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PREPARED BY THE MICHIGAN LEGISLATURE
THIS INFORMATION IS PROVIDED FREE TO MICHIGAN CITIZENS AND MAY NOT BE REPRODUCED FOR RESALE OR PROFIT.
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Read the lease. Read the lease. Read the
lease. When most people hear the term “lease”
they think of the long sheets of paper written
in very small type that they sign when they
agree to move in and rent an apartment or
house. A lease contains a variety of legal
terms. It is important to recognize and know
the following terms of a lease and to
understand the substance of the agreement.
■ Landlord: The party agreeing to transfer
possession and use of the rental property,
usually the owner (but may also include an
agent or employee of the owner, or a
management company).
■ Tenant: The party taking possession
and use of the rental property from the
landlord under a lease. A tenant’s right to
possession and use is called a tenancy or
leasehold.
■ Lease (or Rental Agreement): The
contract between the tenant and landlord,
transferring possession and use of the rental
property. (See Sample Residential Lease
Agreement, page 32.) A lease can be written or
oral, but a written lease provides the best
protection for both the landlord and the
tenant.
■ Joint and Several Liability. If more than
one person signs the lease as a tenant, the
lease may state that their obligations are “joint
and several.” This means that each person is
responsible not only for his or her individual
obligations, but also for the obligations of all
other tenants. This includes paying rent and
performing all other terms of the lease.
■ Escrow Account: A bank account or
other account held by a third party, generally
established in the name of the tenant, into
which whole or partial rent payments are
deposited to show that the tenant was ready,
willing, and able to pay the rent—but is
withholding the rent until a certain problem
is fixed that the landlord is legally responsible
for fixing. Once the problem is fixed, the
escrowed rent amount will be released to the
landlord.
■ Plaintiff: A person who files a civil action
to seek judicial relief for some injury or
damage caused in violation of his or her rights.
■ Defendant: A person against whom relief
or recovery is sought in a civil action.
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While the lease refers to the written (or
oral) agreement, the “tenancy” refers to the
actual property right a tenant receives under
the lease. When the owner conveys to another
a lesser interest in the property for a term less
than that of the owner’s for valuable
consideration (generally rent), thereby granting
another use and enjoyment of his or her
property during the period stipulated, that
creates a tenancy. In Michigan, there are three
types of tenancies:
1. Fixed-Term Tenancy. This type of tenancy
is created when the lease agreement specifies
when the tenancy begins and when it ends.
It terminates automatically at the end of the
period specified. Generally, a written lease
provides that if a tenant holds over after the
fixed term expires, the tenancy shall be
considered a month-to-month tenancy. On the
other hand, if the lease does not so provide,
and the parties acquiesce—i.e., tenant stays in
possession and landlord accepts the rent—the
lease is considered renewed for the same fixed
term upon the same conditions.
2. Periodic Tenancy OR Tenancy at Will.
This type of tenancy is indefinite in duration. It
is created by actual or implied consent.
Usually a month-to-month tenancy, the lease is
considered renewed at the end of each rental
period (month-to-month or week-to-week,
depending on how often rent must be paid).
Termination procedure is governed by statute
and requires notice.
3. Tenancy at sufferance OR holdover
tenancy. This type of tenancy is created by
operation of law only. A tenant holds
possession after his or her legal right to
possession has ended (oftentimes based on
landlord’s failure to act). The person is just
short of being considered a trespasser. The
elements: (a) the tenant entered possession
lawfully, (b) the tenant’s legal right to
possession has ended, and (c) the tenant
remains without the landlord’s consent.
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Fixed-Term Tenancy
Advantages. The advantage to the tenant is
that the rental period is fixed and the rental
amount is stable; the landlord may not regain
possession or raise the rent, with few
exceptions. The advantage to the landlord is
that the tenant is committed to pay rent for a
specified period of time; the tenant is bound
by the lease terms, with few exceptions.
Disadvantages. The disadvantage to the
tenant is that he or she is bound by the lease
term and may not simply move without
remaining liable for the rent, permitting fewer
changes in arrangements. The disadvantage to
the landlord is that he or she is stuck with the
tenant until the lease term ends.
Periodic Tenancy OR Tenancy at Will
Advantages. The advantage to the tenant is
that he or she is free from any further
obligation once proper notice of termination is
given to the landlord—different housing
arrangements can be made more quickly. The
same advantage is true for the landlord; he or
she may decide to no longer rent to the tenant
if the same proper notice is given.
Disadvantages. The disadvantage to the
tenant is that the landlord, with proper notice,
can also raise rent. The disadvantage to the
landlord is that he or she is not provided with
any certainty as to how long the tenant will
remain.
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Although it is common for tenants to sign
some type of written agreement, a lease is not
always put in writing. Sometimes it is nothing
more than an oral agreement as to the move-in
and move-out dates, the address of the rental
property itself, and the amount of the rent and
when it must be paid. However, if the lease
agreement is for a period of more than one
year, an oral lease is not an option—it must be
put in writing to comply with the Statute of
Frauds (MCL 566.106).
Whether there is a fixed-term tenancy or a
periodic tenancy, it is best to have a written
record of the rental agreement. A written
record is a permanent record that may be used
for reference if misunderstandings arise—and
they do. In the absence of a written lease,
signed by both the landlord and the tenant, it
is advisable to keep a personal written record
of the agreement.
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The Michigan Truth in Renting Act (Act 454
of 1978, MCL 554.631 to 554.641) regulates
residential leases—requiring the landlord to
disclose certain information. Leases differ
somewhat in terms, but a written lease
agreement should include:
1. Name and signature of the landlord;
2. Name and signature of the tenant;
3. Rent amount to be paid, how frequently,
and when and where it is to be paid;
4. Address of the rental property;
5. Starting and ending dates if it is a fixed-
term tenancy;
6. Landlord’s mailing address;
7. Amount of the security deposit, if any;
8. Name and address of the financial
institution holding the security deposit;
9. Notice of the tenant’s obligation to provide
a forwarding address to the landlord within
4 days of terminating the tenancy;
10. Who is responsible for paying utilities;
11. Repair and maintenance responsibilities;
12. Eviction procedures;
13. Any other terms and conditions that the
landlord and tenant agreed to; and
14. This statement must be provided in a
prominent place in the lease, in at least a
12-point font size:
“NOTICE: Michigan law establishes rights
and obligations for parties to rental
agreements. This agreement is required to
comply with the Truth in Renting Act. If
you have a question about the
interpretation or legality of a provision of
this agreement, you may want to seek
assistance from a lawyer or other
qualified person.”
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Note: Two copies of an inventory checklist
must be provided to the tenant when he or
she takes possession of the rental property.
(See Sample Inventory Checklist, page 41.)
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The Michigan Truth in Renting Act
regulates residential leases—prohibiting certain
clauses or provisions and prescribing penalties.
A provision or clause in a lease that violates
the Truth in Renting Act is void. In particular,
a written lease shall not include a provision
which:
1. Waives or alters a remedy available to a
party when the rental property is in a
condition which violates the covenants of
fitness and habitability;
2. Waives a right established under the laws
that regulate security deposits;
3. Unlawfully excludes or discriminates
against a person in violation of the laws
relating to civil rights;
4. Provides for a confession of judgment, e.g.,
requiring a person to give up certain legal
rights in advance;
5. Relieves the landlord from liability for the
landlord’s failure to perform a duty or for
negligent performance of a duty imposed
by law (however, the landlord’s duty could
be waived to the extent a tenant was able
to recover under an insurance policy for
loss, damage, or injury caused by fire or
other casualty);
6. Waives or alters a party’s right to demand
a jury trial or any other right of notice or
procedure required by law;
7. Provides that a party is liable for legal cost
or attorney fees incurred by the other
party in excess of costs or fees specifically
permitted by statute;
8. Provides for the landlord to take a security
interest in any of the tenant’s personal
property to assure payment of rent or
other charges, except as specifically
permitted by statute;
9. Provides that rental payments may be
accelerated if the tenant violates a lease
provision unless the amount is determined
by the court;
10. Waives or alters a party’s rights with
respect to possession or eviction
proceedings;
11. Releases a party from the duty to mitigate
(or minimize) damages;
12. Provides that the landlord may alter a lease
provision after the lease begins without the
tenant’s written consent, EXCEPT: with
30 days’ written notice, the landlord may
make the following types of adjustments, as
long as there is a clause in the lease
allowing for the adjustments:
■ changes required by federal, state, or
local law, rule, or regulation;
■ changes in rules relating to the property
meant to protect health, safety, and
peaceful enjoyment; and
■ changes in the amount of rental
payments to cover additional costs
incurred by the landlord because of
increases in property taxes, increases in
utilities, and increases in property
insurance premiums.
13. Violates the Consumer Protection Act (Act
331 of 1976, MCL 445.901 to 445.922), which
lists 34 unfair trade practices; or
14. Requires the tenant to give the landlord a
power of attorney.
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A provision or clause in a lease that
violates the Truth in Renting Act is void. The
lease is not void—only the prohibited
provision. However, a landlord must fix the
prohibited provision or add the required
disclosure language within 20 days after the
tenant brings the deficiency to the landlord’s
attention in writing. If the landlord fails to fix it
within the time specified, the tenant may bring
an action to:
■ void the entire lease agreement;
■ make the landlord remove the prohibited
provision from all lease agreements in
which it is included; and
■ recover $250 per action (for prohibited
provisions) or $500 per action (for
missing disclosure provisions required
by law), or actual damages, whichever is
greater.
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As long as a provision or clause does not
violate federal, state, or local laws, rules, or
regulations, the parties can agree to almost
anything and include it in the lease. It can be
as outlandish as stating, “Only blue cars can
$3UDFWLFDO*XLGH IRU 7HQDQWVDQG /DQGORUGV
be parked in the driveway.” Some special
provisions to be aware of include:
■ Smoking: A landlord is free to prohibit
smoking in the rental property, as this would
not violate any state, federal, or local laws.
■ Pet Restrictions: A landlord may prohibit
all pets in a rental unit. A landlord may charge
a fee for having a pet. An exception here is
that a landlord may not prohibit a disabled
individual relying on a service animal from
housing the animal.
4 +RZFDQD OHDVH EHWHUPLQDWHG"
Fixed-term tenancy: This type of tenancy
is created when the lease agreement specifies
when the tenancy begins and when it ends.
It terminates automatically at the end of
the period specified. A fixed-term lease ends
on its own without further action. However,
many leases include the provision that the
lease converts to a month-to-month tenancy
at the end of the fixed term. Other leases
state a sky-high increase in rent—sometimes
double—if the tenant stays beyond the fixed
term.
Periodic tenancy OR tenancy at will:
This type of tenancy is indefinite in duration. It
is created by actual or implied consent.
Usually a month-to-month tenancy, the lease is
considered renewed at the end of each rental
period (month-to-month or week-to-week,
depending on how often rent must be paid).
Termination procedure is governed by statute
and requires notice.
Additionally, there are special termination
rights for senior citizens or persons incapable
of independent living.
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Lease agreements entered into, renewed, or
renegotiated after June 15, 1995, must provide
special termination rights for senior citizens
and persons incapable of independent living.
These leases must allow the tenant who has
already occupied a rental unit for more than
13 months to terminate the lease with 60 days’
written notice if either of the following occurs:
1. Tenant becomes eligible to move into a
rental unit in senior-citizen housing
subsidized by a federal, state, or local
government program, OR
2. Tenant becomes incapable of living
independently, as certified by a physician in
a notarized statement.
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If more than one person signs the lease as
a tenant, the lease may state that their
obligations are “joint and several.” This means
that each person is responsible not only for
his or her individual obligations, but also for
the obligations of all other tenants. This
includes paying rent and performing all other
terms of the lease.
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Generally, the landlord may not alter a
lease provision after the lease begins without
the tenant’s written consent. There are, of
course, exceptions to this. With 30 days’
written notice, the landlord may make the
following types of adjustments, as long as
there is a clause in the lease allowing for the
adjustments:
■ changes required by federal, state, or
local law, rule, or regulation;
■ changes in rules relating to the property
meant to protect health, safety, and
peaceful enjoyment; and
■ changes in the amount of rental
payments to cover additional costs
incurred by the landlord because of
increases in property taxes, increases in
utilities, and increases in property
insurance premiums.
