Landlord-Tenant Laws in Michigan: Rights and Responsibilities

In Michigan, landlords and tenants are bound by distinct rights and responsibilities. It is essential to look at each set individually before exploring how they intersect.

Landlords: 

Landlords in Michigan possess distinct rights as property owners who lease to tenants. They are afforded the legal entitlement to collect rent in accordance with the terms outlined in the lease agreement. Additionally, landlords retain the right to select tenants based on criteria such as credit history, references, and rental track record. It is imperative to note that these selection practices must strictly adhere to the provisions of the Fair Housing Law in Michigan, which prohibits discrimination against tenants on the basis of protected characteristics, including race, gender, age, disability, and socioeconomic status.


Furthermore, landlords maintain the right to access rental units, albeit contingent upon providing prior notice to tenants. Permissible reasons for entry may include undertaking repairs, conducting tours of the premises, or performing inspections. Additionally, landlords have the right to initiate eviction proceedings in cases of lease violations, establish lease terms, and require security deposits.


In terms of responsibilities, landlords are duty-bound to ensure that the rental property complies with health and safety codes, encompassing the provision of essential utilities such as electricity, heat, and water to tenants. They are also obligated to adhere to anti-discrimination laws as delineated above. Moreover, landlords must diligently adhere to the terms and conditions specified in the lease agreement, including those governing eviction procedures.


Tenants

As a tenant in Michigan, it's crucial to understand the array of rights and responsibilities outlined in your lease agreement, as non-compliance could potentially lead to eviction proceedings. Some of which include:

  • Right to privacy within their rental unit, meaning landlords must provide reasonable notice before entering the premises except in emergencies.
  • Entitled to habitable living conditions, as mandated by law, ensuring that the property meets basic health and safety standards. 
  • Right to receive notices from the landlord regarding matters such as rent increases, lease terminations, or maintenance issues. 
  • Entitled to the return of their security deposit at the end of the tenancy, provided they have fulfilled their obligations under the lease agreement and left the property in good condition, barring normal wear and tear. 
  • Tenants have the right to request and receive timely repairs and maintenance for issues affecting the habitability of the rental unit.
  • Tenants are protected by fair housing laws.


On the flip side, tenants have corresponding responsibilities that must be upheld to maintain a harmonious landlord-tenant relationship. These include: 

  • Punctual payment of rent as stipulated in the lease agreement.
  • Adherence to the terms and conditions outlined in the lease.
  • Cooperation with reasonable inspection requests made by the landlord.
  • Promptly notifying the landlord of any planned move-outs.
  • Ensuring that the rental unit is left in a clean and undamaged condition upon vacating.


To navigate these rights and responsibilities effectively, tenants are strongly advised to familiarize themselves with the terms of their lease agreement and seek legal guidance if necessary. Consulting with a qualified real estate attorney can provide invaluable assistance in understanding tenant rights, ensuring legal compliance, and resolving any disputes that may arise during the tenancy.


Specifics of the interactions between landlord and tenant (lease agreements and evictions):

A lease agreement is a pivotal document in landlord-tenant relationships, serving as a binding contract delineating the terms and obligations of both parties. It outlines essential details such as monthly rent, lease duration, and property rules, along with specifics regarding property description, security deposits, utility responsibilities, maintenance costs, and compliance with legal requirements at local, state, and federal levels.


Understanding eviction procedures is paramount, and seeking legal counsel is advisable should such situations arise. Grounds for eviction may include failure to pay rent, lease violations, expiration of the lease term, or engaging in illegal activities on the premises. Proper adherence to eviction steps is crucial for a successful outcome. Initiating the process typically involves serving the tenant with an eviction notice, followed by filing a lawsuit if non-compliance persists. Subsequently, the tenant is notified of a court hearing, where a judge's decision may result in a "writ of possession," compelling the tenant to vacate the premises. Finally, enforcement of the eviction leads to legal possession of the property being returned to the landlord.

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