Dearborn Heights is a city in Wayne County in the western Detroit metro area, with a population of approximately 57,000. The community has a significant rental population, and all landlord-tenant relationships are governed by Michigan state law — the city has not enacted local tenant-protection ordinances beyond what Michigan provides.
Michigan's landlord-tenant framework — including the Security Deposit Act and common law habitability obligations — establishes the rights and duties of landlords and tenants throughout the state. Dearborn Heights renters can access free legal assistance through Wayne County Neighborhood Legal Services and Michigan Legal Help.
This guide is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Renters with urgent housing matters should consult a licensed Michigan attorney.
Dearborn Heights has no rent control, and Michigan law has prohibited local rent control since 1988. M.C.L. § 123.409 bars all local rent regulation. A landlord in Dearborn Heights may raise rent by any amount, provided proper advance written notice is given.
For month-to-month tenants, at least 30 days' written notice is required — given within the same rental period in which the change is to take effect (M.C.L. § 554.134). Fixed-term leases protect tenants from mid-lease increases unless the lease explicitly allows them. At renewal, the landlord may propose any rent. Tenants have no legal mechanism to challenge the size of a rent increase in Michigan.
Michigan's landlord-tenant framework — including the Truth in Renting Act (M.C.L. § 554.631 et seq.) and common law — governs all Dearborn Heights rental relationships. Key protections include:
Habitability: Landlords must maintain rental units in a habitable condition. After a tenant provides written notice of a needed repair, the landlord must respond within a reasonable time. Tenants may use the rent escrow remedy (M.C.L. § 125.534) after proper notice if the landlord fails to act.
Security Deposits: See the Security Deposit section below (M.C.L. § 554.613).
Notice to Terminate: Either party must give at least 30 days' written notice to end a month-to-month tenancy, given during the rental period (M.C.L. § 554.134).
Anti-Retaliation: Michigan courts recognize retaliatory eviction as a defense. Landlords cannot evict or raise rent in retaliation for a tenant's good-faith complaints or exercise of legal rights.
Lockout Prohibition: Self-help eviction is illegal. A landlord who changes locks or shuts off utilities without a court order may be liable for actual damages plus attorney's fees (M.C.L. § 600.2918).
Security deposit rules in Dearborn Heights are governed by Michigan's Security Deposit Act (M.C.L. § 554.601 et seq.).
Cap on Deposit Amount: A landlord may not collect more than 1.5 months' rent as a security deposit (M.C.L. § 554.602).
Return Deadline: After move-out, the landlord has 30 days to return the full deposit or provide a written itemized statement of deductions plus any remaining balance (M.C.L. § 554.613).
Penalty for Non-Compliance: Failure to follow the required process — including move-in/move-out inventory procedures and the 30-day deadline — causes the landlord to forfeit the right to keep any portion of the deposit. The tenant may recover the full deposit plus actual damages.
Allowable Deductions: Only unpaid rent and damage beyond normal wear and tear may be deducted. Document unit condition at move-in and move-out with dated photographs.
Tenant Tip: Michigan requires landlords to provide a move-in inventory within 7 days of occupancy. Review it carefully and note any pre-existing damage in writing.
Evictions in Dearborn Heights must follow Michigan's formal court process. Self-help eviction is illegal under M.C.L. § 600.2918.
Step 1 — Written Notice:
Step 2 — Summary Proceeding Filing: If the tenant does not comply, the landlord files a Summary Proceeding for possession at 19th District Court (16077 Michigan Ave, Dearborn, MI 48126) or the applicable court. A hearing is typically scheduled within 10 days.
Step 3 — Hearing: Both parties may appear and present defenses including habitability violations, improper notice, and retaliation. Contact Wayne County Neighborhood Legal Services or Michigan Legal Help for free guidance before your hearing.
Step 4 — Writ of Restitution: If the court orders eviction, a Writ of Restitution is executed by a court officer — not the landlord — if the tenant has not vacated.
This page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Information reflects laws in effect as of April 2026; tenant rights laws can change. If you are facing eviction, a security deposit dispute, or another housing issue, consult a licensed Michigan attorney or contact one of the legal aid organizations listed above. RentCheckMe is not a law firm and cannot provide legal representation or legal advice.
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