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Michigan law establishes rights and obligations for
Parties to rental agreements. This agreement is required
to comply with the Truth in Renting Act. If you have
a question about the interpretation or legality of
a provision of this agreement, you may want to seek
assistance from a lawyer or other qualified person.
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The security deposit is an amount of
money paid by the tenant to the landlord—
other than the first rent payment (whatever
period is established in the lease: weekly rent
payment, monthly rent payment, semiannual
rent payment, and so on). The security deposit
remains the tenant’s property, but is held by
the landlord for the term of the lease to ensure
that the tenant pays the rent due, pays the
utility bills, and returns the rented property in
proper condition, as required by the lease. It is
held as security as the name implies.
Once the lease is terminated, the tenant
has the right to have the entire security
deposit returned unless the landlord can
substantiate a claim to it because the tenant:
1. Owes unpaid rent;
2. Owes unpaid utility bills; or
3. Caused damage to the rented property
beyond reasonable wear and tear.
Under Michigan law, both a tenant and a
landlord have duties and must perform specific
acts regarding the security deposit.
Understanding the duties and taking action are
crucial. The law requires mandatory notice
provisions, written communications, mailings,
and strict compliance with time limits. If the
duties are not performed precisely, the tenant
risks losing the return of his or her security
deposit and the landlord risks losing a claim to
it. This chapter explains the duties and the
necessary actions that must be taken.
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Yes. The law states that a security deposit
shall not exceed 1
1
⁄
2 times the monthly rent.
4 :KDWH[DFWO\LV FRQVLGHUHG DVHFXULW\
GHSRVLW"
Any prepayment of rent—other than for the
first full rental payment period established in
the lease—and any refundable fee or deposit
are considered by law to be part of the
security deposit.
Sometimes the lease requires that both the
first and last months’ rent be paid before a
tenant moves in. If this is the case, the last
month’s rent would be considered a security
deposit. Sometimes, too, additional fees or
deposits are charged to hold the rental
property, for credit checks, for pets, for
cleaning, for keys, for mailboxes, for storage,
and for many other reasons. While these fees
or deposits may not be called “security
deposits” in the lease, if they are otherwise
refundable, they are still considered by law to
be part of the security deposit and subject to
the strict rules that Michigan has adopted—
including the limit on the total amount that a
landlord may collect.
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Yes. The law defines the term “security
deposit” and limits the amount that may be
collected (not to exceed 1
1
⁄
2 times the monthly
rent). Refundable fees are deemed—by
definition—to be security deposits.
Nonrefundable fees are not; and they can be
assessed in any amount for any reason.
7KH6HFXULW\'HSRVLW
Example: If a landlord charges $500 a
month for rental property, the maximum
the landlord may collect as a security
deposit is $750 ($500 X 1.5 = $750).
Example: The monthly rent is $500 and
the lease calls for a $750 security deposit.
In addition to the security deposit, the
lease calls for a $250 refundable cleaning
fee. Because the cleaning fee is refundable,
it would be considered part of the security
deposit—and that would put the amount
collected for a security deposit above the
1
1
⁄
2 times monthly rent allowed, violating
Michigan law. If the lease, instead, declared
the fee to be nonrefundable, it would be
allowed.
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4 2QFHFROOHFWHGZKDW PXVW WKHODQGORUG
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The landlord must either:
a) Deposit the money with a regulated
financial institution (e.g., bank), OR
b) Deposit a cash bond or surety bond, to
secure the entire deposit, with the Secretary of
State. (Note: If the landlord does this, he or she
may use the money at any time, for any
purpose.) The bond ensures that there is
money available to repay the tenant’s security
deposit.
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The security deposit is considered the
lawful property of the tenant, until the landlord
establishes a right to it—generally by obtaining
a judgment in a court of law.
If the landlord sells the rental property, he
or she remains liable with respect to the
tenant’s security deposit until any ONE of the
following occurs:
a) The landlord returns the deposit to the
tenant, OR
b) The landlord transfers the deposit to the
new owner and sends notice—by mail—to the
tenant informing him or her of the new owner’s
name and address, OR
c) The new owner sends written notice of
their name and address to the tenant AND the
name and address of the financial institution
where the deposit is held AND the tenant’s
obligation to provide a forwarding address
within 4 days of terminating occupancy.
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The landlord must provide the tenant with
certain notices. Within 14 days from the day
the tenant moves in, the landlord must provide
written notice of the following:
a) The landlord’s name and address for
receipt of communications regarding the
tenancy;
b) The name and address of the financial
institution where the security deposit is held,
OR the name and address of the surety
company; and who filed the bond with the
Secretary of State; and
c) The tenant’s obligation to provide a
forwarding address—in writing—within 4 days
after the tenant moves out.
Generally these notices are found in the
lease itself. (See The Lease section; see also
the model lease in the Appendices, which
displays all of these notices with the correct
form and wording.)
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The checklist preserves some proof of the
condition of the property when the tenant
moved in. The landlord must provide the
tenant with 2 blank copies of an inventory
checklist, referencing all items in the rental
unit. The landlord must provide written notice
on the first page of the checklist that the
tenant must properly complete the checklist,
noting the condition of the property, and
return it to the landlord within 7 days after
moving in. (See sample, page 41.)
The tenant may request a copy of the
termination inventory checklist (generally
referred to as the itemized list of damages
caused by the previous tenant). If requested,
the landlord must provide a copy to the
tenant.
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Yes. The checklist preserves some proof of
the condition of the property when the tenant
moves in. If the tenant fails to properly fill out
the checklist, or fails to return it, and a dispute
over damages to the property occurs at the
end of the lease, it becomes the tenant’s word
against the landlord’s word.
Further recommendation:
Take photos or video tape recordings of the
rental unit before tenant moves in.
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The tenant MUST provide his or her
forwarding address—in writing—to the
landlord within 4 days of moving out. Calling
or telling the landlord, or landlord’s agent,
won’t do. While the landlord must inform a
tenant of this at the beginning of the lease, all
too often a tenant forgets to do this when he
or she moves out. Without a forwarding
address, the landlord has no duty to make
arrangements for returning the deposit. If the
forwarding address is provided within the
4 days, the landlord has 30 days from move
out to respond.
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If the landlord receives the tenant’s
forwarding address within 4 days of move out,
the landlord has 30 days from move out to
either:
a) Return the entire amount of the deposit
by check or money order, OR
b) Send—by mail—an itemized list of
damages lawfully assessed against the deposit
and a check or money order for the remaining
balance of the deposit (if any).
The itemized list must also contain the
following notice: “You must respond to this
notice by mail within 7 days after receipt of
same. Otherwise you will forfeit the amount
claimed for damages.” (See example, page 49.)
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If the tenant disputes any of the items
on the itemized list, the tenant MUST
respond—in detail, by mail—within 7 days of
his or her receipt of that list. “Responding in
detail” means giving reasons why the tenant
disputes each item of damage and the amount
assessed against his or her security deposit,
and why he or she should not be responsible.
Simply making a blanket statement that the
tenant does not agree will not do; the tenant
must address each item on the list individually.
The tenant’s detailed response must be sent
to the landlord by mail.
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If the tenant disputes all or part of the
itemized list of damages, the landlord is left
with two choices:
a) Negotiate or mediate an agreement in
writing with the tenant, OR
b) Commence an action in court for a
money judgment for damages that he or she
claimed against the tenant’s security deposit,
which the tenant disputes.
Remember, the security deposit remains
the tenant’s property until the landlord
perfects a claim to it—either by agreement or
by court order. If the landlord and tenant
cannot agree and if the landlord goes to court,
he or she MUST prove that the tenant is
actually responsible for the damages.
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Either the landlord or the tenant can be
the plaintiff in a security deposit suit.
The landlord may file suit within 45 days
from termination of occupancy. If both the
tenant and the landlord have followed the
security deposit timeline perfectly and there
still remains a dispute on the amount of
damages assessed against the tenant’s security
deposit, the landlord MUST file suit to retain
the deposit. If the landlord does not file suit,
he or she may be liable to the tenant for
double the amount of the security deposit
retained.
The tenant may be required to file suit in
certain circumstances. The burden of filing suit
shifts to the tenant if:
a) The tenant failed to provide his or her
forwarding address in writing within 4 days of
terminating occupancy, OR
b) The tenant failed to respond—by mail—
to the itemized list of damages within 7 days
of receiving it, OR
c) The landlord failed to return the tenant’s
deposit after receiving the tenant’s response
disputing the amount assessed against it.
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Beginning of Lease
(generally move in)
MCL 554.602, 554.604, 554.605,
554.608(2)
Ensure that any security deposit, if
required, does not exceed 1
1
⁄2 months’
rent.
Deposit tenant’s security deposit in a
regulated financial institution OR file a
surety bond with the state.
Provide tenant:
1. A copy of the lease
, and
2. Two blank copies
of the inventory
checklist.
The security deposit is the lawful
property of the tenant.
Recommendation: Read the lease
(preferably before signing it) and all
other information provided to you
by the landlord. Request from
landlord the inventory checklist
and/or itemized list of damage
report from previous tenancy.
Within 7 days from move in
(landlord and tenant may agree
to a shorter period, but not a
longer period)
MCL 554.608(3)
Recommendation: Keep tenant’s
completed checklist.
Return to landlord the completed
inventory checklist, noting condition
of rental unit (add pages if
necessary); be sure to keep a copy
yourself.
Within 14 days from move in
MCL 554.603
Provide tenant in writing
:
1. Landlord’s name and address for
receipt of rent and communications;
2. Where tenant’s security deposit will
be held (name and address of the
financial institution or surety bond
company); and
3. Include specific statutory notice of
tenant’s duty to provide forwarding
address within 4 days of move out.
Recommendation: Read the
information provided to you by the
landlord.
Move out
(not necessarily the end of the
lease)
MCL 554.608(5)
Complete a termination inventory
checklist, noting condition of rental
unit.
Recommendation: Remove all
personal property; clean the rental
unit; turn in keys.
Within 4 day after move out
MCL 554.611
Recommendation: Keep a copy of
tenant’s forwarding address.
Provide landlord in writing
(not
orally) your forwarding address.
Within 7 days of tenant’s receipt
of landlord’s itemized list of
damages
MCL 554.612
Watch for tenant’s mailed response to
the itemized list of damages.
Respond in detail, by ordinary mail,
indicating agreement or
disagreement to the damages
charged.
Be sure to count the days; the date
of mailing is considered the date of
response.
Within 45 days—not thereafter—
of move out
MCL 554.613
To be entitled to keep the disputed
amount of security deposit, file suit
against tenant for damages—unless an
exception applies.
If suit is filed, appear in court and
defend.
Note: If suit is not filed, you may
file suit for recovery of your security
deposit.
Within 30 days after move out
MCL 554.609
Mail to tenant an itemized list of
damages, with proper statutory notice
provision claimed against tenant’s
security deposit accompanied by a
check or money order for the
difference. Only unpaid rent, unpaid
utility bills, and damages to the rental
unit beyond reasonable wear and tear
caused by tenant may be claimed
against the deposit (not cleaning fees).
Recommendation: Watch for the
itemized list of damages in the mail.
Subleasing occurs when a tenant permits
another party to lease the rental property that
the tenant has leased from the landlord. (Note:
The lease must allow the original tenant to
sublease, and most leases specify that the
landlord must approve of the subtenant.) The
tenant, then, assumes the position of landlord
in relation to his or her subtenant. Subleasing
usually occurs because the tenant has signed a
fixed-term lease and wants—for whatever
reason—to get out of the lease before it
expires. Since the original tenant is bound by
the terms of the lease, he or she cannot simply
leave the property and stop paying rent. To
avoid the financial burden of the unexpired
portion of the lease, the tenant usually tries to
find a subtenant who will assume that burden.
Word of warning: Subleasing is not
without its problems—so put it in writing.
Under a sublease, the original tenant is still
bound by contract to the landlord by the
terms of the lease. If the subtenant stops
paying rent or causes damage to the rental
property, the original tenant—not the
subtenant—must answer to the landlord. Of
course, the original tenant may have a legal
cause of action against the subtenant for a
violation of the sublease.
The following are important terms to
understand:
■ Landlord: The party agreeing to transfer
possession and use of the rental property,
usually the owner.
■ Tenant: The party taking possession and
use of the rental property from the landlord
under a lease contract.
■ Subtenant: A third party who takes
possession and use of the rental property from
the original tenant, under a sublease contract.
