DisputeKit / States / Michigan
Your consumer rights in Michigan
What Michigan and federal law say about getting a security deposit back, refunds and cancelling subscriptions, with the law cited and a sample letter for each.
Security deposits
30 days. Under Michigan Compiled Laws § 554.609, a landlord must mail an itemized list of damages, with the estimated repair cost of each item, together with a check or money order for the rest of the security deposit within 30 days. The clock starts when you move out and hand back possession of the unit. You must give your landlord a forwarding address in writing within 4 days after moving out; otherwise the landlord does not have to send the itemized list. If they miss that deadline, they lose the right to keep any part of the deposit. A court may also award double the amount of the security deposit retained, if the landlord keeps any part of it without fully following the law (for disputed damages, a court judgment or the tenant's written agreement is required).
Refunds
If a company won't refund you, send a written demand with a clear deadline. If you paid by credit card, you may also be able to dispute the charge: Under the Fair Credit Billing Act, a billing-error dispute must reach the card issuer in writing within 60 days after the first statement showing the charge.
Subscriptions
Michigan has no automatic-renewal statute. For subscriptions sold online, the federal Restore Online Shoppers' Confidence Act requires a simple way to stop recurring charges, and Michigan's general consumer protection law applies.
Small claims and complaints in Michigan
- Michigan consumer law
- Michigan Consumer Protection Act, MCL § 445.903
- Where to file a complaint
- Michigan Department of Attorney General, Consumer Protection
- Small claims limit
- $7,000 in the small claims division of the district court
- Filing fee
- $25 to $65 depending on the amount claimed, plus mailing costs (some courts add a small technology fee)