St. Clair Shores is a lakeside city in Macomb County in the northeastern Detroit metro area, with a population of approximately 59,000. The city has a mix of single-family homeowners and renters. All landlord-tenant relationships in St. Clair Shores are governed exclusively by Michigan state law — the city has not enacted any local tenant-protection ordinances beyond what the state provides.
Michigan's landlord-tenant framework covers habitability, security deposit caps and return requirements, notice for lease termination, and remedies for illegal landlord conduct. Renters in St. Clair Shores can access free legal assistance through Lakeshore Legal Aid and Michigan Legal Help.
This guide is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Renters with urgent housing issues should consult a licensed Michigan attorney.
St. Clair Shores 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 landlord in St. Clair Shores 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 rent increases unless the lease explicitly allows them. At renewal, the landlord may propose any new rent. There is no legal ceiling on the size of a rent increase under Michigan law.
Michigan's landlord-tenant framework — including the Truth in Renting Act (M.C.L. § 554.631 et seq.) and common law — governs all St. Clair Shores rental relationships. Key protections include:
Habitability: Landlords must maintain rental units in habitable condition — with working heat, plumbing, and electrical systems, and freedom from pest infestations. After written notice from the tenant, 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 good-faith complaints or the 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 St. Clair Shores 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 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 St. Clair Shores 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 40th District Court (26000 Evergreen Rd, Southfield, MI 48076) or applicable Macomb County court. A hearing is typically scheduled within 10 days.
Step 3 — Hearing: Both parties may appear and present defenses. Contact Lakeshore Legal Aid (1-888-783-8190) for free legal assistance before your hearing date.
Step 4 — Writ of Restitution: If the court orders eviction, a court officer — not the landlord — carries out removal after the Writ of Restitution is issued.
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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