The subtenant contracts with the original
tenant—not the landlord—but generally with
the landlord’s permission.
■ Sublease: The contract between the
original tenant and subtenant, transferring,
again, possession and use of the rental
property. (See Sample Sublease, page 37.)
A written sublease contract provides the best
protection. Because a sublease can only
transfer what is left of the rights given to the
tenant in the original lease, it is important that
the tenant provide the subtenant with a copy
of the original lease.
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Generally, yes. Most leases specify that
subleasing or assigning an interest in the rental
property is not allowed without the landlord’s
consent, OR that subleasing or assigning is not
allowed at all. But if the original lease
agreement is silent, then the tenant need not
seek the landlord’s permission before entering
into a sublease. First check the terms of the
original lease. Then, if permission is required,
check with the landlord.
4 ,IWKHWHQDQW LV DOORZHGWR VXEOHDVH
ZKDWH[DFWO\ FDQEH VXEOHDVHG"
The tenant can only sublease the rights he
or she has been given in the original lease—no
more. For example, if the tenant has only three
months left on a one-year lease, the tenant can
only sublease up to three months. The same
holds true with any restrictions contained in
the original lease—they all apply to the
subtenant and cannot be waived by the
original tenant. On the other hand, the tenant
may decide to sublet less than all of the rights
he or she has been given in the original lease
(e.g., he or she may decide to return to the
rental property).
4 :KDWGXWLHVGRHV WKH RULJLQDOWHQDQW
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Generally, when a tenant subleases, he or
she assumes the position of landlord in
relation to his or her subtenant. Accordingly,
all of the laws that apply to landlords apply to
a tenant who subleases. These duties are
explained in other parts of this book. They
include the following:
■ Complying with the duties to maintain a
habitable rental property and to make
reasonable repairs, when necessary;
■ Complying with the duties to register or
license the rental property under local ordi-
nance (check with the local housing office);
■ Complying with duties imposed under the
security deposit laws and procedures; and
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■ Complying with the eviction laws and
procedures, in the event the original tenant
wants to remove the subtenant from the
rental property.
Repair and maintenance still remain the
ultimate duty of the original landlord. Because
the subtenant, in a sublease, has no
relationship with the original landlord, repair
requests will usually be made by the original
tenant. The original tenant makes a repair
request to the landlord. This is not always the
case; many times, the landlord, in granting the
original tenant permission to sublease, will be
aware of the subtenant’s presence and will
respond to his or her requests.
4 :KDWDERXWWKH VHFXULW\ GHSRVLW"
Because nothing in the original lease
agreement changes when a tenant subleases to
a subtenant, the original tenant’s security
deposit will remain with the landlord. The
tenant may decide to collect a security deposit
from the subtenant to insure against
nonpayment of rent or utility charges or
damage to the rental property beyond
reasonable wear and tear caused by the
subtenant. Remember that the original tenant
remains responsible to the landlord under the
original lease. The original tenant’s security
deposit could be at stake.
Collecting a security deposit from the
subtenant. If the original tenant decides to
collect a security deposit from the subtenant,
he or she would simply follow all of the normal
steps that any landlord would in collecting a
security deposit. These include being timely in
providing proper notice, placing the security
deposit in a financial institution, providing
inventory checklists, and providing the
itemized list of damages. (See The Security
Deposit section.)
4 :KDWLIWKH VXEWHQDQW VWRSVSD\LQJ
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Two things may be done to help protect
against this:
(1) Require the subtenant to sign a written
sublease agreement that includes the
same language as the original lease
agreement; and
(2) Require the subtenant to pay a security
deposit to the original tenant.
If the original tenant permits the subtenant
to pay rent directly to the landlord, the tenant
runs the risk of not knowing if the subtenant is
continuing to meet the rental obligations.
When the subtenant is required to pay rent
directly to the original tenant—and the tenant
pays the usual rent to the landlord—there is
much less risk.
If the subtenant stops paying the rent, the
landlord can hold the original tenant
responsible for missed payments. This amount
can be withheld from the original tenant’s
security deposit, as can charges for unpaid
utility bills and damages beyond reasonable
wear and tear caused by the subtenant. The
landlord’s recourse is with the tenant under
the original lease, not the subtenant. The
tenant’s recourse is with the subtenant, under
the sublease.
For this reason, it is risky to sublease
rental property. Therefore, tenants should take
all necessary precautions to ensure that they
are subleasing to a financially responsible
subtenant (e.g., running a credit check, asking
for a reference from a previous landlord).
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Sometimes, yes. Subleasing can be a com-
plicated procedure, particularly if the tenant is
leaving the area for the period of the sublease.
There are two ways that a tenant can be
released from the obligations under the lease:
1. By mutual agreement. Though it is rare, a
landlord sometimes allows a tenant to
terminate the lease early. Therefore, it is a
good idea to talk to your landlord before
looking for someone to sublease. (Note: If
the landlord does allow the tenant to break
the lease, the tenant should be sure to
receive from the landlord a signed document
describing the agreement.)
2. By assignment. Under an assignment, the
new tenant is substituted for the original
tenant. When this is done, the original
tenant is “cut-out” of the entire lease
agreement and the new person steps into
his or her shoes. Accordingly, the new
tenant will be responsible for all obligations
under the original lease, including rent,
utilities, and damages—the original tenant
will be released of all obligations. (Note: If
the landlord does allow an assignment, the
tenant should be sure to receive from the
landlord a signed document describing the
assignment and the release of obligations.)
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If the landlord wishes to remove a tenant
from his or her rental property, the landlord
must use the eviction process. The process is
called Summary Proceedings, and it moves
quickly to restore rental property to the
person lawfully entitled to possession.
The process starts with notice—an eviction
notice—and may involve court appearances
and a trial. If the landlord is successful in
proving his or her case, an Order of Eviction
may be issued and a court officer may remove
the tenant and tenant’s personal items from
the rental property. It is important to
remember, however, that there are many steps
in the eviction process before the tenant is
physically removed—and most landlords and
tenants reach a settlement long before the
matter moves that far.
The landlord must never forcibly remove
the tenant (or occupant) himself or herself.
This includes things like changing locks,
turning off utilities, or some other act or
omission that interferes with the tenant’s right
to possess, use, and enjoy the rental property.
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There are nine reasons specified by law
that would allow the landlord to start eviction
proceedings:
1. Nonpayment of rent;
2. Extensive and continuing physical injury to
property;
3. Serious and continuing health hazard;
4. Illegal drug activity and formal police report
filed (lease provision must allow for
termination);
5. Violation of a lease provision and the lease
allows for termination;
6. Forceful entry OR peaceful entry, but
forceful stay OR trespass;
7. Holding over after natural expiration of lease
term;
8. “Just cause” for terminating tenant of mobile
home park (“just cause” is defined for this
purpose by MCL 600.5775); OR
9. “Just cause” for terminating tenant of
government-subsidized housing.
(Note: “Just cause” is defined by statute.
See MCL 125.694a and 600.5714.)
Several of the lawful reasons describe
prohibited behavior. One reason includes,
“Violation of a lease provision.” This could be
any provision agreed to by the parties when
the lease was signed. For example, it could be
as silly as, “Only red cars may be parked in
the driveway.” If the tenant signed the lease,
and if the tenant later buys a blue car, he or
she cannot park it in the driveway without
violating that provision of the lease. If the
lease also includes a provision that allows the
landlord to terminate the lease, the landlord
could seek to evict the tenant on that basis.
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It may seem harsh and unfair, but yes, the
other tenant(s) who are still paying rent may
be evicted. The landlord is lawfully entitled to
receive the full rent amount. Whoever signs the
lease will be bound by its terms and
conditions. If a “joint-and-several liability”
clause is in the lease, who actually pays what
amount is of no concern to the landlord.
Most leases include a provision that holds
all tenants “jointly and severally liable” for any
and all violations of the lease. This means that
each person is responsible not only for his or
her individual obligations, but also for the
obligations of all other tenants. This includes
paying rent and performing all other terms of
the lease. Therefore, if only one tenant stops
paying the rent (or violates any other
provision of the lease agreement), the landlord
may choose to evict any or all of the tenants.
In addition, the landlord may choose to collect
the rent or other money for damages incurred
from any or all of the tenants.
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Proper notice is very important. Notice—
due process—safeguards and protects
individual rights provided by law. If the
landlord wishes to remove a tenant from his or
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her rental property, the landlord must use the
eviction process—and it begins with proper
notice. Before a court will enter a landlord’s
request for an Order of Eviction, the tenant
must have been given a proper eviction notice.
Many times the rental problem can be fixed
with nothing more than the eviction notice. For
example, if the tenant simply forgot to pay the
rent, the notice may simply serve as a
reminder—and once he or she pays the rent,
the eviction process ends.
The eviction notice may take many forms.
It must state that the landlord intends to evict
the tenant, within a specified time (either 7 or
30 days), because of a specified reason or
problem—otherwise, court action will be taken.
The notice may allow the tenant time to
correct the problem (like paying the rent, if
nonpayment of rent is the reason for eviction).
The eviction notice MUST include certain
information or the notice is not proper. While
many district courts provide standard eviction
forms, a letter can accomplish the same as
long as it contains all of the following:
■ Tenant’s name;
■ Address or rental property description;
■ Reason for the eviction;
■ Time to take remedial action;
■ Date; and
■ Landlord’s signature.
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Each reason for eviction has a specific
amount of time that MUST pass before the
landlord may commence a lawsuit—either 7 or
30 days.
A 7-DAY NOTICE is required for the
following reasons:
a) Nonpayment of rent;
b) Extensive and continuing physical injury
to property;
c) Serious and continuing health hazard;
d) Illegal drug activity and formal police
report filed (lease provision must allow for
termination).
A 30-DAY NOTICE is required for the
following reasons:
a) Violation of a lease provision and the
lease allows for termination;
b) Forceful entry OR peaceful entry, but
forceful stay OR trespass;
c) Holding over after natural expiration of
lease term;
d) “Just cause” for terminating tenant of
mobile home park;
e) “Just cause” for terminating tenant of
government-subsidized housing.
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Once the eviction notice is prepared, it
must be properly delivered to the tenant. The
eviction notice MUST be delivered:
a) In person to the tenant, OR
b) At the rental property, to a member of
the tenant’s household—of suitable age—
requesting that it be delivered to the tenant,
OR
c) By first-class mail, addressed to the
tenant.
If the notice is delivered personally, the
time of the notice begins to run the next day.
If the notice is mailed, the time begins the next
mail delivery day (not a Sunday or holiday).
The eviction notice is not the same as an
Order of Eviction. A tenant is not required to
move when the eviction notice expires—he or
she may have a valid defense to the landlord’s
reason for eviction. Expiration of the 7- or 30-
day time period only enables the landlord to
file a lawsuit.
Remember: Only a court officer may
remove the tenant and tenant’s personal
items from the rental property—and only
under court order.
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If some agreement or understanding cannot
otherwise be worked out by the parties, and if
the eviction notice has been properly delivered
and the 7- or 30-day time period has passed,
the landlord may commence a lawsuit—known
as a Summary Proceedings action. This section
will outline how the landlord may bring an
action, and what the tenant can expect when
being sued.
The Paperwork. The paperwork necessary
to begin a lawsuit includes the following:
a) Complaint;
b) Copy of the Notice of Eviction (attached
to the Complaint);
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c) Lease (attached to the Complaint); and
d) Summons.
Most district courts will provide the
landlord with pre-approved court forms, if
requested. These forms meet all Michigan
statutory and court-rule requirements. However,
they must be properly filled out. It is suggested
that anyone not using the pre-approved court
forms consult with an attorney.
The lawsuit for eviction begins like any
other lawsuit—the plaintiff (the landlord) files
the appropriate paperwork with the court.
Jurisdiction over eviction proceedings is
granted to the district court and the few
remaining municipal courts.
The Complaint tells the court why the
landlord seeks to regain possession of his or
her rental property—much the same as the
original Notice of Eviction. The Complaint
MUST include:
a) A description of the rental property;
b) The reason(s) for eviction;
c) A demand for a jury trial (if the landlord
wants a jury);
d) If rent or other money is due, the rental
period and rate, the amount due and unpaid
when the Complaint was filed, and date(s) the
payments became due; and
e) Allegations that the landlord has kept
the residential rental property fit for the use
intended and in reasonable repair during the
term of the lease (unless the lease term is a
year or more and the parties have modified
these obligations by contract).
