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How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Michigan?
Short answer
At a glance: 30 days to itemize, 45 to return or sue
Within 45 days after move-out: return the disputed deposit balance or file suit for the damages
Deadline: Within 45 days after move-out
If the tenant disputes your damage claim, you must either sue for a money judgment or return the balance within 45 days after occupancy ends. Missing this deadline waives the claimed damages and can make you liable for double the amount retained.
"Within 45 days after termination of the occupancy and not thereafter the landlord may commence an action in a court of competent jurisdiction for a money judgment for damages which he has claimed or in lieu thereof return the balance of the security deposit held by him to the tenant" legislature.mi.gov
"Failure of the landlord to comply fully with this section constitutes waiver of all claimed damages and makes him liable to the tenant for double the amount of the security deposit retained." legislature.mi.gov
Within 30 days after move-out: mail an itemized notice of damages with the deposit balance Verified
Deadline: Within 30 days after move-out
If you claim damages or other charges against the deposit, mail the tenant an itemized notice of damages within 30 days after occupancy ends, with estimated repair costs and a check or money order (or electronic transfer) for the balance. The notice must tell the tenant, in large bold type, to respond by mail within 7 days. You only have to mail it if the tenant gave a forwarding address within 4 days.
"the landlord shall mail to the tenant, within 30 days after the termination of occupancy, a notice of damages that contains an itemized list of damages claimed for which the security deposit may be used" legislature.mi.gov
"the notice of damages must be accompanied by a check or money order for the difference between the damages claimed and the amount of the security deposit held by the landlord" legislature.mi.gov
Notes: MCL 554.609, as amended by 2026 PA 102 (electronic transfer of the balance within 10 days after mailing the notice).
Last verified 2026-10-23 · Confidence: high · Status: verified · Report a correction
Within 45 days after move-out: return the disputed deposit balance or file suit for the damages Verified
Deadline: Within 45 days after move-out
If the tenant disputes your damage claim, you must either sue for a money judgment or return the balance within 45 days after occupancy ends. Missing this deadline waives the claimed damages and can make you liable for double the amount retained.
"Within 45 days after termination of the occupancy and not thereafter the landlord may commence an action in a court of competent jurisdiction for a money judgment for damages which he has claimed or in lieu thereof return the balance of the security deposit held by him to the tenant" legislature.mi.gov
"Failure of the landlord to comply fully with this section constitutes waiver of all claimed damages and makes him liable to the tenant for double the amount of the security deposit retained." legislature.mi.gov
Notes: MCL 554.613. Exceptions include no forwarding address, no tenant response to the notice of damages, a written agreement, or a claim based only on unpaid rent.
Last verified 2026-10-23 · Confidence: high · Status: verified · Report a correction