Michigan deposit law, in plain English.

What your landlord has to do with your deposit after you move out. Each rule links to the official text.

• Address within 4 days.

  Within 4 days after you move out, give your landlord your new address in writing. Without it, they don't have to send a notice of damages.

  MCL 554.611

• 30 days for a notice of damages.

  To keep anything for damage, your landlord has to mail you an itemized list within 30 days after you move out, with the rest of your deposit.

  MCL 554.609(1)

• Miss it, owe it all.

  No notice in time means they agree nothing is due, and they owe the full deposit right away.

  MCL 554.610

• You get 7 days to respond.

  Got a notice of damages? Respond by mail within 7 days, saying in detail what you agree and disagree with.

  MCL 554.612

• Off limits.

  Damage from normal living.

  MCL 554.607(a)

• Double.

  If they don't follow the rules for keeping disputed amounts, they can owe double what they kept.

  MCL 554.613(2)

Not covered here yet: Late or missing forwarding addresses

Checked against the official text on October 19, 2026. General information, not legal advice. Cities can add their own rules.