The following paperwork MUST BE
ATTACHED to the Complaint:
a) Copy of the Notice of Eviction; and
b) Lease (unless the tenancy was created
by an oral agreement).
The Summons MUST accompany the
Complaint, commanding the tenant to appear
at the district court for trial. It MUST also
include information, advising the tenant that:
a) The tenant has the right to employ an
attorney;
b) If the tenant does not have an attorney,
but can otherwise afford to retain one, to
contact the State Bar of Michigan or a local
lawyer referral service;
c) If the tenant cannot pay for an attorney,
he or she might qualify for legal-aid assistance;
and
d) The tenant has the right to a jury trial
(the fee must be paid when the demand is
made in the first response—written or oral).
Proper filing of the paperwork with the
court. The paperwork MUST be properly filed
with the appropriate district court, as only this
court has jurisdiction over eviction proceed-
ings. A lawsuit for eviction is filed in the
district court in the county where the rental
property is located. Sometimes, the district
court’s jurisdiction borders are the same as
the municipal borders, but this is not always
the case. Check with the local court to deter-
mine the proper district court for your lawsuit.
Proper delivery of the paperwork to the
tenant. The paperwork MUST be properly
delivered to the tenant, notifying him or her
that legal action has begun (and proof of how
and when they were delivered must be filed
with the court). The Summons and Complaint
and a copy of the original Notice of Eviction
and Lease MUST be properly delivered to the
tenant BY MAIL AND ONE OTHER WAY:
a) Personally, OR
b) By first-class mail—certified, return-
receipt requested, restricted delivery, OR
c) At the rental property, to a member of
the tenant’s household—of suitable age—
requesting that it be delivered to the tenant,
OR
d) After diligent attempts at personal
service, by securely attaching the papers to
the main entrance of the rental property unit.
(Note that this delivery differs slightly from
delivery of the initial Notice of Eviction. Here,
two methods of delivery are required.)
CHECKLIST FOR COMMENCING A LAWSUIT
■ The Notice of Eviction was properly delivered to the tenant and the proper time period, either 7 or
30 days, has passed.
■ The pre-approved court forms—the Complaint and Summons—are properly completed.
■ Copies of the Notice of Eviction and Lease are attached to the Complaint.
■ All paperwork is filed with the appropriate district or municipal court.
■ All paperwork is properly delivered to the tenant.
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The lawsuit for eviction is like any other
lawsuit. Once a Complaint is received, the
tenant MUST APPEAR AND ANSWER by the
date on the Summons. The time period is
short—generally 3 to 10 days. The tenant must
answer either in person, orally, or by filing a
written response addressing each of the
allegations in the landlord’s Complaint. The
tenant’s answer generally objects to the
landlord’s reason(s) for the eviction and
explains why the court should not evict the
tenant from the rental property.
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If the tenant does not appear at the district
court, as commanded in the Summons, a
default judgment—giving possession of the
rental property back to the landlord—will be
entered against the tenant. And 10 days later,
at the landlord’s request, the court will issue
an Order of Eviction and a court officer will
physically remove the tenant and the tenant’s
personal items from the rental property.
Additionally, the court may enter a money
judgment against the tenant. This would allow
the landlord to begin collection proceedings,
which may include garnishment of wages, bank
accounts, and tax refunds. It may also include
execution against the tenant’s personal
property, like his or her automobile. Further, a
money judgment may appear on the tenant’s
credit report, hindering his or her ability to get
a loan or a credit card.
Advice to the tenant: Do not fail to
appear and answer!
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Up until trial, the parties may reach an
agreement and settle the case themselves OR
they may decide to resolve their dispute
through mediation.
Community Mediation. Parties can choose
to mediate before or after a lawsuit is filed.
Mediation is an alternative dispute resolution
technique that is voluntary, empowering,
confidential, convenient, effective, and
provided at little or no cost. (See pages 21-22
for the names, locations, and phone numbers
of the 24 Michigan Community Mediation
Centers that can be called for assistance.)
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At any time before trial, the landlord and
tenant may decide to work out a compromise.
In fact, most lawsuits for eviction end in
compromise—minutes before trial. The parties
may either:
a) Sign an agreement called a “Consent
Judgment,” putting an end to the case by
consent and by order of the judge, OR
b) Agree to a dismissal subject to some
condition (e.g., tenant paying rent by a
particular day, tenant voluntarily vacating the
rental property by a particular day). Once the
condition is satisfied, the judge will order the
dismissal.
If a Summons has been issued, the tenant
must show up at the court. If an agreement is
reached, the court must be notified. Whether
the landlord and tenant must appear before
the judge to put their agreement on the record
is up to the judge.
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If the tenant has exhibited certain lawful
behavior, Michigan law provides the tenant
with a number of defenses—even if the
landlord can prove any of the nine reasons for
a lawful eviction. The most common defenses
are:
(1) A claim of retaliatory eviction. There
exists a presumption of retaliation if the land-
lord started the eviction proceedings within
90 days of the tenant trying to enforce his or
her rights under law (e.g., reporting health and
safety code violations, exercising rights under
the lease, filing a complaint against the
landlord for violation of the law, or joining in
membership in a tenants’ organization).
(2) Full payment of the rent due. After a
lawsuit for nonpayment of rent was filed, the
tenant may have actually paid the total amount
of rent due.
(3) Landlord’s breach of the warranty of
habitability and duty to repair. The landlord
must have been provided with notice of the
problem, generally in writing (see the lease),
and must have been given a reasonable
amount of time to fix the problem. If a portion
$3UDFWLFDO*XLGH IRU7HQDQWVDQG /DQGORUGV
of the rent was withheld for the purpose of
addressing the maintenance or repair issue(s),
it must have been deposited into an escrow
account. (That portion of rent must reasonably
relate to the cost of repair or to the damage
that the tenant incurred because of the
problem.) The tenant must show that “but for
the repair and maintenance required, he or she
was ready, willing, and able to pay the rent.”
Having a defense and being able to prove it
are two different things. If the tenant is suc-
cessful in offering his or her proofs, the tenant
is generally allowed to remain in possession of
the rental property. The Court may not order
eviction if the Court believes that the tenant
complied with the law and acted only to
protect his or her rights, even though the
landlord may have had a lawful reason to
evict.
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If the parties to a lawsuit for eviction
cannot otherwise reach an agreement, they will
have to go to court to have things decided for
them. Even when they first get to court, most
cases are resolved in the hallways. The judges
generally encourage the parties to reach a
settlement; the attorneys who are there on
behalf of the parties also encourage their
clients to do so. If they cannot, the parties
then proceed to trial where the judge or jury
will decide the outcome.
At trial, both parties will be given an
opportunity to tell their side to the judge (or
jury). They will be allowed to offer testimony
and show documentation that may persuade
the judge (or jury), by a preponderance of the
evidence (51 percent), to rule in their favor.
In the courtroom, there is an order to
things. The landlord must first prove that a
lawful reason for eviction exists and that he or
she is entitled to regain possession as owner
of the rental property. The tenant, on the other
hand, may next offer evidence that even
though there is a lawful reason, a legal defense
exists that protects him or her from being
removed. (See a list of landlord’s lawful
reasons and tenant’s possible defenses, pages
13 and 16, respectively.) After both parties
have had an opportunity to offer their proofs
to the judge (or jury), a decision will be made
either for the landlord (to regain possession)
or for the tenant (to remain in possession).
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Even if the landlord wins the lawsuit for
eviction, the court cannot issue an Order of
Eviction for at least 10 days. This allows time
for the tenant to appeal the decision; it allows
time for the tenant to cure by paying the rent
owed if that was the reason for eviction, and it
allows time to work things out by agreement.
Only after waiting 10 days can a prevailing
landlord request that the judge issue an Order
of Eviction. However—even then—Michigan
law does not allow the landlord to forcibly
remove the tenant or the tenant’s property.
Only an officer of the court, by a judge’s order,
can remove the tenant and tenant’s property
from the rental property; and that officer is
generally the sheriff or someone from the
sheriff’s office. This is called executing the
Order for Eviction, and there is little the tenant
can do but start packing.
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Yes. In addition to regaining possession of
the rental property, the landlord may have
persuaded the judge (or jury) that he or she is
entitled to a money judgment. The judge may
award the landlord a money judgment for such
things as unpaid rent, unpaid utilities, damages
to the rental property beyond reasonable wear
and tear caused by the tenant, and any other
damages incurred because of the tenant’s
violation of the lease agreement.
Avoiding a money judgment is always a
good idea. If the option to pay is still available,
the losing party (if financially able) should
remit what is owed. Once a money judgment is
awarded, the prevailing party, through a lawful
collection process, can garnish wages, garnish
bank accounts, and garnish tax refunds. The
prevailing party may also be entitled to
another remedy—executing the money
judgment against personal property (a car, fine
jewelry, collectibles, and the like).
Remember that a lease agreement—
whether written or oral—is a contract,
enforceable by law. Both parties have rights
and obligations under the lease. Simply having
the tenant removed from the rental property
may not provide the landlord with all that he
or she is entitled to receive under the lease.
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Some incident gives rise for eviction.
MCL 600.5714
7-DAY NOTICE is required for
the following reasons:
a) Nonpayment of rent;
b) Extensive and continuing
physical injury to property;
c) Serious and continuing health
hazard; OR
d) Illegal drug activity and formal
police report filed (lease
provision must allow for
termination).
30-DAY NOTICE is required for
the following reasons:
a) Violation of a lease provision
and the lease allows for
termination;
b) Forceful entry OR peaceful
entry, but forceful stay OR
trespass;
c) Holding over after natural
expiration of lease term;
d) “Just cause” for terminating
tenant of mobile home park;
OR
e) “Just cause” for terminating
tenant of government-
subsidized housing.
Provide proper notice of intent to evict.
MCL 600.5716; 600.5718
Forms DC 100a, DC 100c (from the court)
The notice MUST:
a) Be in writing;
b) Be addressed to the tenant;
c) Describe the rental property
(address is sufficient);
d) Give reason for eviction;
e) State the time for tenant to take
remedial action;
f) Include landlord’s signature; and
g) Include date.
The notice MUST be delivered:
a) In person to the tenant, OR
b) At the rental property, to a member
of tenant’s household—of suitable
age—requesting that it be delivered
to the tenant, OR
c) By sending it through first-class mail
addressed to the tenant.
Read the notice. Certain reasons
for eviction can be cured (e.g.,
nonpayment of rent can be cured by
paying the rent). Certain other
reasons cannot be cured and tenant
must move out (e.g., breach of lease,
illegal drug activity). Otherwise, you
may be sued.
Recommendation: Contact the
landlord to peacefully discuss his or
her reasons for eviction. Try to work
things out to remain in the rental
property.
BEGIN THE LAWSUIT:
After the time period in the
notice has expired—either 7 or
30 days—if things cannot be
worked out:
File with the district or municipal
court and serve on the tenant a
Summons and Complaint.
MCL 600.5704 and 600.5735
The Summons. The Summons
commands the tenant to appear at
the court for trial.
Michigan Court Rule 4.201(C)
Form DC 104 (from the court)
The Complaint. The Complaint gives
further notice of the cause of action, or
reasons, for the eviction. Landlord
MUST attach the following:
a) A copy of the Lease; AND
b) A copy of the Notice of Eviction—
stating when and how it was
delivered.
Michigan Court Rule 4.201(B)
Forms DC 102a, DC 102C (from the court)
The Summons and Complaint MUST
be delivered (and proof of how and
when they were delivered must be filed
with the court) to the tenant BY MAIL
AND ONE OTHER WAY:
a) Personally, OR
b) Sent by mail—certified, return-
receipt, restricted delivery, OR
c) At the rental property, to a member
of tenant’s household—of suitable
age—requesting that it be delivered
to the tenant, OR
d) After diligent attempts at personal
service, by securely attaching the
papers to the main entrance of the
rental property unit.
Michigan Court Rule 4.201(D)
The Summons will have a date and
time ordering the tenant to appear
in court. As the Summons
commands, you MUST appear in
court for this hearing.
You MUST appear and answer the
Complaint by the date on the
Summons. You can do this either in
writing OR orally at the hearing.
Recommendation: It is best to
contact a lawyer to help you
through this process.
