Last updated: April 2026
Farmington renters are protected by Michigan state law on security deposits, habitability, and eviction — but the city has no rent control and landlords may raise rent with proper notice.
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Farmington is a small, walkable city in Oakland County, Michigan, located just northwest of Detroit in the heart of the Metro Detroit region. Although Farmington is a modest-sized community, Michigan state law provides its renters with a clear set of rights governing security deposits, habitability, eviction procedures, and protections against illegal landlord conduct. The city has not enacted any local tenant ordinances beyond what state law provides.
Michigan has prohibited local rent control since 1988 under M.C.L. § 123.409, meaning Farmington landlords are free to raise rents by any amount as long as they give the required advance written notice. State law does impose a cap on security deposit amounts (1.5 months’ rent) and strict return deadlines with forfeiture consequences for non-compliance. Michigan’s Truth in Renting Act and common law habitability obligations also give renters meaningful tools to address unsafe or unhealthy conditions.
This page summarizes Michigan state law protections as they apply to Farmington renters. It is not legal advice. Renters facing urgent housing issues should contact Michigan Legal Help or Oakland County Legal Services.
Farmington has no rent control, and Michigan state law permanently prohibits it. Under M.C.L. § 123.409, enacted in 1988, Michigan municipalities are explicitly preempted from enacting any ordinance that controls the amount of rent charged for private residential property. This preemption applies statewide and has been continuously in force for over three decades. Farmington has not attempted to circumvent this restriction, and no local rent regulation exists.
In practice, this means a Farmington landlord can raise rent by any dollar amount at any time, subject only to the requirement that they give proper advance written notice. For month-to-month tenants, at least 30 days’ written notice is required before the landlord may terminate or materially change the tenancy (M.C.L. § 554.134). There are no caps on rent increases, no government review of increase amounts, and no requirement that landlords justify the size of an increase to the tenant or any agency.
Tenants who receive a large rent increase have limited options: negotiate with the landlord, accept the increase, or provide proper notice of intent to vacate. Understanding these limitations is important for Farmington renters budgeting for housing costs.
Michigan state law provides several important protections for Farmington renters in addition to security deposit and notice rules.
Habitability and Repairs (M.C.L. § 125.534): Michigan landlords must maintain rental units in a condition fit for human habitation. This includes adequate heat, safe electrical and plumbing systems, weathertight walls and roof, and freedom from vermin infestations. If a landlord fails to make necessary repairs after written notice, tenants may seek a rent escrow remedy through Michigan courts — depositing rent with the court until repairs are made — or pursue other remedies. The Michigan Truth in Renting Act also prohibits landlords from including certain illegal clauses in leases.
Security Deposit (M.C.L. §§ 554.601–554.616): Michigan caps security deposits at 1.5 months’ rent and imposes strict procedural requirements on landlords. Covered in detail in the Security Deposit section below.
Notice to Terminate (M.C.L. § 554.134): A landlord must give at least 30 days’ written notice to terminate a month-to-month tenancy, and notice must be given within the same rental period intended to take effect. Tenants must provide equivalent notice when leaving a month-to-month tenancy.
Lockout Prohibition (M.C.L. § 600.2918): Self-help eviction — changing locks, removing doors, shutting off utilities — is illegal in Michigan. A landlord who forces a tenant out without a court order may be liable for actual damages plus attorney fees. Only a court-issued judgment and writ of eviction can lawfully authorize removal.
Anti-Retaliation: Michigan courts recognize retaliatory eviction as a defense. A landlord who raises rent, threatens eviction, or reduces services after a tenant reports housing code violations may be found to have retaliated against the tenant.
Security deposit rights in Farmington are governed by Michigan’s Security Deposit Act, M.C.L. §§ 554.601–554.616. These rules provide strong financial protections for renters and impose strict compliance obligations on landlords.
Deposit Cap: Michigan caps security deposits at 1.5 months’ rent. A landlord cannot legally collect more than this amount, regardless of what a lease says. If you are charged an excess amount, you have the right to demand the refund of the overage.
Move-In Inventory: Within 7 days after you move in, your landlord must provide you with a written inventory of the unit’s condition (a move-in checklist). You have 7 days to review it and return a copy noting any disagreements. If the landlord does not provide an inventory, they cannot make deductions for damage you did not cause. Complete your own written inventory and photos regardless.
