Two ways to rent in Michigan
The same free builder makes both — pick the one that fits and the agreement adapts automatically.
Standard Residential Lease Agreement
A fixed-term lease with set start and end dates (usually one year) — best for a long-term tenant.
Create a fixed-term leaseMonth-to-Month Rental Agreement
A flexible tenancy that renews each month and ends with proper written notice from either party.
Create a month-to-month agreementOverview
Renting out a home in Michigan? A residential lease agreement is the contract that protects both sides — it sets the rent, the term, the deposit, and the rules the landlord and tenant agree to, and it's your proof of what was agreed if a dispute ever comes up. Michigan tenancies are shaped by the Truth in Renting Act and the security-deposit statute at MCL 554.601 and following.
Michiganlease rules & requirements
Security deposit
Michigan caps a residential security deposit at 1.5 months' rent under MCL 554.602. The landlord must return it, with an itemized list of any damage charges, within 30 days after the tenant moves out. The tenant must supply a forwarding address within 4 days of moving out, and a landlord who keeps part of the deposit but does not sue within 45 days can owe double the amount wrongly withheld.
Late fees
Michigan sets no statutory cap on late fees, so any late fee must be reasonable and clearly stated in the lease. Courts generally will not enforce a fee that looks like a penalty. Returned-check fees are separately limited by statute.
Landlord entry & notice
Michigan has no statute setting how much notice a landlord must give before entering, so the lease controls. Spelling out a notice window — 24 hours is standard — protects both the landlord and the tenant, with entry allowed any time in a genuine emergency.
Required disclosures
Every Michigan lease must include the Truth in Renting Act notice telling tenants a lease can't waive their statutory rights, and it must give a name and address where the tenant can send legal notices. The landlord must also disclose where the deposit is held and the 4-day forwarding-address inventory rule, plus the federal lead-based-paint disclosure for homes built before 1978.
Ending the lease
A fixed-term lease simply ends on its end date. A month-to-month tenancy can be ended by either party with at least 30 days' written notice.
Does it need notarizing?
No. A Michigan residential lease doesn't need to be notarized or witnessed — it's binding once the landlord and tenant(s) sign. Each party should keep a signed copy.
This is general information, not legal advice. Confirm the current rules under Michigan law (the Truth in Renting Act and MCL 554.601 et seq.).
How to write a Michigan lease agreement
- 1
Choose the lease type — a fixed-term lease (set start and end dates) or a month-to-month tenancy.
- 2
Add the property details and the landlord's and tenant(s)' full legal names and addresses.
- 3
Set the monthly rent, the due date, accepted payment methods, and any late or returned-check fees.
- 4
Set the security deposit (capped at 1.5 months' rent) and when it's returned, plus any pet, parking, smoking, or utility terms.
- 5
Add the required disclosures — the Truth in Renting Act notice, a notice address, and lead-based paint for pre-1978 homes.
- 6
The landlord and every tenant sign and date the lease — and each keeps a copy.
Ready to create your Michigan lease agreement?
Fill the form, watch it build live, and download the PDF — free, no signup.
Open the free builderWhat to include
- Landlord & tenant(s) — names and addresses
- Property, lease type & term
- Rent — amount, due date & payment methods
- Security deposit, late & NSF fees
- Pets, parking, smoking & utilities
- Disclosures & signatures
Michigan lease agreement FAQ
Does a Michigan residential lease need to be notarized?
No. A residential lease in Michigan doesn't have to be notarized or witnessed. It's legally binding once the landlord and tenant(s) sign it.
Is there a limit on the security deposit in Michigan?
Yes. Michigan caps a residential security deposit at 1.5 months' rent under MCL 554.602.
How long does a Michigan landlord have to return the deposit?
30 days after the tenant moves out, with an itemized list of any damage charges. The tenant must give a forwarding address within 4 days, and a landlord who withholds part of the deposit but doesn't sue within 45 days can owe double the amount wrongly kept.
How much can a late fee be in Michigan?
Michigan sets no statutory cap, so a late fee must simply be reasonable and stated in the lease. Courts won't enforce a fee that functions as a penalty.
How much notice ends a month-to-month lease in Michigan?
At least 30 days' written notice from either the landlord or the tenant.
Does the landlord have to give notice before entering?
Michigan has no statute setting a notice period, so the lease governs. Including a 24-hour notice clause is standard practice and protects both sides.
What must a Michigan lease disclose?
The Truth in Renting Act notice about tenants' rights, a name and address for legal notices, where the deposit is held with the 4-day forwarding-address rule, and the federal lead-based-paint disclosure for pre-1978 homes.
Is this Michigan lease agreement really free?
Yes — completely. Fill it in, preview it live, and download the PDF with no signup, no credit card, and no watermark. Unlike sites that charge a fee or push a subscription to download, there's nothing to pay here.