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TRIAL: Within 10 days there
will be a trial/hearing.
Michigan Court Rule 4.201(F)
If either party appears without
an attorney, but requests to
retain one, the judge will
generally adjourn the trial/
hearing for 7 days.
You have a right to an attorney;
you may ask for time to retain one.
Generally, the judge will adjourn for
7 days. You have a right to a jury
trial; however, you must demand it in
the Complaint and pay the jury fee.
(The fee starts at $50 and goes up
depending on the amount in
controversy.)
Provide testimony, documents, and
other evidence to show that you are
lawfully entitled to recover possession
of your rental property.
Recommendation: Dress nicely, be
prepared, and be respectful of the legal
process.
You must appear and answer the
Complaint. You have a right to an
attorney; you may ask for time to
retain one. Generally, the judge will
adjourn for 7 days. You have a right
to a jury trial; however, you must
demand it in your first response—
written or oral—and pay the jury
fee. (The fee starts at $50 and goes
up depending on the amount in
controversy.)
Defending landlord’s claim may
require you to testify and provide
documents and other evidence of
why you should be entitled to
remain in possession of the rental
property.
Recommendation: Dress nicely, be
prepared, and be respectful of the
legal process.
JUDGMENT: After trial, the
judge or jury will render a
decision either in favor of the:
a) Landlord (evicting the tenant),
OR
b) Tenant (allowing him or her to
remain in possession).
A money award may also be
entered for damages incurred by
either party.
Michigan Court Rule 4.201(K)
If judgment is for you, the landlord, it
may include an award for any money
due and for costs. You may begin
collections on the money judgment if
tenant does not otherwise pay or
appeal. You will have to wait to regain
possession by requesting an Order of
Eviction.
MCL 600.5741
If judgment is for the tenant, he or
she may remain in possession of your
rental property.
Decide quickly whether to appeal.
If judgment is for you, the tenant,
you may remain in possession of the
rental property.
MCL 600.5747
If judgment is for the landlord, you
must either:
a) Make full payment (if the
eviction can be cured by
payment), OR
b) Settle the dispute, OR
c) Move out, OR
APPEAL: Within 10 days after
judgment, either party may
appeal the judge’s decision. The
party appealing the judge’s
decision must pay an appeal
bond, filing fees, and transcript
fees to preserve the appeal and
stop the Order of Eviction from
being issued.
Michigan Court Rule 4.201(N)
Decide quickly whether to appeal.
Once the sheriff executes the Order of
Eviction, you regain possession of your
rental property.
EVICTION: After 10 days, an
Order of Eviction may be
requested, issued, and executed.
Michigan Court Rule 4.201(L)
If the reason for the eviction was
nonpayment of rent, full payment of
the rent, plus fees and costs
awarded, may stop the issuance of
the Order of Eviction. Partial
payment will not stop the issuance
of the Order.
WARNING: Other reasons for
eviction may not be cured by
payment and you must move out
before the sheriff executes the
Order and moves things out for
you.
FROM START TO FINISH—
IT CAN TAKE AS FEW AS
27 DAYS OR AS MANY AS 57 DAYS TO EVICT A TENANT!
Parties in a dispute can choose to
mediate before or after a lawsuit is filed.
Mediation is an alternative dispute resolution
technique that is voluntary, empowering,
confidential, convenient, effective, and
provided at little or no cost. There are
24 mediation centers throughout Michigan
that can be called for assistance.
Mediation is:
■ A process that helps people to resolve
disputes. Trained mediators facilitate a
communication process that assists
people in reaching mutually satisfactory
agreements.
■ An alternative to destructive
confrontation, ineffective avoidance,
costly litigation, and violence.
■ An opportunity for people in conflict to
use their own problem-solving skills, to
take responsibility, and to find solutions
that best meet their needs.
■ Designed to preserve individual interests
while strengthening relationships
between individuals and groups.
■ An opportunity to learn a successful
method for resolving conflicts that can
serve as a model for constructively
resolving future conflicts.
0HGLDWLRQ
THE
MEDIATION
PROCESS
(1) Any person or organization may initiate
mediation.
(2) A trained professional will talk with you
to determine if your situation is
appropriate for mediation. If it is, you
will be asked for basic information
about yourself and the other person(s)
involved.
(3) With your permission, the mediation
center will contact the other person(s)
involved to encourage them to
participate in a mediation session.
(4) If both parties agree, the mediation
center will schedule a mediation
session at a time and place convenient
for all.
(5) At the mediation session, trained
mediators will listen to all sides of the
dispute. Each party will get a chance to
explain, uninterrupted, their point of
view. The mediator will encourage
communication from all sides to
uncover facts, identify issues, and
explore possible solutions.
(6) When the parties reach a solution, their
agreement will be put in writing by the
mediator. It is then a legally enforceable
document.
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ALPENA, Alcona, Iosco, Montmorency,
Presque Isle
Sunrise Mediation Services
Alpena County, MSU Extension
603 S. Eleventh Ave., Alpena, MI 49707
Ph: (989) 354-9874; Fax: (989) 354-9898
E-Mail: sunrise@alpenacounty.org
BERRIEN, Van Buren
Citizens Mediation Service, Inc.
2800 Cleveland Ave., Ste. 2, St. Joseph, MI 49085
Ph: (269) 982-7898; Fax: (269) 982-7899
E-Mail: [email protected]
Website: www.citizensmediation.org
CHARLEVOIX, Emmet
Citizen Dispute Resolution Service, Inc.
Northern Community Mediation
223 Bridge St., Charlevoix, MI 49720
Ph: (231) 547-1771; Fax: (231) 547-1786
E-Mail: ncm@voyager.net
CHIPPEWA, Luce, Mackinac
Eastern UP Dispute Resolution Center, Inc.
(Continuing Ed. Bldg. LSSU)
650 W. Easterday Ave., Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783
Ph: (906) 635-2725; Fax: (906) 635-2762
E-Mail: cdrc@gw.lssu.edu
DELTA, Menominee, Schoolcraft
Resolution Services Program
UPCAP Services, Inc.
2501 14th Ave. South, Escanaba, MI 49829
Ph: (906) 789-9580; Fax: (906) 786-5853
E-Mail: [email protected]
Website: www.upcapservices.com/resolframe.htm
GOGEBIC, Baraga, Dickinson, Houghton, Iron,
Keweenaw, Ontonagon
Western UP Mediators
115 E. Ayer Street, Ironwood, MI 49938
Ph: (906) 932-0010; Fax: (906) 932-0033
E-Mail: [email protected]
GENESEE
Community Dispute Resolution Center of Genesee
County, Inc.
315 East Court Street, Ste. 200, Flint, MI 48502
Ph: (810) 249-2619; Fax: (810) 249-2620
GRAND TRAVERSE, Benzie, Leelanau,
Missaukee, Wexford
Conflict Resolution Service, Inc.
1022 E. Front Street, Traverse City, MI 49685-1035
Ph: (231) 941-5835; Fax: (231) 941-5786
E-Mail: [email protected]
INGHAM, Clinton, Eaton, Ionia
DRCCM
Dispute Resolution Center of Central Michigan
2929 Covington, Ste. 201, Lansing, MI 48912
Ph: (517) 485-2274; Fax: (517) 485-1183
E-Mail: dr[email protected]
JACKSON, Hillsdale, Lenawee, Monroe
Southeastern Dispute Resolution Services
Community Action Agency
1214 Greenwood, Jackson, MI 49204
Ph: (517) 784-4800; Fax: (517) 784-5188
E-Mail: rbr[email protected]
KALAMAZOO, Barry, Calhoun
Dispute Resolution Services
Gryphon Place
1104 South Westnedge Ave.
Kalamazoo, MI 49008
Ph: (269) 552-3434; Fax: (269) 381-0935
E-Mail: bburnside@gryphon.org
KENT, Lake, Mecosta, Montcalm, Newaygo,
Osceola
Dispute Resolution Center of West Michigan
Community Reconciliation Center
678 Front Street, NW, Ste. 250
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
Ph: (616) 774-0121; Fax: (616) 774-0323
E-Mail: dr[email protected]
Website: www.drcwmich.org
LIVINGSTON
Livingston Community Dispute Resolution
Services, Inc.
123 E. Washington Street, Howell, MI 48843
Ph: (517) 546-6007; Fax: (517) 546-4115
E-Mail: [email protected]g
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The following centers provide conciliation, mediation, and other forms of dispute resolution under
1988 PA 260, the Community Dispute Resolution Act:
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MACOMB, St. Clair
The Resolution Center
18 Market Street, Mt. Clemens, MI 48043
Ph: (586) 469-4714; Fax: (586) 469-0078
E-Mail: [email protected]
Website: www.theresolutioncenter.com
MARQUETTE, Alger
Marquette-Alger Resolution Service
MSU Extension
200 W. Spring Street, Marquette, MI 49855
Ph: (906) 226-4372; Fax: (906) 226-4369
E-Mail: [email protected]
MUSKEGON, Manistee, Mason, Oceana
Westshore Dispute Resolution Center
1218 Jefferson, Muskegon, MI 49441
Ph: (231) 727-6001; Fax: (231) 727-6011
E-Mail: wsdrc@iserv.net
OAKLAND
Oakland Mediation Center, Inc.
2267 S. Telegraph Road
Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302
Ph: (248) 338-4280; Fax: (248) 338-0480
E-Mail: [email protected]
Website: www.mediation-omc.org
OTSEGO, Antrim, Cheboygan, Crawford,
Kalkaska
Community Mediation Services
Otsego County Michigan State University
Extension Services
United Way Building
116 5th Street, Gaylord, MI 49735
Ph: (989) 732-1576 or 705-1227;
Fax: (989) 705-1337
E-Mail: mediation@voyager.net
OTTAWA, Allegan
Center for Dispute Resolution
Macatawa Resource Center
665 136th Avenue, Holland, MI 49424
Ph: (616) 399-1600; Fax: (616) 399-1090
E-Mail: [email protected]
Website: www.disputes-r-us.org/what.html
SAGINAW, Arenac, Bay, Clare, Gladwin,
Gratiot, Isabella, Midland, Ogemaw,
Oscoda, Roscommon, Shiawassee
Mid-Michigan Dispute Resolution Center
200 S. Michigan Avenue, Saginaw, MI 48602
Ph: (989) 797-4188; Fax: (989) 797-4185
E-Mail: mmdr[email protected]
ST. JOSEPH, Branch, Cass
Tri County Mediation Center
612 E. Main Street, Centreville, MI 49032
Ph: (269) 467-5624; Fax: (269) 467-5641
E-Mail: stur[email protected]
TUSCOLA, Huron, Lapeer, Sanilac
Center for Dispute Resolution
Human Development Commission
429 Montague Avenue, Caro, MI 48723-1997
Phone: (989) 672-4044; Fax: (989) 673-2031
E-Mail: peggyd@hdc-caro.org
WASHTENAW
Dispute Resolution Center
1910 E. Ellsworth, Ann Arbor, MI 48106
Ph: (734) 741-0603; Fax: (734) 741-0613
E-Mail: dr[email protected]
Website: www.mimediation.org
WAYNE
Neighborhood Reconciliation Center
3516 Cadieux, Detroit, MI 48224
Ph: (313) 417-9400; Fax: (313) 417-8426
E-Mail: hlischer[email protected]
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If you feel an individual or a business has
treated you unfairly and you believe they owe
you money, there is something you can do
about it. If your community has a mediation
program, you and the person with whom you
are having a dispute can try to work the
problem out with the help of a neutral
mediator. If you cannot resolve your problem
informally through mediation, you can file a
lawsuit in small claims court for up to $3,000.
This information tells you how to file a small-
claims case.
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In the small-claims division of the district
court, you can bring a lawsuit against anyone
who owes you money. You can sue a person
who or business that has caused damage to
your property or possessions. The maximum
you can collect through a judgment in small
claims court is $3,000. Small claims courts are
designed to operate informally and without
attorneys present. If you feel you need an
attorney to represent you, the matter must be
filed in district court. In small claims court you
represent yourself, speak directly to the judge
or attorney magistrate, provide your own
evidence, and have any witnesses you wish
speak for you. You do not need to know the
law before you appear for a hearing.
You simply tell the judge why you feel that
someone owes you money and the person or
business you are suing has the opportunity to
tell their side of the case. After hearing both
sides, the judge will decide whether money is
owed to any party and, if so, how much.