Return Deadline: After you move out, your landlord has 30 days to either return the full deposit or send you an itemized written statement of deductions along with any balance owed. Deductions are permitted for unpaid rent and damage beyond normal wear and tear. The landlord must send the statement to your last known address or forwarding address.
Forfeiture for Non-Compliance: Under M.C.L. § 554.613, if a landlord fails to provide the required move-in inventory or fails to return the deposit with a proper itemized statement within 30 days, the landlord forfeits the right to retain any portion of the deposit. This is a significant penalty — it means a non-compliant landlord loses the ability to make any claim against the deposit, even for legitimate damages.
File security deposit claims in Oakland County District Court if the landlord does not comply. You do not need an attorney for small claims proceedings but consulting Michigan Legal Help is advisable.
Evictions in Farmington must follow Michigan’s court-supervised process. A landlord cannot remove a tenant through self-help means; doing so exposes the landlord to civil liability under M.C.L. § 600.2918.
Step 1 — Written Notice: Before filing in court, the landlord must serve written notice. For nonpayment of rent, a 7-day Demand for Possession is required. For lease violations, a 30-day Notice to Quit is standard. For termination of a month-to-month tenancy without cause, at least 30 days’ written notice is required (M.C.L. § 554.134).
Step 2 — Summary Proceedings in District Court: If the tenant does not comply with the notice, the landlord may file a Complaint to Recover Possession in the 47th District Court (Oakland County). A hearing is typically scheduled within 10–21 days of filing. The tenant is served with a summons and must appear or risk a default judgment.
Step 3 — Court Hearing: Both parties present their case to the judge. Tenants may raise defenses including improper notice, habitability violations, retaliation, and procedural non-compliance. Tenants without counsel should contact Michigan Legal Help (michiganlegalhelp.org) or Oakland County Legal Services before the hearing.
Step 4 — Writ of Eviction: If the court rules for the landlord and the tenant has not vacated, the landlord may request a Writ of Eviction directing a court officer to physically remove the tenant and their belongings. Only court officers may carry out this step.
No. Farmington has no rent control, and Michigan state law has prohibited local rent control since 1988 under M.C.L. § 123.409. Landlords in Farmington may raise rent by any amount with proper advance written notice.
There is no limit on rent increases in Farmington. Michigan’s statewide preemption (M.C.L. § 123.409) bars any local rent cap. For month-to-month tenancies, your landlord must give at least 30 days’ written notice before the change takes effect (M.C.L. § 554.134). Fixed-term leases lock in rent for the duration of the lease.
Your landlord must return your security deposit — or send an itemized written statement of deductions and any remaining balance — within 30 days of move-out (M.C.L. § 554.613). If the landlord fails to comply, they forfeit the right to keep any portion of the deposit. Deposits are capped at 1.5 months’ rent.
For nonpayment of rent, your landlord must give a 7-day Demand for Possession. For lease violations, a 30-day Notice to Quit is standard. To terminate a month-to-month tenancy without cause, at least 30 days’ written notice is required (M.C.L. § 554.134). After proper notice, the landlord must obtain a court order before you can be removed.
No. Self-help eviction is illegal in Michigan under M.C.L. § 600.2918. A landlord who changes your locks, removes doors, or shuts off utilities to force you out may be liable for actual damages and attorney fees. Only a court-ordered writ executed by a court officer can lawfully remove a tenant. Contact Michigan Legal Help or Oakland County Legal Services if you experience an illegal lockout.
Michigan landlords must maintain habitable premises. Give your landlord written notice of the repair needed and keep a copy. If the landlord fails to act, you may seek a rent escrow remedy through the 47th District Court under M.C.L. § 125.534, depositing rent with the court until repairs are made. Contact Michigan Legal Help before taking any unilateral action to ensure you follow proper legal procedure.
This page is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws change; the information above reflects Michigan statutes as of April 2026. The application of any law depends on the specific facts of your situation. If you are facing eviction, a deposit dispute, or another housing issue, consult a licensed Michigan attorney or contact Michigan Legal Help. RentCheckMe is not a law firm and cannot provide legal representation.
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