tenants are entitled to the interest earned. Landlords must return the deposit within 30 days after the lease ends, minus any lawful deductions for damages or unpaid rent. If the landlord fails to comply, they may face penalties. *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.*

Can a landlord make you pay more than your security deposit?

In Michigan, a landlord cannot require you to pay more than the legally allowed security deposit, which is capped at one and a half months' rent. However, if there are damages beyond normal wear and tear or if you owe unpaid rent, the landlord may deduct these amounts from your security deposit. Any charges beyond the deposit would need to be legally justified and documented. *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.*