When deciding whether to file a claim,
consider whether the person you are suing has
any income. Even if the judge grants you a
judgment, if the person you sued has no
income, it will be difficult for you to collect
any money. You might want to check this out
before you invest your time and money in
filing a claim. Also consider whether mediation
would better resolve your problem.
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Filing a lawsuit in court should be used as
a last resort. Make sure you have discussed
your problem with the person or business you
are thinking about suing. In many cases, people
and businesses do not know that someone has
a dispute with them until they receive court
papers. If talking the problem over does not
work, consider using mediation instead of
going to court.
Mediation is a process in which two or
more people involved in a dispute meet in a
private, confidential setting and, with the help
of a trained neutral person, work out a
solution to their problem. Mediation is fast,
either free or low cost, and effective in
resolving many disputes including
landlord/tenant, consumer/merchant, and
neighborhood disputes. In most cases, a
mediation meeting can be set up within 10
days, and 90 percent of all cases in which both
parties to a dispute agree to use a mediation
service result in agreements acceptable to all
sides. If you can work out your dispute in
mediation, you may not need to go to court.
Ask the clerk of your local district court if a
mediation program is available in your area.
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If you cannot resolve your dispute through
mediation, you can file a claim against the
person or business in the small-claims division
of district court. Your case must be filed in the
city or county where the transaction in dispute
took place, or where the person or business
you are suing is located. If you are suing more
than one person or business, the suit may be
filed in the district court in which any of the
persons live or where any of the businesses do
business.
At court, tell the clerk you want to file a
small-claims case. You will be given an affidavit
and claim form to fill out. On the form, you
name the person or business you are suing
and list reasons why you are suing and the
amount for which you are suing.
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There is a cost for filing a small claim,
which includes postage or service fees; you
will need to contact the court for this
information. Be sure to bring this amount with
you when you file your claim. The amount can
be made a part of the judgment if the judge
decides in your favor.
After you have filed your claim, the court
will notify the other party that you have filed a
claim against them and the date they are to be
in court. The defendant may respond before
the hearing.
The defendant may offer to settle out of
court after learning you have filed a suit. If you
settle the matter out of court, you can either
voluntarily dismiss your lawsuit or obtain a
judgment. If you want an enforceable judgment,
the terms of your agreement must be spelled
out in writing and signed by both you and the
defendant. A copy of the agreement must be
filed with the court.
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If you are served with court papers from
the small claims court, you are called the
defendant. You have several ways to respond
to the affidavit and claim you have received.
If you want to deny the claim, you must
either answer the complaint before the hearing
date or appear in court on the hearing date,
bringing with you any evidence you have to
support your denial. If you want an attorney to
represent you, you must tell the court at or
before the hearing; the case will be transferred
from small claims court to the regular district
court.
If you have a claim against the person who
is suing you, you can also file a counterclaim.
Your written counterclaim should be filed with
the court and served by first-class mail on the
person suing you.
If you fail to appear for the hearing, the
court may enter a default judgment against
you. This means the judge may grant a
judgment for the plaintiff without hearing your
statement.
The entry of a judgment may appear on
your credit report.
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On the hearing date, any of the following
may happen:
1. If both the person filing the lawsuit and
the defendant appear, the judge may
recommend that the parties go to mediation
and the case may be adjourned. If either party
does not want to try mediation, the hearing
may proceed.
2. If the party filing the lawsuit does not
appear, and the defendant does appear, the
case will be dismissed.
3. If the defendant does not appear, the
person filing the lawsuit may ask for a
“default” judgment. This means that, if the
judge decides you have a good claim, you can
obtain a judgment without a hearing since the
person or business you are suing did not
appear to challenge your claim.
When you go to court for a hearing, take
with you all the evidence you believe proves
your claim. This might include a sales receipt,
guarantee, lease, contract, or accident report.
If a damaged article is too big to bring with
you, photographs can be presented as
evidence. Any witnesses you would like to
speak on your behalf should appear in court as
well.
Remember, a judge or attorney magistrate
will hear a small-claims case; you have no right
to a jury trial, and the hearing will not be
recorded.
Either party has the right to ask that the
case be heard in the general district court. The
court will notify the person filing the lawsuit if
the defendant makes such a request. In the
district court, both you and the defendant
have the right to be represented by an
attorney. Whoever loses the case may be asked
to pay for court costs and attorney fees.
Unless defendants are prepared for the extra
expense, they usually agree to have the
hearing in the small-claims division.
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The hearing will usually take place at the
court where you filed your claim. It is
important to be there on time; if you filed the
lawsuit and are not in court when your case is
called, the case may be dismissed. If you are
the defendant and are not in court when your
case is called, a default judgment may be
entered against you. Bring all of your relevant
papers or other evidence and make sure your
witnesses will be on time.
The court clerk will call your case and you
and the defendant will appear before the judge
or magistrate. The judge will ask you to state
your claim. Take your time and tell what
happened in your own words and why you
think the person or business you are suing
owes you money. Show the judge your
evidence and introduce any witnesses you
have. The witnesses will be allowed to tell the
judge what they know about the case.
When you have finished, the person or
business you are suing will have an
opportunity to explain their side of the case.
Listen carefully. If you think the defendant is
leaving something out or is misstating facts, be
sure to tell the judge.
A judge's decision is final. Neither you nor
the defendant can appeal to a higher court
once the judge has made a decision in the
small-claims division; although, on petition by
either party, the same judge may reopen the
case in the small-claims division. Either party
may appeal a magistrate's decision. The case
would be rescheduled before a judge and both
parties would explain their case again.
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If you obtain a judgment against the
defendant, the court will provide instructions
regarding post-judgment collections. The
defendant may pay the judgment plus court
costs immediately after the hearing, but if he
or she does not have the money to pay right
away, the judge may allow a reasonable time to
pay and may set up a payment schedule. If the
defendant fails to pay the judgment when
ordered, you must go back to the court and
file additional papers to collect on the
judgment by having their wages or bank
account garnished or property seized. This
cannot occur until 21 days after the judgment
is entered. As part of the judgment, the
defendant must provide information to the
court that can be used in post-judgment
collection efforts.
The Small Claim Court section was produced by the
State Court Administrative Office. This information was
developed under a grant from the State Justice Institute
and in cooperation with the State Bar of Michigan.
Points of view expressed are those of the Michigan State
Court Administrative Office and do not necessarily reflect
the official position or policies of the State Bar or the
State Justice Institute. TP-2 (12/99)
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Maintenance problems range from things
that are merely annoying to things that pose
an immediate threat to health and safety. Both
the landlord and the tenant have some
responsibility for maintenance.
There are three types of maintenance
problems:
1. Emergencies (require action within 24
hours and pose an immediate threat to
the health and safety of the occupant—
gas leak, flooding, defective furnace, or
major roof damage);
2. Major problems (affect the quality of the
residential environment, but not to the
degree that the life of the occupant is
immediately endangered—defective
water heater, clogged drain, heating
problem in part of a house); and
3. Minor problems (fall into the nuisance
category—defective lighting, locks,
faucets; household pests; and peeling
paint and wallpaper.
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Under Michigan statute, the landlord has a
duty to keep the rental property and all
common areas:
a) Fit for the use intended by the parties;
and
b) In reasonable repair during the term of
the lease, and to comply with the health
and safety laws.
(MCL 554.139)
Whether the landlord is required to repair
a problem depends on two factors: the nature
of the problem itself and whether the
landlord’s duty to repair has been modified—
either by the tenant’s conduct or by mutual
agreement.
Unfortunately, the term “reasonable repair”
is not defined by law—it is a question of fact
and, if litigated, would be decided by the judge
(or jury). However, a little common sense can
go a long way here. While it would certainly be
reasonable for a landlord to fix a clogged drain
or defective water heater, it may not be
reasonable to require the landlord to repair a
minor chip in a countertop or peeling
wallpaper.
The landlord is relieved of the duty to
repair and comply, if the tenant’s willful or
irresponsible conduct or lack of conduct has
caused the disrepair or violation of health or
safety laws.
The landlord and the tenant may—by
mutual agreement—modify these duties and
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make the tenant responsible for repairs, but
only if the lease agreement has a current term
of at least one year. In other words, if the lease
term is less than one year, the landlord’s duty
cannot be modified.
Additionally, almost all courts recognize
that implied in a residential lease agreement is
the understanding that the rental property
must be fit for habitation by humans. This
means that the rental property must meet
some minimum level of standard so as not to
expose the occupants to unreasonable health
risks. This implied duty cannot be modified or
waived.
In addition to state law requirements,
counties and municipalities are free to enact
ordinances that require landlords to maintain
rental property above minimum habitability
standards. Most municipalities have a housing
code protecting the health, safety, and welfare
of their citizens. Some require that the rental
property be inspected on a regular basis. Some
even require licensing before a tenant can
move in. Check with the local city or county
government code enforcement office for
additional standards imposed on landlords in
maintaining their rental property.
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Although responsibilities can be modified
in certain instances—by mutual agreement
between the landlord and tenant—a tenant is
generally expected to:
1. Pay rent on time;
2. Keep the rental property in a safe and
sanitary condition;
3. Promptly notify the landlord of
maintenance problems;
4. Exterminate insects that appear if they
were not there when the tenant moved in; and
5. Leave the rental property in good
condition—reasonable wear and tear excepted.
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Depending on the problem, requesting that
a repair be made could be as simple as a quick
phone call or as complicated as filing a
lawsuit. Outlined next are the recommended
steps to take to solve a repair and
maintenance problem:
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Keep it simple. The tenant must notify the
landlord and explain the situation, the
importance of the repair, and when he or she
would like it done. A simple phone call usually
works. Sometimes, however, the landlord
requires that a specific form or repair order be
filled out before proceeding. Read the lease
and talk to whoever is in charge and figure out
the best course to take. Keep copies of
communications and note discussions.
Municipalities have enacted housing codes—
establishing minimum standards—to protect
the rights of both the landlord and the tenant.
Contact the local city hall for information.
Remember: the landlord must be given
reasonable time to make repairs.
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In some municipalities, if the rental
property is up to municipal code standards,
the tenant will be responsible for paying the
inspector’s fee. If it is not up to code, the
landlord pays the fee (and may also have to
pay a re-inspection fee once the repair is
made). Call the local inspector's office to find
out how much the fee will be.
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But remember: the landlord must first be
provided with notice of the problem, and must
then be given a reasonable amount of time to
fix the problem.
Escrow Account: A bank account or other
account held by a third party, generally
established in the name of the tenant, into
which whole or partial rent payments are
deposited to show that the tenant was ready,
willing, and able to pay the rent, but is
withholding the rent until a certain problem is
fixed that the landlord is legally responsible for
fixing. Once the problem is taken care of, the
escrowed rent amount will be released to the
landlord.
■ If the rent, or a portion of it, will be
withheld for the purpose of addressing the
maintenance or repair issue(s), the tenant
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should send a letter—certified mail, return
receipt requested—stating why the rent will be
withheld, where it will be deposited (what
financial institution), and that payment will be
released when the maintenance or repair
problem has been corrected.
■ If the repair cost will be deducted from
the rent, call for three repair estimates. If it is
a do-it-yourself job, shop and compare the cost
of parts. Reputable repair companies will come
to the house and provide a free written
estimate. Send copies of the estimates to the
landlord and state that the problem will be
fixed unless the landlord agrees to do it by a
certain date, and that the cost of repair will be
paid from the rent withheld. Keep all receipts
and note the dates of repair; send copies to
the landlord, along with the remaining portion
of the rent.
(Note: While the repair-and-deduct method may
work well for small repairs, it may not work for
large repairs.)
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The amount of rent withheld must
reasonably relate to the cost of fixing the
problem or to the amount of damage the
tenant has incurred because of the landlord’s
failure to fix the problem. Withhold less for a
clogged drain. Withhold more for an unusable
toilet or shower. Only the most catastrophic
problems will warrant withholding all of the
rent. In any event, the amount withheld must
be deposited into an escrow account.
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If the landlord has a run-in with the
municipal code enforcement office OR if the
landlord does not receive the rent, he or she
may well decide to start the process for
evicting the tenant. Nevertheless, Michigan law
provides the tenant who was acting lawfully
with certain defenses. The tenant, however,
must be able to prove the facts giving rise to
the defense:
1. A claim of retaliatory eviction. There exists a
presumption of retaliation if the landlord
started the eviction proceedings within
90 days of the tenant trying to enforce his
or her rights under law (e.g., reporting
health and safety code violations, exercising
rights under the lease, filing a complaint
against the landlord for a violation of the
law).
