Full question:
I am renting out an apartment in Michigan to a family. The rent decided is $1000 per month. Since it is a family of 7 with 5 kids and the possibility of damages to my rental unit is higher, I feel that I need to ask for a security deposit of $2000. Is there any limitation for the amount sought as security deposit in Michigan?
- Category: Landlord Tenant
- Subcategory: Security Deposit
- Date:
- State: Michigan
Answer:
In Michigan, the residential leases require a security deposit. It is generally one month's rent, which shall cover damages to the properties in the rental unit beyond normal wear and tear, and also be safe from the financial blow if the tenant skips a month’s lease without paying.Mich. Comp. Laws § 554.602 provides for the limit for seeking the security deposit. The section reads:
“Sec. 2. A landlord may require a security deposit for each rental unit. A security deposit shall be required and maintained in accordance with the terms of this act and shall not exceed 1 1/2 months' rent.”
Therefore, under the landlord-tenant laws in Michigan, a landlord can charge a tenant only up to one and one-half months' rent as the 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.
