Re: Security deposit settlement in Michigan - Landlord Forum thread 337737

Re: Security deposit settlement in Michigan by MrDan (Georgia) on July 30, 2015 @08:40

As a landlord, you should really know your State landlord Tenant laws. Michigan laws dictate the proper procedure for a landlord to follow in handling security deposits. Improper actions subject the landlord to double damages, court cost and attorney fees, which will be greater than most security deposit disputes.

Your State requires statutory notices on the 'security deposit statement', time limits to respond to tenant security deposit disputes and the requirement to file suit within 45 days to retain the any disputed security deposit monies. Also what can be claimed against the deposit and what is not allowed (Cleaning fees are prohibited).

Whether the address the tenant gave you is 'bogus', is not for the landlord to decide, but it does meet the tenants obligation to provide an address to the landlord. Your failure to follow State laws on the landlords part is whats most important. Any improper procedure on your part can be very costly.

Some of the requirements a Landlord must provide in a specific statutory notice to tenant in writing;
* Landlord’s name and address
* Where tenant’s security deposit will be held (name and address of the financial institution)
* Notice of tenant’s duty to provide forwarding address within 4 days of move-out.

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