2. The landlord’s breach of the warranty of
habitability and duty to repair. The tenant
must show that the landlord was provided
with notice of the problem and given a
reasonable amount of time to fix the
problem. The tenant must show that the
landlord failed to make the necessary
repairs.
3. Rent was properly withheld and escrowed.
The tenant must be able to show that “but
for the repair and maintenance required, he
or she was ready, willing, and able to pay
the rent.”
The eviction process takes time—from start
to finish, it takes as few as 27 days or as many
as 57 days to evict a tenant. In the meantime,
the landlord has mortgages, taxes, and bills to
pay. Financial pressure may cause the landlord
to negotiate. If the landlord will not negotiate,
and if the tenant has carefully documented all
communications about the needed repair and
maintenance, the tenant may well succeed in
the lawsuit for eviction.
Both the landlord and the tenant should
remember that, in many disputes, the basic
issues become obscured by personal
disagreements that develop and continue to
grow and fester. If an agreement cannot be
reached, try mediation—either before a lawsuit
is filed or after. Mediation might help to
empower the parties to use their own problem-
solving skills, to take responsibility, and to find
solutions that best meet their needs, while
strengthening the landlord-tenant relationship.
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Federal, state, and local laws prohibit
discrimination in rental housing based on a
number of factors, including race, color, sex,
age, handicaps, and family status. For further
information regarding the classes of persons
protected by state and federal law and the
exceptions to the general laws, contact the
Michigan Department of Civil Rights or the
United States Department of Civil Rights.
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Some communities have adopted housing
codes or other specific requirements that may
affect the condition or equipment requirements
of residential rental property. These include
the requirement that smoke detectors be
installed in housing or that residents comply
with recycling ordinances. Be sure to check
with the local unit of government to see if the
rental property is affected.
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Landlords can include a provision in the
lease that restricts tenants from maintaining
pets in a rental unit. A landlord cannot
discriminate against a handicapper who
maintains a guide, hearing, or service dog
wearing a harness or a blaze orange leash and
collar if the handicapper has identification
certifying that the dog was professionally
trained. In publicly-subsidized housing,
handicapped or elderly tenants have additional
rights to maintain pets in their rental units.
The courts have permitted the eviction of
tenants who violate a lease provision
prohibiting tenants from maintaining pets in a
rental unit.
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A landlord can restrict tenants who smoke
to certain apartments or buildings or can
refuse to rent to smokers. In Michigan Attorney
General Opinion No. 6719, released May 4,
1992, the Attorney General stated “neither
state nor federal law prohibits a privately-
owned apartment complex from renting only to
non-smokers or, in the alternative, restricting
smokers to certain buildings within an
apartment complex.”
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Since the latter part of 1996, landlords
must provide tenants who are renting units
built before 1978 with certain information
concerning lead-based paints. This information
includes a federal government pamphlet
entitled:
■ Protect Your Family From Lead
in Your Home
and a form entitled:
■ Disclosure of Information on
Lead-Based Paint and/or Lead-Based
Paint Hazards (Rentals)
There are exceptions to this federal
requirement, including commercial rentals,
zero-bedroom efficiency apartments, and rental
units certified as lead-free by a qualified lead
abatement inspector.
For further information on this
requirement, contact the National Lead
Information Center Clearinghouse at
1-800-424-LEAD.
See Appendices for sample disclosure form.
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This form was prepared by the Housing Information Office, University Housing, University of Michigan,
University of Michigan Rev. 6/02
Attach copy of lease or rental agreement and landlord
·
s house rules.
(Each roommate should receive a copy of this agreement)
We have signed a lease/rental agreement for (address) on
(date). We hope to make certain that responsibilities of renting will be shared equally by
all roommates. It is for this reason that we are signing this agreement.
The roommates of the above address are:
This agreement shall remain in effect from to
Under a month-to-month tenancy, each roommate must give the other roommate(s) and landlord thirty days
written and/or oral notice in advance, if the roommate will be moving out before date shown above. The
roommate may leave if a substitute roommate is found and is acceptable to the remaining roommate(s) and the
landlord. Each roommate will be primarily responsible for finding his/her own replacement tenant.
Under a lease agreement, the departing roommate will be responsible for upholding the lease agreement until,
The landlord should be notified of any pending roommate switch, so that proper arrangements can be made.
The departing roommate will be responsible for his/her original portion of the rent, unless other arrangements
are made in a written agreement with the roommate(s) and landlord.
The roommate(s) have paid a security deposit of . List amount each roommate has paid:
Each roommate is responsible for charges associated with the damages he/she or his/her guest(s) cause. If
the cause cannot be determined, then the roommates will split the cost of damages equally.
Each roommate shall pay the following amount of rent:
Amounts may not be equal. The rent shall be paid on the day of each month. Rent will be paid in
the following manner (list all rental rates)
If pets are permitted under the lease, each pet owner shall be responsible for all damages caused by his/her
pet. This includes damage to furniture, carpeting, blinds, doors, lawn, and garden.
A single ledger will be kept of all supplies purchased by each roommate. The supplies include such things as
paper towels, toilet paper, cleaning fluids, dish detergent, foil, plastic trash bags, scrub brushes, and any other
goods needed for the home which will be shared by all roommates.
Food expenses shall be shared by all roommates. Preparation of meals shall be determined by an attached
schedule which can be flexible.
OR
Food is to be bought by each roommate. There is to be no borrowing of food without prior approval. A
separate space will be provided for each person·s groceries. Shared meal preparation and clean-up is
optional.
.
and possibly after, a replacement or sublessee is found.
.
.
1 011 Student Activities Building, 734-763-3205. Website: www.housing.umich.edu
Roommate Agreement
ROOMMATES
DEPOSIT
TERMS
RENT
PETS
HOUSEHOLD SUPPLIES
KITCHEN USE AND CLEAN-UP
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OR
In addition to the items mentioned above, the following items have been known to cause conflict between
roommates. If you foresee any of these as a problem, write out any needed additional agreements and attach.
____
____
____
____
*Charges for unclaimed telephone calls shall be allocated equally among the roommates.
SIGNATURES OF ROOMMATES
to this should be clearly stated, with the roommates reserving the right to change their minds about the sharing
All roommates agree to refrain from borrowing roommate
of their items. Property that is borrowed will be used respectfully and returned in the same condition. If
damage is done to personal property, the roommate responsible for damage will be held liable.
dusting, vacuuming, emptying trash, mopping/waxing floors, cleaning bathrooms, and yardwork.
All roommates agree to share the responsibilities of cleaning and maintenance of the premises. This includes
The roommates have decided to develop a schedule which is attached. It states when each roommate will
complete the cleaning and maintenance jobs.
The roommates will work together at a designated time to complete the above jobs.
Roommates agree to discuss unresolved roommate problems with an advisor at the University Housing
Information Office. Any roommate may initiate this process, which includes consultation and mediation.
Space is provided at right for adding other issues needing specific agreements.
____Smoking/alcohol/drugs
____Cleanup after parties/guests
____Food/groceries/household supplies
____Quiet hours for studying
and sleeping
____Parking
____Use of sound system
____Phone messages
____Compliance with landlord s ____Shared areas (bathroom)
rules
____Keys
____Behavior of guests
____Overnight guests
Each roommate agrees to do his/her own dishes as needed. A schedule of kitchen cleanup may be attached.
It will include cleaning the refrigerator and oven, mopping the floors, and emptying the trash.
The following services have been arranged and paid for as follows:
Item Account in Amount of Deposit How Bill Name Roommate
Responsible for PaymentSharedPaid ByDepositName of
Gas
Water
Electricity
Newspaper
Garbage
Cable TV
Phone
Each roommate has been assigned the responsibility for payment of a specific bill. This includes determining the
OR
amount owed by each roommate, collecting that amount, and seeing that payment is made before the due date.
responsible for the collecting and payment of all bills.
The attached schedule has been developed to assign each roommate the month in which he/she will be
PERSONAL PROPERTY
CLEANING AND YARDWORK
MEDIATION
ADDITIONAL TERMS OF AGREEMENTS
UTILITIES
All roommates agree to make a good faith effort to discuss /obtain a resolution prior to taking any action.
,
s
,
personal items without prior approval. Exceptions
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Disclosure of Information on Lead-Based Paint and/or Lead-Based Paint Hazards
Lead Warning Statement
Every tenant of any interest in residential real property on which a residential dwelling was built prior to 1978 is
notified that such property may present exposure to lead from lead-based paint that may place young children at risk
of developing lead poisoning. Lead poisoning in young children may produce permanent neurological damage,
including learning disabilities, reduced intelligence quotient, behavioral problems, and impaired memory. Lead
poisoning also poses a particular risk to pregnant women. The landlord of any interest in residential real property is
required to provide the tenant with any information on lead-based paint hazards from risk assessments or inspections
in the landlord’s possession and notify the tenant of any known lead-based paint hazards. A risk assessment or
inspection for possible lead-based paint hazards is recommended before taking occupancy.
Landlord’s Disclosure (Landlord must initial here: _________)
(a) Presence of lead-based paint and/or lead-based paint hazards (check (i) or (ii) below):
(i) ______ known lead-based paint and/or lead-based paint hazards are present in the housing
(explain).
__________________________________________________________________________________________
(ii)______ Landlord has no knowledge of lead-based paint and/or lead-based paint hazards in the housing.
(b) Records and reports available to the tenant (check (i) or (ii) below):
(i) ______ Landlord has provided the tenant with all available records and reports pertaining to lead-
based paint and/or lead-based paint hazards in the housing (list documents below).
__________________________________________________________________________________________
(ii)______ Landlord has no reports or records pertaining to lead-based paint and/or lead-based paint
hazards in the housing.
Tenant’s Acknowledgment......Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home.
(e) Tenant has (check (i) or (ii) below):
(i) ______ received a 10-day opportunity (or mutually agreed upon period) to conduct a risk assess-
ment or inspection for the presence of lead-based paint and/or lead-based paint hazards.
(ii)______ waived the opportunity to conduct a risk assessment or inspection for the presence of
lead-based paint and/or lead-based paint hazards.
Agent’s Acknowledgment (Agent must initial here: _________)
(f) __________ Agent has informed the landlord of the landlord’s obligations under federal law and is
aware of his/her responsibility to ensure compliance.
Certification of Accuracy
The following parties have reviewed the information above and certify, to the best of their knowledge, that the
information they have provided is true and accurate.
Landlord Date Tenant Date
Tenant Date Tenant Date
Agent Date Tenant Date
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INVENTORY CHECKLIST*
COMMENCEMENT AND TERMINATION
INVENTORY CHECKLIST FORM
“YOU MUST COMPLETE THIS CHECKLIST NOTING THE CONDITION OF THE RENTAL PROPERTY
AND RETURN IT TO THE LANDLORD WITHIN 7 DAYS AFTER OBTAINING POSSESSION OF THE
RENTAL UNIT. YOU ARE ALSO ENTITLED TO REQUEST AND RECEIVE A COPY OF THE LAST
TERMINATION INVENTORY CHECKLIST WHICH SHOWS WHAT CLAIMS WERE CHARGEABLE TO
THE LAST PRIOR TENANTS.”
BEGINNING CONDITION ENDING CONDITION
LIVING ROOM
DOOR (INCLUDING LOCKS):
WINDOWS:
CARPET OR FLOOR:
WALLS:
CEILING:
LIGHTS & SWITCHES:
OTHER:
DINING ROOM
WINDOWS:
CARPET OR FLOOR:
WALLS:
CEILING:
LIGHTS & SWITCHES:
OTHER:
HALLWAY
FLOOR:
WALLS:
CEILING:
OTHER:
KITCHEN
WINDOWS:
FLOOR:
WALLS:
CEILING:
LIGHTS & SWITCHES:
STOVE:
REFRIGERATOR:
SINK:
CABINETS & COUNTER:
OTHER:
* Remember! Be specific. Describe any conditions in detailed terms rather than saying “fine” or “acceptable.”
