Tenant Rights in Clinton Township, Michigan

Last updated: April 2026

Clinton Township renters are protected by Michigan's statewide landlord-tenant laws, which cap security deposits, require notice before eviction, and prohibit self-help lockouts. Rent control is banned statewide in Michigan.

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Key Takeaways

  • Rent Control: None — Michigan state law (M.C.L. § 123.409) prohibits local rent control ordinances statewide.
  • Security Deposit: Capped at 1.5 months' rent; must be returned within 30 days of move-out with itemized statement (M.C.L. § 554.613).
  • Notice to Vacate: At least 30 days' written notice required to terminate a month-to-month tenancy (M.C.L. § 554.134).
  • Just Cause Eviction: Not required — landlords do not need a stated reason to end a month-to-month tenancy with proper notice.
  • Local Resources: Michigan Legal Help (michiganlegalhelp.org), Lakeshore Legal Aid (lakeshorelegalaid.org)

1. Overview: Tenant Rights in Clinton Township

Clinton Township renters are governed by Michigan's statewide landlord-tenant statutes, including the Security Deposit Act (M.C.L. § 554.601 et seq.) and tenancy provisions under M.C.L. § 554.134. The township has no additional local tenant protection ordinances. Michigan has prohibited local rent control since 1988 under M.C.L. § 123.409.

2. Does Clinton Township Have Rent Control?

Michigan state law (M.C.L. § 123.409) prohibits local governments from enacting rent control. Landlords in Clinton Township may raise rent by any amount with proper notice — there are no rent increase caps anywhere in Michigan.

3. Michigan State Tenant Protections That Apply in Clinton Township

Michigan's statewide laws provide these key protections for Clinton Township renters:

  • Security Deposit Cap: Deposits are limited to 1.5 months' rent. Landlords must return the deposit with an itemized statement within 30 days of move-out; failure to comply forfeits the right to retain the deposit (M.C.L. § 554.613).
  • Notice to Terminate: At least 30 days' written notice is required to terminate a month-to-month tenancy (M.C.L. § 554.134).
  • Habitability: Landlords must maintain habitable premises. Tenants may use the rent escrow remedy under M.C.L. § 125.534 after written notice of unaddressed repairs.
  • Lockout Prohibition: Self-help eviction is illegal. Landlords who lock you out or shut off utilities without a court order may owe actual damages plus attorney's fees (M.C.L. § 600.2918).
  • Retaliation Protection: Landlords cannot retaliate for code complaints or exercising legal rights.

4. Security Deposit Rules in Clinton Township

Michigan caps security deposits at 1.5 months' rent. Your landlord must return the deposit with a written itemized statement within 30 days of move-out. Failure to comply forfeits the right to retain any portion of the deposit under M.C.L. § 554.613. Document the unit condition at move-in and move-out and provide your forwarding address in writing.

5. Eviction Process and Your Rights in Clinton Township

To evict a tenant in Clinton Township, a landlord must serve written notice — typically 7 days for nonpayment of rent — then file an eviction case in Macomb County's 41-A District Court if you do not vacate. You have the right to appear and contest the eviction. Self-help eviction is illegal under M.C.L. § 600.2918; landlords who lock you out or shut off utilities without a court order may be liable for actual damages plus attorney's fees.

6. Resources for Clinton Township Tenants

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Clinton Township have rent control?

No. Michigan state law (M.C.L. § 123.409) has prohibited local rent control ordinances statewide since 1988.

How much can my landlord raise my rent in Clinton Township?

There is no limit. Michigan has no rent stabilization law, so landlords may raise rent by any amount at lease renewal or with proper notice on a month-to-month tenancy.

How long does my landlord have to return my security deposit in Clinton Township?

30 days from move-out, with a written itemized statement. Noncompliance forfeits the landlord's right to retain any portion of the deposit under M.C.L. § 554.613.

What notice does my landlord need before evicting me in Clinton Township?

Typically 7 days for nonpayment of rent or lease violations. To terminate a month-to-month tenancy, at least 30 days' written notice is required under M.C.L. § 554.134.

Can my landlord lock me out or shut off utilities in Clinton Township?

No. Self-help eviction is illegal in Michigan. A landlord who changes your locks or shuts off utilities without a court order may be liable for actual damages plus attorney's fees under M.C.L. § 600.2918.

What can I do if my landlord refuses to make repairs in Clinton Township?

Send a written repair request. If the landlord does not respond, Michigan law allows you to use the rent escrow remedy under M.C.L. § 125.534. Contact Michigan Legal Help or Lakeshore Legal Aid for assistance.

This article provides general information about tenant rights in Clinton Township and is not legal advice. Laws change — verify current rules with a local attorney or tenant organization.

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