Michigan (MI) lease form
Michigan residential leases are regulated primarily by the Truth in Renting Act (Act 454 of 1978), which voids any lease clause that violates its prohibited-provisions list and requires specific statutory language in every rental agreement. Landlords who include forbidden clauses risk those provisions being declared void, and in some cases face tenant claims under the Michigan Consumer Protection Act. Understanding what must be in the lease, and what cannot be, protects both parties from costly disputes.
Revun generates a Michigan-ready lease with the required disclosures and clauses built in, then handles e-signature, rent, and renewals on the same platform.
Every Michigan residential lease must display the following statement prominently, in type no smaller than 12-point or letters no smaller than 1/8 inch: "NOTICE: Michigan law establishes rights and obligations for parties to rental agreements. This agreement is required to comply with the Truth in Renting Act. If you have a question about the interpretation or legality of a provision of this agreement, you may want to seek assistance from a lawyer or other qualified person." Omitting this notice does not void the lease but exposes the landlord to a compliance claim.
Under MCL 554.634, the landlord or authorized agent must disclose a name and address where legal notices can be delivered; any change to that information must be communicated to the tenant in writing.
MCL 554.601b requires that leases include a prominent notice, in at least 12-point type, informing tenants of their right to terminate a lease early without penalty when they or a household member is a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking.
For housing built before 1978, federal law (42 U.S.C. 4852d) requires landlords to disclose any known lead-based paint or hazards, provide the EPA pamphlet "Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home," and attach a signed disclosure addendum before the lease is executed.
Before or at move-in, the landlord must provide two copies of an itemized checklist of the property's condition; the tenant has the right to note disagreements, and both parties should sign it to establish the baseline for any future deductions under MCL 554.608.
General information, not legal advice. Governing statute: Michigan Truth in Renting Act, Act 454 of 1978 (MCL 554.601 to 554.641); Landlord and Tenant Relationships Act, Act 348 of 1972 (MCL 554.601 to 554.616). Confirm current requirements or consult an attorney before finalizing a lease.
Michigan lease FAQ
Michigan landlords must include the Truth in Renting Act notice (in 12-point type), the landlord's name and address, a domestic violence early-termination rights notice under MCL 554.601b, and for pre-1978 properties, a federal lead-based paint disclosure and EPA pamphlet.
Under MCL 554.633, void clauses include confession-of-judgment provisions, waivers of the landlord's duty to mitigate, tenant jury-trial waivers, exculpatory clauses releasing landlord negligence liability, security interests in tenant personal property, and power-of-attorney requirements.
Michigan law allows unilateral changes only for adjustments to taxes, utilities, or insurance pass-throughs, and only with at least 30 days written notice; all other material changes require mutual written consent.
Michigan does not require a written lease for month-to-month tenancies, but any tenancy of more than one year must be in writing to be enforceable under the Statute of Frauds; a written lease is strongly recommended in all cases because it is the primary evidence in any security deposit or eviction dispute.
