SECURITY DEPOSIT ITEMIZATION LETTER
(Michigan – Compliant with Mich. Comp. Laws §§ 554.601 et seq.)
[// GUIDANCE: Insert on firm/management letterhead; use 12-point font or larger for statutory notice.]
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Document Header
- Definitions
- Operative Provisions
3.1 Security Deposit Received
3.2 Itemized Deductions
3.3 Calculation of Amount Due - Statutory Notice & Tenant Rights
- Delivery Method & Timeframes
- Governing Law & Forum
- General Provisions
- Execution Block
1. DOCUMENT HEADER
Landlord: [LANDLORD LEGAL NAME], a [STATE] [ENTITY TYPE]
Landlord Address: [LANDLORD MAILING ADDRESS]
Tenant: [TENANT LEGAL NAME]
Forwarding Address: [TENANT FORWARDING ADDRESS] (as provided under the Act)
Premises: [PROPERTY ADDRESS, UNIT]
Lease Commencement: [LEASE START DATE]
Move-Out Date: [MOVE-OUT DATE]
Effective Date of this Letter: [DATE MAILED]
Governing Law: State of Michigan landlord-tenant law (Mich. Comp. Laws §§ 554.601 et seq.)
Forum Selection: Exclusive jurisdiction in the [COUNTY] County Housing Court, Michigan
2. DEFINITIONS
“Act” – The Michigan Security Deposit Act, Mich. Comp. Laws §§ 554.601 et seq.
“Business Day” – Any day other than Saturday, Sunday, or Michigan legal holiday.
“Ordinary Wear and Tear” – Deterioration from normal, non-negligent use.
“Tenant Objection Period” – The seven (7) calendar-day period after Tenant’s receipt of this Letter within which Tenant must mail any written objections, as required by the Act.
3. OPERATIVE PROVISIONS
3.1 Security Deposit Received
Original Deposit............................................... $[AMOUNT]
Accrued Statutory Interest (if any)......................... $[AMOUNT]
Total Held....................................................... $[TOTAL]
3.2 Itemized Deductions
| No. | Description of Charge (Allowed by Act & Lease) | Amount ($) | Supporting Docs |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Unpaid Rent – [MONTH/YEAR] | [_____] | Ledger attached |
| 2 | Utilities Reimbursement | [_____] | Bills attached |
| 3 | Wall Repair & Paint – Bedroom 2 | [_____] | Invoice attached |
| 4 | Excessive Cleaning / Debris Removal | [_____] | Invoice attached |
| 5 | [ADDITIONAL ITEM] | [_____] |
Total Deductions........................................... $[TOTAL]
3.3 Calculation of Amount Due
Total Held....................................................... $[TOTAL HELD]
Less: Total Deductions....................................... $(TOTAL DEDUCTIONS)
Balance Returned to Tenant.......................... $[REFUND]
A check in the amount of $ [REFUND] is enclosed.
If deductions exceed the Security Deposit, Tenant owes $ [AMOUNT] to Landlord within ten (10) Business Days.
4. STATUTORY NOTICE & TENANT RIGHTS
YOU MUST RESPOND TO THIS NOTICE BY MAIL WITHIN 7 DAYS AFTER RECEIPT IF YOU DISPUTE THE ACCURACY OF THE ITEMIZATION, OR YOU WILL FORFEIT THE AMOUNT WITHHELD.
If Tenant timely mails a written objection specifying the disputed item(s), Landlord will escrow the contested sum as required by the Act until the dispute is resolved.
[// GUIDANCE: Michigan law requires the above notice to be in at least 12-point boldface type. Verify formatting before dispatch.]
5. DELIVERY METHOD & TIMEFRAMES
5.1 This Letter and any enclosed funds are being sent via [CERTIFIED / FIRST-CLASS] U.S. Mail to the Forwarding Address on the Effective Date.
5.2 If undeliverable and no alternate address is provided, Landlord will re-mail to Tenant’s last known address in accordance with the Act.
5.3 This mailing occurs within thirty (30) days after the Move-Out Date, satisfying statutory timing requirements.
6. GOVERNING LAW & FORUM
This Letter, the Lease, and related disputes are governed by Michigan law. The parties agree to exclusive venue in the [COUNTY] County Housing Court, Michigan.
7. GENERAL PROVISIONS
7.1 No Waiver. Nothing herein waives Landlord’s right to seek additional damages permitted by law.
7.2 Reservation of Rights. All rights and remedies under the Lease, the Act, or equity are reserved.
7.3 Severability. If any provision is unenforceable, the remaining provisions remain in effect.
7.4 Counterparts; Electronic Delivery. Signed counterparts and electronic signatures are deemed originals.
8. EXECUTION BLOCK
LANDLORD:
[LANDLORD LEGAL NAME]
By: _________
Name: [AUTHORIZED SIGNATORY]
Title: [TITLE]
Date: [DATE]
Enclosures
1. Refund Check No. _____ in the amount of $ [REFUND] (if applicable)
2. Copies of invoices, receipts, photographs, and supporting documentation
[// GUIDANCE: Retain proof of mailing and copies of all enclosures for a minimum of four (4) years. Attach photographic evidence for any disputed damages to strengthen defensibility.]
This Letter is intended to comply fully with the Michigan Security Deposit Act and to preserve all rights and remedies of the parties.