Which disclosures must a Michigan lease include?
| Disclosure | Statute | Applies To |
|---|---|---|
| 14-day security deposit notice + forwarding-address warning | MCL 554.603 | Any lease where a deposit is collected |
| Truth in Renting notice | MCL 554.634 | Every lease |
| Domestic-violence lease-release notice | MCL 554.601b | Every lease (include or post) |
| Lead-based paint hazard + EPA pamphlet | Title X (federal) | Housing built before 1978 |
The 14-day security deposit notice (MCL 554.603)
Within 14 days of the tenant taking possession, the landlord must give a written notice stating its own name and address for communications, the name and address of the bank or surety holding the deposit, and the tenant's obligation to provide a forwarding address within 4 days of moving. The notice must include, in 12-point boldface type at least 4 points larger than the body, the statutory warning: "You must notify your landlord in writing within 4 days after you move of a forwarding address where you can be reached and where you will receive mail; otherwise your landlord shall be relieved of sending you an itemized list of damages and the penalties adherent to that failure."
The Truth in Renting notice (MCL 554.634)
The Truth in Renting Act requires every residential lease to state the landlord's name and address and to include, in at least 12-point type, a notice that the agreement is required to comply with the Act and that the tenant may seek legal advice about its provisions. The Act also voids a list of prohibited lease clauses (confession of judgment, waiver of a jury trial or statutory notice, exculpation for the landlord's failure to perform a legal duty, and waiver of the warranty of habitability), and a landlord who fails to fix a non-compliant lease within 20 days of written notice can be sued to void it.
The domestic-violence lease-release notice (MCL 554.601b)
Michigan law lets a tenant with a reasonable apprehension of present danger from domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking seek release from the lease. The lease must either contain the statutory notice of that right, or the landlord must post the notice conspicuously in the property-management office or deliver it to the tenant when the lease is signed.
Federal lead-based paint disclosure
For any dwelling built before 1978, federal law requires the landlord to provide the signed lead-warning disclosure, any known records, and the EPA pamphlet Protect Your Family From Lead in Your Home. Some Michigan cities (for example, certain lead-safe ordinances) add local requirements.
What happens if a Michigan landlord skips a required disclosure?
Consequences vary:
- No 14-day deposit notice: undermines the landlord's deposit rights, and missing the 30-day itemized return means no damages are due and the full deposit must be returned (MCL 554.610).
- Missing or prohibited Truth in Renting clauses: prohibited provisions are void, and the landlord can be sued to void the lease if not cured within 20 days (MCL 554.634).
- No domestic-violence notice: non-compliant with MCL 554.601b.
Managing rentals in more than one state? Compare Michigan's list with our Illinois and New York disclosure checklists.
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Create your Michigan lease agreement →Frequently asked questions
What disclosures are required in a Michigan lease?
The 14-day security deposit notice with the 12-point boldface forwarding-address warning (MCL 554.603), the Truth in Renting notice (MCL 554.634), the domestic-violence lease-release notice (MCL 554.601b), and the federal lead-based paint disclosure for pre-1978 housing.
What is the Michigan 14-day security deposit notice?
Within 14 days of the tenant taking possession, the landlord must give written notice of its name and address, the bank or surety holding the deposit, and the tenant's duty to provide a forwarding address within 4 days of moving — including a 12-point boldface statutory warning (MCL 554.603).
What is the Truth in Renting notice?
A required 12-point notice in every Michigan lease stating that the agreement must comply with the Truth in Renting Act and that the tenant may seek legal advice; the Act also voids a list of one-sided clauses (MCL 554.634).
Does Michigan require a domestic-violence disclosure?
Yes. The lease must contain the statutory domestic-violence lease-release notice, or the landlord must post or deliver it (MCL 554.601b).
Does Michigan require a lead-paint disclosure?
Yes, for pre-1978 housing. This is a federal requirement: the signed lead-warning disclosure, known records, and the EPA pamphlet.
Official sources
Primary statutes and official government references for this guide. Statutes change — always confirm against the current official text before you act.