Are you a landlord in Michigan? If so, you need to know the ins and outs of lease agreements in your state. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from required disclosures and rent to security deposits, tenant screening, and fair housing protections.
By the end, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate the rental process and protect your rights as a landlord in Michigan.
Let’s dive in and get started!
Required Disclosures and Rent
As a landlord in Michigan, you must provide tenants with the required disclosures and specify the rent terms in the Michigan lease agreement. It’s important to include certain disclosures such as the lead-based paint disclosure, landlord/agent ID disclosure, and the Truth in Renting Act disclosure.
Additionally, you should specify the rent due date, application fees, rent increases, late fees, and any grace period.
When it comes to security deposits, the limit is 1.5 months’ rent, and you aren’t required to pay interest. You must return the security deposit within 30 days, and it should be held in a regulated financial institution or cash/surety bond.
Lastly, it’s important to follow fair housing laws and consider tenant screening, including credit reports, criminal histories, and eviction records.
Security Deposits
To ensure compliance with your Michigan residential lease agreement, landlords must be aware of the regulations surrounding security deposits.
In Michigan, the deposit limit is set at 1.5 times the monthly rent.
Landlords aren’t required to pay interest on security deposits.
When it comes to returning the deposit, landlords have 30 days to do so.
The deposit must be held in a regulated financial institution or in the form of a cash/surety bond.
Landlords are permitted to withhold the deposit for unpaid rent, utility bills, or damages caused by the tenant’s conduct.
It’s important for landlords to understand these rules and follow them carefully to avoid any legal issues.
Tenant Screening and Fair Housing
When screening tenants and ensuring fair housing practices in Michigan, you must consider protected classes under the federal and Michigan Fair Housing Act. These protected classes include race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, and disability. It’s important to treat all potential tenants equally and not discriminate against any individual based on these protected characteristics.
When screening tenants, you can consider factors such as credit reports, criminal histories, eviction records, and rental history. However, it’s crucial to apply these criteria consistently and not to use them as a means of discrimination. Remember to follow the guidelines set forth by the Fair Credit Reporting Act when requesting and using credit reports.
It’s a good idea to input your tenant screening policies in your tenant application or Michigan rental lease agreement.
Entry and Eviction Notices
You must provide proper notice when entering or evicting tenants in Michigan. While Michigan doesn’t have a state law requiring advance notice or time-of-day restrictions for entry, it’s still important to respect your tenants’ privacy and give them reasonable notice before entering their rental unit. This helps maintain a good landlord-tenant relationship and avoids potential conflicts.
When it comes to eviction notices, there are different types depending on the reason for eviction. For example, a Rent Demand Notice requires a 7-day notice, a Lease Violation Notice requires a 30-day notice, and a Notice to Quit for Material Health or Safety Violations requires a 7-day notice.
Be sure to follow the specific guidelines and timelines outlined in Michigan law to ensure a smooth and legal eviction process.
Other Laws and Facts About Michigan
While it’s important to be aware of the entry and eviction notice requirements in Michigan, there are also other laws and facts that landlords should know.
In Michigan, landlords are required to make certain disclosures and provide necessary documents to tenants. This includes the lead-based paint disclosure, landlord/agent ID disclosure, and Truth in Renting Act disclosure.
Rent due dates aren’t specified by statute, and there are no regulations on application fees. Rent control laws are banned, allowing landlords to increase rent as they see fit. Late fees also have no statutory limits, and there’s no requirement for a grace period.
Security deposits are limited to 1.5 months rent, and landlords have 30 days to return them.
It’s important to familiarize yourself with the fair housing protections in Michigan, which include considerations for protected classes, credit reports, and criminal histories. Additionally, there are specific laws and ordinances in cities like Ann Arbor, such as the Fair Chance Access to Housing Ordinance and restrictions on criminal background checks.
Conclusion
In conclusion, as a landlord in Michigan, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with the specific lease agreements and regulations in the state. Understanding your rights and responsibilities will help you navigate the rental process smoothly and protect your interests.
By being well-informed about required disclosures, security deposits, tenant screening, fair housing, entry and eviction notices, and other important laws, you can ensure a successful and lawful leasing process.
Stay informed and prepared to handle any situation that may arise as a landlord in Michigan.
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