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Riverview is a small city in Wayne County, Michigan, situated along the Detroit River in the Downriver region south of Detroit. Like many Wayne County communities, Riverview has a significant renter population that relies entirely on Michigan state law for tenant protections — the city has not enacted any local housing ordinances beyond what the state requires.
Renters in Riverview most commonly ask about rent increase limits, security deposit rules, and what happens when a landlord fails to make repairs. Because Michigan prohibits rent control statewide, landlords in Riverview can raise rent by any amount — but they must follow proper notice procedures. Michigan law does, however, provide meaningful protections on deposits, habitability, retaliation, and the eviction process that every Riverview renter should understand.
This page is intended as general legal information only and is not a substitute for legal advice. If you are facing an eviction, a withheld deposit, or unsafe housing conditions, consider reaching out to one of the free legal resources listed at the bottom of this page.
Rent control is prohibited in Riverview and throughout Michigan. Michigan Compiled Laws § 123.409, enacted in 1988, expressly forbids any city, township, or local government from enacting, maintaining, or enforcing any ordinance that controls the amount of rent charged for private residential property. This preemption is absolute — no Michigan municipality, including Riverview, has the legal authority to pass a rent stabilization or rent control ordinance.
In practical terms, this means a Riverview landlord can raise your rent by any dollar amount at the end of a lease term or, for month-to-month tenants, with at least 30 days' written notice before the next rental period begins. There is no cap on annual increases, no requirement to justify a rent hike, and no local board to appeal to. The only protection a renter has against a rent increase is the remaining term of a fixed lease — during a lease period, the landlord cannot raise rent unless the lease specifically allows it.
Although Riverview has no local tenant ordinances, Michigan state law provides several important protections that apply to every residential rental in the city.
Security Deposits (M.C.L. § 554.602 – § 554.616): A landlord in Riverview cannot collect a security deposit exceeding one and one-half times the monthly rent. Within 30 days of the tenant moving out, the landlord must mail an itemized list of any claimed damages and return any remaining balance. If the landlord fails to follow this procedure, they forfeit the right to keep any portion of the deposit, and the tenant may recover the full amount.
Habitability and Repairs (M.C.L. § 125.534; Michigan Truth in Renting Act, M.C.L. § 554.631 et seq.): Michigan law requires landlords to maintain rental properties in a condition fit for human habitation — including functioning heat, plumbing, electrical systems, and freedom from serious structural defects. If a landlord ignores a written repair request, tenants may deposit rent into escrow with the court under the rent escrow remedy (M.C.L. § 125.534), compelling the landlord to make repairs before collecting rent.
Notice to Terminate a Tenancy (M.C.L. § 554.134): For month-to-month tenants, a landlord must provide at least 30 days' written notice before terminating the tenancy, and that notice must be given within the same rental period in which it is intended to take effect. A tenant on a fixed-term lease is generally entitled to remain through the end of the lease term without a separate notice.
Anti-Retaliation (Michigan common law and court precedent): Michigan courts recognize retaliatory eviction as an affirmative defense. A landlord may not evict, raise rent, or reduce services in retaliation for a tenant reporting code violations to a government agency, requesting repairs, or exercising any other legal right. If retaliation is proven, the eviction action can be dismissed.
Lockout and Utility Shutoff Prohibition (M.C.L. § 600.2918): It is illegal in Michigan for a landlord to engage in self-help eviction — including changing locks, removing doors, or shutting off utilities — to force a tenant out without going through the court eviction process. A tenant subjected to such conduct may sue for actual damages plus attorney's fees under M.C.L. § 600.2918.
Michigan's Security Deposit Act (M.C.L. § 554.602 through § 554.616) governs security deposits for all residential rentals in Riverview, including rules on the maximum amount, required notices, and timelines for return.
Deposit Cap: A Riverview landlord may not collect a security deposit exceeding one and one-half (1.5) times the monthly rent. For example, on a unit renting for $1,000 per month, the maximum deposit is $1,500. Any amount collected above this cap must be returned to the tenant.
Move-In Checklist: Within seven days of the tenant taking possession, the landlord must provide a written inventory of the rental's condition. The tenant has seven days to respond with any disagreements. Failure by the landlord to provide this checklist limits their ability to make deductions from the deposit for pre-existing damage.
Return Deadline and Itemization: Within 30 days after the tenant vacates, the landlord must mail the tenant an itemized statement listing any deductions for damages beyond normal wear and tear, along with a check for any remaining balance. The statement must be sent to the tenant's last known forwarding address.
Penalty for Non-Compliance: Under M.C.L. § 554.613, if a landlord fails to follow the statutory deposit procedures — including missing the 30-day deadline or failing to provide a proper itemized statement — the landlord forfeits all rights to retain any portion of the deposit. The tenant may then recover the full deposit amount, and Michigan courts may also award attorney's fees in an action to recover a wrongfully withheld deposit.
In Riverview, a landlord must follow the Michigan court eviction process — called a Summary Proceeding — to legally remove a tenant. There is no just-cause requirement; however, the landlord must provide proper written notice and obtain a court judgment before a tenant can be removed.
Step 1 — Written Notice: The type and length of notice depends on the reason for eviction. For nonpayment of rent, the landlord must serve a written demand for possession giving the tenant at least seven days to pay or vacate (M.C.L. § 600.5714(1)(b)). For a lease violation, the notice period may vary based on the lease terms. For a month-to-month tenancy terminated without cause, the landlord must give at least 30 days' notice under M.C.L. § 554.134.
Step 2 — Filing in District Court: If the tenant does not comply with the notice, the landlord may file a complaint in the 28th District Court (which serves Riverview in Wayne County). The court will set a hearing date, and the tenant will be served with a summons to appear.
Step 3 — Hearing: At the hearing, both the landlord and tenant may present evidence and arguments. Tenants can raise defenses such as the landlord's failure to maintain habitable conditions, retaliation, or improper notice. If the court rules in favor of the landlord, it will issue a judgment for possession.
Step 4 — Order of Eviction: After a judgment for possession is entered, the landlord must request an Order of Eviction (writ) from the court. A court officer — not the landlord — carries out the physical removal if the tenant does not leave voluntarily. This process is governed by M.C.L. § 600.5744.
Self-Help Eviction Is Illegal: A landlord in Riverview who changes the locks, removes the tenant's belongings, or shuts off utilities to force the tenant out — without going through court — violates M.C.L. § 600.2918. The tenant can sue for actual damages and attorney's fees. Tenants facing an illegal lockout should document everything and contact legal aid immediately.
The information on this page is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Tenant rights laws can change, and local ordinances or court interpretations may affect how state law applies to your specific situation. If you are facing an eviction, a withheld security deposit, unsafe housing conditions, or any other housing legal matter in Riverview, Michigan, you should consult a licensed Michigan attorney or contact a free legal aid organization. RentCheckMe is not a law firm and no attorney-client relationship is created by using this site.
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