A Michigan lease agreement is an agreement that typically covers a year, with rent due on the first of each month. To avoid potential issues with the tenants, it’s advisable to screen them beforehand to ensure they’re financially capable of paying the rent on time every month.

Rental Application – a form that enables landlords to verify the employment status of potential tenants, as well as any other requested credentials. It serves as a critical tool in the tenant selection process, allowing landlords to make informed decisions based on accurate information.

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Standard Residential Lease Agreement

Simple (1-Page) Lease Agreement

Most Recent US Home Facts

Population (2023): 334,914,895
Median Households (2022): 125,736,353
Median Household Income (2022): $75,149
Owner-occupied Households (2022): 64.8%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau

Michigan Lease Agreement Must Include the Following

Required Disclosures (6)

Domestic Violence Victims Disclosure
Inventory Checklist
Lead-Based Paint Disclosure
Notice Information
Security Deposit Receipt

Security Deposit

Maximum – Landlords cannot charge a tenant more than one and a half (1.5) months’ rent.
Return – After the Tenant vacates the property, the landlord has 30 days to return the security deposit along with an itemized list of deductions and their forwarding address.

Source: § 554.602

Landlord Access

Landlords have the right to access the property and should provide reasonable advance notice except in emergencies.

Paying Rent

Rent – Michigan does not have a specific law dictating when rent is due, nor is there a rent grace period. If rent is not paid on time, the landlord can send a 7-day notice to quit, which initiates formal eviction proceedings.

NSF Fee – $25 per bounced check.

Source: § 600.2952

Michigan Squatting Rights

What is Squatting?

Squatting, also known as “illegal occupancy” is when an individual lives on a property without the Landlord or Property Owners permission. Squatting is a form of trespassing.

Is Squatting a Crime?

Yes.

How to Avoid Potential Squatters?

Fortunately squatters cannot take ownership of someone else’s property by living on the property for 15 years. This does not dismiss the fact that squatters are an issue for property owners. If a squatter claims to have “squatters rights” property owners can tell them that Michigan has strict rules and the owner is well aware of these laws and the individual must leave the property immediately.

How to Avoid Legal Disputes?

The owner then shall ask the squatter to leave. If the Tenant does not leave the recommendation for property owner is to call the police. Under the new Michigan Law, landlords can take steps independently to remove squatters but best to have the police remove them to avoid any legal disputes.

When to hire an Attorney?

If all the actions you have taken have not resolved your properties squatting issue it is highly recommended to consult an attorney. Do not try to handle these matters when the situation gets out of hand as you could face legal disputes.
When pressing criminal charges for illegal trespassing or squatters.

Source: MichiganVacantProperty.org

How to Avoid Potential Scams?

Never accept an a cash offer when renting property to Tenants.
Make sure the Tenant completes the written agreement form as oral agreements as not as secure.
Meet the Tenents in-person at least once before putting an agreement in writing.

Sample

Michigan Simple 1 Page Residential Lease Agreement