Last updated: April 2026
Kentwood renters are protected by Michigan's landlord-tenant laws covering habitability, security deposits, and eviction — the city has no local rent control or additional tenant ordinances.
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Kentwood is a city in Kent County in west Michigan, immediately southeast of Grand Rapids, with a population of approximately 54,000. The city has grown significantly in recent decades and has a diverse rental market. All landlord-tenant relationships in Kentwood are governed by Michigan state law — the city has not enacted any local tenant-protection ordinances beyond what the state provides.
Michigan's landlord-tenant framework provides important protections covering habitability, security deposit limits and return requirements, notice requirements for lease termination, and remedies for illegal landlord conduct. Kentwood renters can access free legal assistance through Legal Aid of Western Michigan 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.
Kentwood has no rent control, and Michigan law has prohibited local rent control since 1988. M.C.L. § 123.409 bars municipalities from enacting any ordinance regulating rent amounts. A Kentwood landlord 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 increases during the lease term. At renewal, the landlord may propose any new rent. There is no legal limit on 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 Kentwood rental relationships. Key protections include:
Habitability: Landlords must maintain rental units in habitable condition — with working heat, plumbing, electrical systems, and freedom from pest infestations. After written notice, 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 Kentwood 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 the move-in/move-out inventory and 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 with dated photographs at move-in and move-out.
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 within the permitted response period.
Evictions in Kentwood must follow Michigan's formal court process. Self-help eviction — lockouts, utility shutoffs, removal of belongings — 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 at the 62-A District Court (180 Ottawa Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503) or applicable Kent County 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 Legal Aid of Western Michigan (616-774-0672) for free legal assistance 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.
No. Kentwood has no rent control, and Michigan law has prohibited local rent control since 1988 (M.C.L. § 123.409). Landlords may raise rent by any amount. For month-to-month tenants, at least 30 days' written notice — given within the same rental period — is required before the change takes effect (M.C.L. § 554.134).
There is no legal limit. Michigan's preemption statute (M.C.L. § 123.409) bars any local rent cap. Month-to-month tenants must receive at least 30 days' written notice before an increase takes effect. Fixed-term lease tenants are protected until the lease expires; at renewal the landlord may propose any new rent.
30 days. Under M.C.L. § 554.613, your landlord must return the deposit or provide a written itemized statement of deductions within 30 days of move-out. Failure to follow the required process — including proper inventory procedures — causes the landlord to forfeit the right to keep any portion of the deposit. Document the unit at move-in and move-out with dated photographs.
For nonpayment of rent, your landlord must give a 7-day written demand to pay or vacate. For most lease violations, a 30-day notice to cure or vacate is required. To end a month-to-month tenancy, 30 days' written notice is required (M.C.L. § 554.134). After proper notice, the landlord must file in court — they cannot remove you on their own.
No. Self-help eviction is illegal in Michigan. A landlord who changes your locks or shuts off heat, water, or electricity to force you out may be liable for actual damages plus attorney's fees under M.C.L. § 600.2918. Document it, contact law enforcement, and call Legal Aid of Western Michigan (616-774-0672) or Michigan Legal Help for assistance.
Give your landlord written notice of the needed repair and keep a copy. If the landlord fails to respond within a reasonable time, Michigan law allows you to deposit rent with the court (rent escrow remedy under M.C.L. § 125.534). Contact Legal Aid of Western Michigan or Michigan Legal Help for step-by-step guidance before using this remedy.
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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