Renting a home in Michigan

Walk through the actual unit, not just a model or listing. Check water, heat, windows, locks, appliances, smoke alarms, pests, parking, laundry, and any storage space. If the landlord promises a repair or a new appliance, put the promise and the date in the lease or a signed addendum.

Find the full monthly cost. Ask who pays heat, electricity, water, trash, parking, internet, lawn care, snow removal, and move-in charges. Read the renewal, late-fee, guest, pet, sublet, entry, and early-ending terms. A friendly conversation is useful; the signed paper is what you can show later.

Then check the local layer. Some Michigan cities require rental registration, inspections, or a local certificate before a unit is occupied. Search the official city or township site for “rental inspection” or “rental registration,” especially when a landlord says no local check is needed.

Treat the checklist as evidence, not a formality. List stains, holes, chipped fixtures, missing screens, worn flooring, appliance problems, and anything else you do not want charged to you later. Photograph or video every room in good light, include close-ups, and keep the original files with the date.

Save the lease, deposit notice, checklist, payment records, messages, and repair requests together. A folder that survives a broken phone is one of the best renter tools there is.

Michigan law generally requires a residential landlord to keep the home and common areas fit for their intended use, make reasonable repairs, and follow applicable health and safety laws. The rule does not turn tenant-caused damage into the landlord's bill, and the lease and facts still matter.

Send a dated written request that names the problem, where it is, when it started, and whether it affects heat, water, electricity, security, or health. Include photos when they help. Give a reasonable way to arrange entry and keep the landlord's response.

If a serious problem sits, contact the city or township rental-inspection, housing, building, or code office. For an immediate fire, gas, electrical, or medical danger, use the emergency service that fits. Before withholding rent, paying for a major repair, or ending the lease, get legal advice about the exact situation; a good claim can still be harmed by the wrong procedure.

Notice periods depend on the reason and sometimes the lease. A landlord who wants possession normally serves the required notice, waits for that period, and then files in the district court that serves the property. The summons and complaint tell you when and how to respond.

Do not ignore court papers, even when you think the notice was wrong or the landlord promised to stop. Bring the lease, payment proof, messages, repair records, notices, and photographs. Current Michigan court forms are available online, and local legal-aid programs may help with advice or representation.

Until a court enters the required order, a landlord generally cannot force you out by changing locks, removing property, or shutting off essential services. Physical removal under an order is carried out by a sheriff, deputy sheriff, or court officer, not by the landlord alone.