Demand Letter Lab

Michigan Small Claims for a Security Deposit: Where to File, What It Costs, Does It Fit

In Michigan, a security deposit claim is heard by Michigan District Court, Small Claims Division; the court for your county is listed below. The comparable deposit claim limit is $7,000. No comparable fee amount in our county data; see the official fee schedule. Pick your county, calculate your deadline, then send a dated letter.

State law last checked .

Filing facts

CourtMichigan District Court, Small Claims Division · Court source
Listed limits and jurisdictions$7,000 (statewide)
Comparable deposit claim limit$7,000
Time limit to sue, from state data6 years; check when the claim accrued before counting from it.
Listed county filing feesNo comparable fee amount in our county data; see the official fee schedule.
E-filing6 yes, 0 no, 77 unverified among 83 listed counties
State deposit return deadline
  • 30 days after Termination of tenancy/occupancy (move-out); landlord must mail itemized list of damages within 30 days; if no damages claimed, deposit balance must be returned promptly (courts/practice treat 30 days as the operative return deadline). Applies when: the tenant gives a forwarding address in writing within 4 days after termination of occupancy (MCL 554.611); without it the landlord is relieved of the notice-of-damages requirement, but the tenant's claim to the deposit is not prejudiced.
Deposit statuteMCL 554.601–554.616 (Landlord and Tenant Relationships Act, Act 348 of 1972), esp. §§554.602, 554.603, 554.609, 554.613

Some counties have more than one small claims court, and venue rules differ by state; check which court hears your claim on the court's official page or with the clerk.

Which county is the rental in?

Does your claim fit the limit?

Enter the amount you would ask the court to award.

The comparable claim limit ranks 15 among 45 jurisdictions with a comparable amount; median $10,000. Ties share a rank. Computed from state data, not measured.

From a letter to court

  1. Calculate the return date and send a letter using your own move-out date, deposit and state conditions.
  2. Keep the letter, delivery proof, lease, payment records and photos.
  3. Use your county guide and court's official instructions to check the filing location and fee.

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Details of the return rules
Michigan statutory deadlines
When it appliesDeadlineStarts from
the tenant gives a forwarding address in writing within 4 days after termination of occupancy (MCL 554.611); without it the landlord is relieved of the notice-of-damages requirement, but the tenant's claim to the deposit is not prejudiced30 daysTermination of tenancy/occupancy (move-out); landlord must mail itemized list of damages within 30 days; if no damages claimed, deposit balance must be returned promptly (courts/practice treat 30 days as the operative return deadline)

Michigan return rule: 30 days (the tenant gives a forwarding address in writing within 4 days after termination of occupancy (MCL 554.611); without it the landlord is relieved of the notice-of-damages requirement, but the tenant's claim to the deposit is not prejudiced). Check the dates you entered above.

Free Michigan template, built from verified state data

Methodology: every statute verified against primary sources. See how verification works.

I rented [rental property address] from [lease start date] to [move-out date]. I paid a security deposit of $[amount]. I returned the keys on [date] and gave you my forwarding address in writing on [date]. Under Michigan law (MCL 554.601–554.616), a landlord must return the deposit or respond in writing within [30 days, see the note above] after termination of tenancy/occupancy (move-out).

Free dated DOCX by email. Print-ready state PDF kit: $29. Letter preparation and mailing: $49.

Who do you name in the claim?

Compare the name on the lease and deposit receipt with the property record and the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. A registered agent receives papers for a company; it is not the defendant. Confirm the defendant with the court or legal aid.

What to bring to the clerk

  • Lease and deposit receipt or payment record.
  • Demand letter and proof of delivery.
  • Move-out photos, inventory and any itemized deductions.
  • Your calculation and the cited deposit statute.

What you can recover

MCL 554.613: failure of the landlord to comply fully with the itemization/damages procedure constitutes waiver of all claimed damages AND makes the landlord liable to the tenant for double (2x) the amount of the security deposit wrongfully retained. Unlike some states (e.g., MA, IL), Michigan's statute does not condition this doubling on a separate finding of "bad faith" - it attaches automatically to noncompliance with the notice/itemization/45-day-suit procedure. No interest accrual requirement exists on Michigan security deposits. Bad faith required: No.

This is class P1, found in 36 of 51 jurisdictions. Computed from cited state records, not measured outcomes.

Statute says

MCL 554.602: "A security deposit ... shall not exceed 1-1/2 months' rent." MCL 554.609: "In case of damage to the rental unit or other obligation against the security deposit, the landlord shall mail to the tenant, within 30 days after the termination of occupancy, an itemized list of damages claimed..." MCL 554.613: "Within 45 days after termination of the occupancy and not thereafter the landlord may commence an action ... for a money judgment for damages..." Failure to comply makes the landlord "liable to the tenant for double the amount of the security deposit retained."

MCL 554.601–554.616 (Landlord and Tenant Relationships Act, Act 348 of 1972), esp. §§554.602, 554.603, 554.609, 554.613

What this means

Tenant resources

FAQ

Which court handles a security deposit claim in Michigan?

Michigan District Court, Small Claims Division. Some counties have more than one small claims court, and venue rules differ by state; check which court hears your claim on the court's official page or with the clerk.

What is the deposit claim limit in Michigan?

The comparable general deposit claim limit is $7,000. Check the court and claim type that applies.

What is the return deadline in Michigan?

30 days (the tenant gives a forwarding address in writing within 4 days after termination of occupancy (MCL 554.611); without it the landlord is relieved of the notice-of-damages requirement, but the tenant's claim to the deposit is not prejudiced)

What's next?