Michigan Security Deposit Demand Letter (MCL 554.609)
Moved out and still waiting on your deposit? A clear, written demand is usually the first step — and often the last one needed. Answer the questions below and your letter fills itself in as you type.
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[Your forwarding address]
October 15, 2026
[Landlord or property manager name]
Re: Demand for return of security deposit — [Rental address]
Dear [Landlord or property manager name],
I was a tenant at [Rental address] and moved out on [Move-out date]. At the start of my tenancy I paid a security deposit of [Deposit amount ($)]. So far none of my deposit has been returned, and I have not received an itemized statement of deductions.
Under MCL 554.609, a landlord must mail the tenant an itemized notice of damages, along with the balance of the security deposit, within 30 days after the end of occupancy. Based on my move-out date, that deadline was [Move-out date]. This letter also provides my forwarding address in writing.
Please send [Deposit amount ($)] to me at the forwarding address above within 14 days of the date of this letter. If you believe you are entitled to keep any part of the deposit, please send a written, itemized statement of each deduction, with copies of receipts or invoices.
If I have not received the deposit or a proper itemized statement by October 29, 2026, I intend to file a claim in small claims court, where I may ask for double the amount of the security deposit retained.
I would prefer to resolve this without going to court, and I am keeping a copy of this letter and proof of mailing for my records.
Sincerely,
[Your full name]
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How security deposits work in Michigan
Michigan landlords have 30 days after the tenant moves out to either return the full security deposit or mail a notice of damages listing each item claimed and its estimated repair cost. The balance must come with the notice by check or money order, or, under a 2026 amendment, by electronic transfer to the tenant's account within 10 days after the notice is mailed. Deductions are limited to actual damage beyond normal living, unpaid rent, rent due for ending the lease early, and unpaid utility bills.
Tenants have duties too. Within 4 days after moving out, you must give the landlord a forwarding address in writing. If you don't, the landlord no longer has to send a notice of damages, although you can still pursue the deposit. When you receive a notice of damages, you have 7 days to respond by mail if you disagree, or you may forfeit the amount claimed.
If the tenant disputes the damages, the landlord generally can't keep the disputed amount unless the landlord files a court action within 45 days after the tenancy ends, or the claim is based entirely on unpaid rent. A landlord who doesn't follow these rules waives the claimed damages and can be ordered to pay double the amount of the deposit retained.
What to do, step by step
Fill in your details
Answer the questions above. Your letter updates live as you type, so you can check every detail before you send it.
Send it in a way you can prove
Mail the letter by certified mail with return receipt and keep the receipt. If your lease lists an email address for notices, send a copy there too.
Wait for a reply
Give your landlord the 14 days stated in the letter. For reference, Michigan's own deadline under MCL 554.609 is 30 days after move-out.
Gather your evidence
Collect your lease, move-in and move-out photos, any inspection checklist, rent receipts and every message about the deposit.
File in small claims if needed
If the deposit still doesn't come back, you can file in small claims court (Michigan limit: $7,000). Bring this letter and your proof of mailing.
What if the landlord ignores the letter?
Silence doesn't end the matter. Your letter creates a dated record that you asked for the deposit back and gave a reasonable deadline — exactly what a small claims judge will want to see.
In Michigan, the rules are set out in Michigan Compiled Laws §§ 554.601–554.616. If a landlord keeps a deposit without following them, a court may award double the amount of the security deposit retained.
Small claims court is designed for people representing themselves: filing fees are modest, forms are short, and hearings are informal. In Michigan the limit is $7,000, which covers nearly every deposit dispute.
Example Michigan security deposit demand letter
A filled-in sample with made-up details, so you can see the finished result.
Jordan Rivera
88 Pine Ave, Springfield
October 5, 2026
Oakview Property Management
500 Market St, Suite 200, Springfield
Re: Demand for return of security deposit — 123 Elm St, Apt 4B, Springfield
Dear Oakview Property Management,
I was a tenant at 123 Elm St, Apt 4B, Springfield and moved out on August 31, 2026. At the start of my tenancy I paid a security deposit of $1,800.00. So far you have returned $300.00, leaving $1,500.00 outstanding.
Under MCL 554.609, a landlord must mail the tenant an itemized notice of damages, along with the balance of the security deposit, within 30 days after the end of occupancy. Based on my move-out date, that deadline was September 30, 2026. This letter also provides my forwarding address in writing.
I returned all keys on August 31 and took dated photos of every room, which show the unit clean and undamaged apart from normal wear and tear.
Please send $1,500.00 to me at the forwarding address above within 14 days of the date of this letter. If you believe you are entitled to keep any part of the deposit, please send a written, itemized statement of each deduction, with copies of receipts or invoices.
If I have not received the deposit or a proper itemized statement by October 19, 2026, I intend to file a claim in small claims court, where I may ask for double the amount of the security deposit retained.
I would prefer to resolve this without going to court, and I am keeping a copy of this letter and proof of mailing for my records.
Sincerely,
Jordan Rivera
Frequently asked questions
How long does a Michigan landlord have to return a deposit?
30 days after you move out. Within that time the landlord must return the deposit or mail an itemized notice of damages with the balance, which may be sent by electronic transfer within 10 days after the notice. The notice must tell you, in bold type, that you have 7 days to respond.
Do I need to give a forwarding address in Michigan?
Yes. Michigan tenants should give the landlord a forwarding address in writing within 4 days after moving out. Missing that step excuses the landlord from sending a notice of damages, but it does not cancel your right to claim the deposit.
What if I disagree with my Michigan landlord's deductions?
Respond in writing within 7 days after you receive the notice of damages, explaining what you dispute. The landlord then generally has to file a court action within 45 days of the end of the tenancy to keep the disputed amount, unless it is based entirely on unpaid rent.
What penalty applies in Michigan, and where can I sue?
A landlord who doesn't comply fully with the notice and court-filing rules waives the claimed damages and can owe you double the amount of the deposit retained. Michigan small claims court handles claims up to $7,000.
Do I have to send a demand letter before going to small claims?
Many courts expect you to have asked for the money first, and a written demand is the simplest proof that you did. It also resolves a large share of disputes on its own.
How should I send the letter?
Use a method that gives you proof of delivery, such as certified mail with return receipt. Keep a copy of the letter and the receipt together.
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