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BEGINNING CONDITION ENDING CONDITION
BEDROOM
DOOR:
WINDOWS:
CARPET OR FLOOR:
WALLS:
CEILING:
LIGHTS & SWITCHES:
CLOSET:
OTHER:
BATHROOM
DOOR:
WINDOW:
FLOOR:
WALLS:
CEILING:
SINK:
TUB AND/OR SHOWER:
TOILET:
CABINET, SHELVES, CLOSET:
TOWEL BARS:
LIGHTS & SWITCHES:
OTHER:
BASEMENT
GARAGE
FURNITURE INVENTORY Use this if rental unit is furnished;
check condition of items and number present.
KITCHEN CHAIRS:
TABLES:
END TABLES:
LOUNGE CHAIRS:
SOFAS:
LAMPS:
DESKS:
DESK CHAIRS:
BOOKCASES:
MATTRESSES:
DRESSERS:
SIGNATURE OF TENANT(S)
ADDRESS OF UNIT
SIGNATURE OF LANDLORD
LANDLORD’S ADDRESS
PHONE NUMBER (LANDLORD)
DATE
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The following are sample letters which may be used in dealing with various landlord-tenant
problems. It should be noted that most problems are handled amicably and effectively in
conversations or correspondence between landlords and tenants. When this is not the case, and no
agreement can be reached, it is best that subsequent communications between the two parties be in
writing, with copies being kept as the record. The sample letters which follow serve as a guide; these
specific samples cannot, and do not, cover every type of landlord-tenant problem which may arise.
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TO: _________________________
_________________________
_________________________
FROM: _________________________
_________________________
_________________________
Please make, within a reasonable time, the following NECESSARY REPAIRS to the rental property I am occupying. I have
tried my best to explain precisely what is wrong.
1. __________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
2. __________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
3. __________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
4. __________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Please notify me when the repairperson will be at the rental property to make the necessary repairs so that I can be
there. My home phone number is ________________________ and my work phone number is _________________________.
For now, it is easiest to reach me: _________________________.
For now, it is easiest to reach me:
(time of day)
Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
_________________________ _________________________
Tenant Date
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TO: _________________________
_________________________
_________________________
FROM: _________________________
_________________________
_________________________
I requested that repairs be made to my rental property in a letter dated __________. It has been _____ days since I
wrote the letter, and the needed repairs have not yet been made.
I have contacted three service providers to make the repairs. Enclosed are copies of three estimates for the repairs
listed in my previous letter. If I do not hear from you within _____ day(s), I will be hiring the lowest bidder to perform
the repairs.
■ I will pay the company myself from rent previously withheld and escrowed.
OR
■ I will pay the company myself and deduct the amount from my next rent payment.
Copies of the receipts for the repairs, once they are made, will be forwarded to you.
Please take note of the relevant Michigan case law:
Where the landlord has covenanted to make repairs and fails to do so, the tenant, after giving reasonable
notice to the landlord, may make the repairs and recover the cost of such repairs from the landlord or he [or
she] may deduct the cost from the rent. . . . Unless the landlord’s duty to repair is expressly made conditional
upon receipt of notice from the tenant, such duty may arise from the landlord’s actual knowledge of the need
for repair. . . . The landlord’s duty to maintain in good repair . . . extends to reimbursing the tenant for monies
expended . . .. Anchor Inn v Knopman, 71 Mich App 64, 67 (1976).
Sincerely,
_________________________ _________________________
Tenant Date
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TO: _________________________
_________________________
_________________________
FROM: _________________________
_________________________
_________________________
As stated in my previous letter, dated __________, I have taken action to perform necessary repairs that you have
failed to correct. I had the repairs made and paid for them myself, as I said I would do.
You are required by Michigan law to keep the premises and all common areas fit for the use intended, and to keep the
premises in reasonable repair during the term of the lease, and to comply with the applicable health and safety laws of
the state and local governments.
I spoke to you about the problems and the need for repair. I wrote you letter(s) dated __________ about the need for
corrective action. You failed to act within a reasonable amount of time. Therefore, I found it necessary to take action
myself.
Enclosed are the receipts for all expenditures I have made:
■ I paid for the repair from previously withheld and escrowed rent.
OR
■ I will deduct the amount from my next rent payment.
Sincerely,
_________________________ _________________________
Tenant Date
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TO: _________________________
_________________________
_________________________
FROM: _________________________
_________________________
_________________________
I previously informed you, in a letter dated __________, of several problems and the need for repairs at the rental
property I am occupying. Since you have not taken any steps to correct the problems, it is necessary for me to take
further action.
I have opened an escrow account at the following financial institution:
Name: _________________________
Address: _________________________
City, State, and Zip Code: _________________________
I have deposited $__________ from my rent into the escrow account. This shows that I was ready, willing, and able to
pay the rent on time—but for certain problems that you, the landlord, are legally responsible for fixing. Once the
problems are taken care of, the escrowed rent amount will be released.
If you wish to discuss this matter further, contact me at _________________________.
Sincerely,
_________________________ _________________________
Tenant Date
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TO: _________________________
_________________________
_________________________
FROM: _________________________
_________________________
_________________________
It has been ______ months since we first brought to your attention the need for several repairs on our apartment.
Since you have not responded to our letters or phone calls, and have not begun to work to repair the problems at our
apartment, we feel that you have broken our lease. You have also violated the “statutory covenant to repair” provided
for by Michigan law. Since you have broken our contract, and show no sign of accepting your legal responsibility to
maintain the premises, we intend to terminate the occupancy of our apartment on or before ______________________.
We understand your responsibility to inspect the apartment and inform us of any damages—and return the undisputed
portion of our security deposit to us—within 30 days of the end of our occupancy of the apartment. We also
understand that if you do not submit the above information to us within that time period—or go to court to retain our
deposit (should we dispute your claim) within 45 days of the end of our occupancy—we may legally file suit for twice
the amount of our security deposit. Since YOU are responsible for breaking the lease, we will not accept a list of
damages which includes charges for rent lost for the remainder of our lease.
If you wish to discuss this matter further, contact us at _________________________.
Sincerely,
_________________________ _________________________
Tenant Date
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TO: _________________________
_________________________
_________________________
FROM: _________________________
_________________________
_________________________
In accordance with the terms of my lease requiring a _____-day written notice, you are hereby advised of my intent to
vacate the rental property located at _________________________ on or before _________________________.
I will turn in my keys to you on _________________________.
Please send my security deposit to me at my FORWARDING ADDRESS:
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
If you have any questions, please contact me at _________________________.
Sincerely,
_________________________ _________________________
Tenant Date
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TO: _________________________
_________________________
_________________________
FROM: _________________________
_________________________
_________________________
I received your letter demanding that I be out of my apartment within 7 days. Discussion of this with my lawyer
reveals that you cannot carry out an eviction without due process of law, which means taking me to court.
My defense against eviction will be that I have been withholding rent due to your nonperformance of repairs. I would
like to point out to you that I have copies of several letters sent to inform you of the need for repairs, and of the
steps I took to obtain repairs. I also have return receipts which prove that you received these letters. In addition,
I have proof that I have been maintaining an escrow account into which the full amount of rent money due, or a
portion of it, was deposited each month. Also, I have receipts for all repair work and all bills which were paid out of
my escrow account.
During my tenancy, you have neglected to fulfill your statutory covenant to repair. I do not feel that you have adequate
cause to demand my eviction.
Please contact my lawyer if you wish to discuss this matter. His or her name is ____________________________________.
Sincerely,
_________________________ _________________________
Tenant Date
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TO: _________________________
_________________________
_________________________
FROM: _________________________
_________________________
_________________________
In reponse to the list of damages you sent dated __________, which I didn’t receive until this date, __________, I am
writing to dispute the following charges against my security deposit.
As required by Michigan law, I am responding to you by ordinary mail, within 7 days of when I received the list,
indicating in detail my disagreement relative to the charges listed.
Description of Landlord’s Amount to be
Claim of Damage Refunded Reason for the Dispute of Charges
A total of all disputed charges amounts to $______________. Please refund this amount of my security deposit
promptly: $______________.
Please note that under Michigan law, the security deposit is considered the lawful property of the tenant until the
landlord establishes a right to the deposit or portions thereof. Within 45 days after termination of occupancy and not
thereafter the landlord may commence an action in a court of competent jurisdiction for a money judgment for
damages which he [or she] has claimed or in lieu thereof return the balance of the security deposit held by him [or
her] to the tenant or any amount mutually agreed upon in writing by the parties.
If you wish to discuss this matter with me, please contact me at _________________________.
Sincerely,
_________________________ _________________________
Tenant Date
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TO: _________________________
_________________________
_________________________
FROM: _________________________
_________________________
_________________________
YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT:
The security deposit required of you will be deposited in the following
regulated financial institution:
SURETY BOND (If the landlord has deposited a surety bond to secure deposits, complete the following):
The surety on the bond deposited with the Secretary of State is:
Show name and address of surety company, NOT the insurance agent who signs bond for surety company.
“YOU MUST NOTIFY YOUR LANDLORD IN WRITING WITHIN FOUR (4) DAYS AFTER YOU MOVE OF A FORWARDING
ADDRESS WHERE YOU CAN BE REACHED AND WHERE YOU WILL RECEIVE MAIL; OTHERWISE YOUR LANDLORD SHALL
BE RELIEVED OF SENDING YOU AN ITEMIZED LIST OF DAMAGES AND THE PENALTIES ADHERENT TO THAT FAILURE.”
Sincerely,
_________________________ _________________________
Landlord Date
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TO: _________________________
_________________________
_________________________
FROM: _________________________
_________________________
_________________________
In response to your letter dated __________ requesting repair of the rental property you are occupying, please be
advised that I have contacted a service representative, _________________________, who should be calling you within
the next few days to set up an appointment to accomplish the following repairs:
1. __________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
2. __________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
3. __________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
If you do not hear from the service representative within one week, will you please let me know so that I can make
other arrangements?
If you have any questions, please contact me at _________________________.
Sincerely,
_________________________ _________________________
Landlord Date
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TO: _________________________
_________________________
_________________________
FROM: _________________________
_________________________
_________________________
We acknowledge with regret your letter of ___________________ advising us of your intention to vacate the rental
premises on or before ____________________________ .
Your lease agreement requires a 30-day written notice.
Under the circumstances, we will hold you responsible for the payment of rent through _________________ , or until
such time in the interim as the apartment is re-occupied by another acceptable tenant.
Sincerely,
_________________________ _________________________
Landlord Date
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TO: _________________________
_________________________
_________________________
FROM: _________________________
_________________________
_________________________
YOU MUST RESPOND TO THIS NOTICE BY MAIL WITHIN 7 DAYS AFTER RECEIPT OF SAME,
OTHERWISE YOU WILL FORFEIT THE AMOUNT CLAIMED FOR DAMAGES.
On this date, ____________________, your occupancy of the rental property located at ____________________ terminated.
As required under Michigan law, this notice is provided to you to advise you of charges against your security deposit:
Description of Damage or Estimated Amount Charged
Other Obligation Charged Cost of Against
Against Security Deposit Repair(s) Security Deposit Reason for Charge Against Security Deposit
Under Michigan law, a security deposit may be used only for the following purposes: (1) actual damages to the rental
unit that are a direct result of conduct not reasonably expected in the normal course of habitation of a dwelling;
(2) all rent in arrearage under the lease agreement and rent due for premature termination of the lease agreement;
and (3) unpaid utility bills. None of these charges were claimed on a previous termination inventory checklist. After
totaling all charges lawfully assessed against your security deposit, a deduction of $__________, a balance remains in
the amount of $__________. A check or money order for the remaining balance is enclosed.
Sincerely,
_________________________ _________________________
Landlord Date
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Forms prepared and approved by the Michigan State Court Administrator’s Office are available, at
a nominal fee, from local district courts and various landlord or tenant associations. They are also
available on the web at http://courts.michigan.gov/scao/courtforms
. These include:
Affidavit and Claim—Small Claims, Form DC 84
Notice To Quit—Termination of Tenancy, Landlord-Tenant, Form DC 100c
Complaint—Termination of Tenancy, Landlord-Tenant, Form DC 102c
Demand for Possession—Nonpayment of Rent, Form DC 100a
Complaint—Nonpayment of Rent, Landlord-Tenant, Form DC 102a
Summons—Landlord-Tenant/Land Contract, Form DC 104
Judgment—Landlord/Tenant, Form DC 105
Order of Eviction—Landlord-Tenant/Land Contract, Form DC 107
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