Last updated: April 2026
Hazel Park 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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Hazel Park is a small city in Oakland County, Michigan, located directly northeast of Detroit. The city has a significant renter population and is subject exclusively to Michigan state law for tenant protections — Hazel Park has not enacted any local tenant ordinances. State law, however, provides Hazel Park renters with important rights regarding security deposits, habitability, eviction procedures, and protections against illegal landlord conduct.
Michigan has prohibited local rent control since 1988 (M.C.L. § 123.409), meaning landlords in Hazel Park may raise rents by any amount with proper advance notice. State law caps security deposits at 1.5 months’ rent, requires return within 30 days with an itemized statement, and imposes forfeiture on landlords who fail to comply. The state also provides a rent escrow remedy for habitability issues and outright prohibits self-help eviction.
This guide is an informational resource summarizing applicable Michigan law. It is not legal advice. Tenants facing urgent housing situations should contact Michigan Legal Help or Oakland County Legal Services.
Hazel Park has no rent control. Michigan’s M.C.L. § 123.409, enacted in 1988, prohibits all Michigan municipalities from regulating the amount of rent charged for residential property. This statewide preemption is absolute — Hazel Park cannot enact any form of rent stabilization or rent control, and it has not attempted to do so.
Landlords in Hazel Park may increase rent by any amount at any time. The only constraint is procedural: for month-to-month tenants, at least 30 days’ written notice must be given before a rent increase or lease termination takes effect (M.C.L. § 554.134). Fixed-term leases lock in the rent for the lease duration; increases apply only at renewal. There are no caps on the size of an increase and no requirement to notify any government agency.
Hazel Park renters who receive unaffordable rent increases have limited legal recourse: negotiate, accept, or provide notice of intent to vacate. Understanding these limitations is essential for renters budgeting in the Oakland County area.
Michigan state law provides several protections that apply to all Hazel Park renters.
Habitability and Repairs (M.C.L. § 125.534): Landlords must maintain rental units in habitable condition, including functioning heat, safe plumbing and electrical systems, weathertight walls and roof, and freedom from pests. After written notice to the landlord, tenants may seek a rent escrow remedy through the district court if the landlord fails to make necessary repairs within a reasonable time.
Security Deposit (M.C.L. §§ 554.601–554.616): Deposits are capped at 1.5 months’ rent, must be returned within 30 days with itemized statement, and failure to comply results in forfeiture of the landlord’s right to any deduction. See Security Deposit section for full details.
Notice to Terminate (M.C.L. § 554.134): Month-to-month tenants must receive at least 30 days’ written notice before the landlord can terminate the tenancy. Notice must be given within the same rental period it is intended to take effect.
Lockout Prohibition (M.C.L. § 600.2918): Self-help eviction is illegal in Michigan. A landlord who changes locks, removes doors, or shuts off utilities to force out a tenant may be liable for actual damages plus attorney fees. Only a court-issued Writ of Eviction can lawfully authorize removal.
Anti-Retaliation: Michigan courts recognize retaliatory eviction as a defense. Adverse actions taken against tenants shortly after they report housing code violations or assert legal rights may be found retaliatory by the court.
Hazel Park security deposit rights are governed by Michigan’s Security Deposit Act, M.C.L. §§ 554.601–554.616. These rules impose a hard cap on deposit amounts and strict compliance obligations on landlords.
Deposit Cap: Security deposits in Michigan cannot exceed 1.5 months’ rent. Any amount collected above this cap must be refunded to the tenant on demand.
Move-In Inventory: Within 7 days of move-in, the landlord must provide a written inventory checklist of the unit’s condition. The tenant has 7 days to review and return the checklist noting any disagreements. A landlord who fails to provide the inventory loses the right to charge for damages that existed before the tenancy. Always create your own photographic record regardless.
30-Day Return Deadline: After you vacate, the landlord must return the deposit — along with an itemized written statement of any deductions — within 30 days. Permissible deductions include unpaid rent and damage beyond normal wear and tear. The statement must be sent to your last known address or forwarding address.
Forfeiture Penalty: Under M.C.L. § 554.613, a landlord who fails to send the itemized statement within 30 days forfeits the right to keep any portion of the deposit — even if the tenant caused genuine damage. This is one of Michigan’s strongest tenant-side protections.
Security deposit disputes can be filed in the 43rd District Court (Hazel Park). You do not need an attorney for small claims but should consult Michigan Legal Help before filing.
Hazel Park landlords must follow Michigan’s court-supervised eviction process. Self-help removal is illegal and exposes landlords to civil liability under M.C.L. § 600.2918.
Step 1 — Written Notice: For nonpayment of rent, the landlord must serve 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).
Step 2 — District Court Filing: If the tenant does not comply, the landlord files a Complaint to Recover Possession in the 43rd District Court (Hazel Park / Oak Park). A hearing is typically scheduled within 10–21 days. The tenant is served with a summons and must appear to contest the case.
Step 3 — Court Hearing: Both parties present evidence. Tenants may raise defenses including improper notice, habitability violations, deposit non-compliance, and retaliation. Contact Michigan Legal Help or Oakland County Legal Services before the hearing if you lack counsel.
Step 4 — Writ of Eviction: If the court rules for the landlord and the tenant remains, the landlord requests a Writ of Eviction directing a court officer to remove the tenant. The landlord has no independent authority to physically remove the tenant or their property.
No. Hazel Park has no rent control. Michigan state law has prohibited local rent control since 1988 under M.C.L. § 123.409. Landlords may raise rent by any amount with proper advance written notice.
There is no legal limit on rent increases in Hazel Park. 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).
Your landlord must return your deposit — or send an itemized written statement of deductions and any remaining balance — within 30 days of move-out (M.C.L. § 554.613). Failure to do so forfeits the landlord’s right to keep any portion of the deposit. The deposit is capped at 1.5 months’ rent.
For nonpayment of rent, a 7-day Demand for Possession is required. 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). A court order is always required 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 or shuts off utilities to force you out may be liable for actual damages and attorney fees. Only a court-ordered writ can lawfully authorize removal. Contact Michigan Legal Help immediately if you are illegally locked out.
Michigan landlords must maintain habitable premises. Give your landlord written notice of the needed repair and keep a copy. If the landlord fails to act within a reasonable time, you may seek a rent escrow remedy through the 43rd District Court under M.C.L. § 125.534. Contact Michigan Legal Help before withholding rent or taking other unilateral action.
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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