Michigan Tenant Rights Guide

Last updated: April 2026

Michigan has no rent control anywhere in the state — it's prohibited by state law. Landlords can raise rent by any amount with proper notice. Michigan's landlord-tenant law provides protections on deposits, habitability, and the eviction process.

Check your address to see what tenant protections apply to your rental.

Michigan at a Glance

Rent control: None
Statewide rent cap: None — landlords can raise rent by any amount
Preemption: Michigan state law prohibits local governments from enacting rent control ordinances (M.C.L. § 123.409). The preemption has been in place since 1988.

What Protections Michigan Tenants Do Have

Even without rent control, Michigan law gives renters meaningful rights in these areas:

Security Deposit

Security deposits are capped at 1.5 months' rent. Landlords must provide an itemized statement of damages within 30 days of move-out and return any balance. Failure to follow the process forfeits the right to keep the deposit (M.C.L. § 554.613).

Notice to Terminate

Month-to-month tenants must receive at least 30 days' written notice before the landlord terminates the tenancy. Notice must be given in the same rental period it is intended to take effect (M.C.L. § 554.134).

Repairs & Habitability

Michigan's Truth in Renting Act and common law require landlords to maintain habitable premises. Tenants may use the rent escrow remedy by depositing rent with the court if the landlord fails to make repairs after written notice (M.C.L. § 125.534).

Retaliation Protection

Landlords cannot retaliate against tenants for reporting code violations or exercising legal rights. Retaliatory eviction is a recognized defense in Michigan courts.

Lockout Prohibition

Self-help eviction is illegal. A landlord who changes your locks or shuts off utilities to force you out may be liable for actual damages plus attorney's fees (M.C.L. § 600.2918).

Major Cities in Michigan

Detroit — No rent control; Michigan state preemption prohibits it.
Grand Rapids — No rent control; Michigan state preemption prohibits it.
Ann Arbor — No rent control; Michigan state preemption prohibits it. Ann Arbor has strong housing code enforcement.
Lansing — No rent control; Michigan state preemption prohibits it.

Michigan Tenant Resources

These organizations offer free or low-cost help to Michigan renters:

Michigan Legal Help — Free legal information and court forms for Michigan renters — one of the best state tenant resources in the country.
Legal Aid of Western Michigan — Free civil legal services for low-income residents of West Michigan, including housing cases.
Wayne Metro Community Action Agency – Housing — Housing counseling and tenant assistance for Wayne County (Detroit area) renters.

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