Michigan · MI

Demand letters in Michigan.

In Michigan, landlords must return a deposit within 30 days, and the Small Claims Division (District Court) hears claims up to $7,000 (adjusts periodically for inflation). Here's the law you need — and a generator that cites it for you.

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By The Demand Letter Kit Team Sourced from official statutesUpdated June 1, 2026

Michigan demand letter facts at a glance

Deposit return deadline

30 days

Small claims limit

$7,000 (adjusts periodically for inflation)

Filing fee

$30–$70

Written-contract SOL

6 years

Personal-injury SOL

3 years

Legal/judgment interest

1% above the 5-year Treasury rate (post-judgment, adjusts semiannually); 13% on some written contracts.

Security deposit demand letters in Michigan

If your former landlord is holding your deposit, Michigan law is on your side. A landlord must return your security deposit within 30 days, along with an itemized statement of any deductions. A landlord who keeps a deposit in bad faith can be liable for double the amount wrongfully retained.

Governing statute: Mich. Comp. Laws § 554.602 to § 554.616 · read it

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Statutes of limitation in Michigan

A demand letter doesn't pause the clock — you must file suit within these windows:

Written contracts 6 years
Oral contracts 6 years
Personal injury 3 years
Property damage 3 years

Small claims court in Michigan

If your demand letter is ignored, Michigan's Small Claims Division (District Court) is usually the next step. It hears claims up to $7,000 (adjusts periodically for inflation), with filing fees around $30–$70. You typically don't need a lawyer, and mentioning that you're prepared to file gives your letter real weight.

Michigan courts self-help

Good to know in Michigan

Michigan requires deposits back within 30 days with an itemized list of damages, caps deposits at 1.5 months’ rent, and a tenant must provide a forwarding address within four days of moving out to preserve full rights — an easy step to miss. Bad-faith retention exposes the landlord to double damages. Small claims in the District Court covers up to $7,000 (it adjusts for inflation over time), and lawyers are not allowed, so a clean demand letter pays off.

Common demand letters in Michigan

Each generator automatically applies Michigan law where it matters.

Security Deposit Demand Letter

A formal letter demanding the return of your security deposit, citing your move-out date and your state’s legal deadline.

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Unpaid Invoice Demand Letter

A firm final notice that tells a non-paying client exactly what they owe, by when, and what happens if they ignore it.

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Contractor Dispute Demand Letter

A formal letter demanding a contractor finish the work, fix defective work, or refund your money under your agreement.

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Debt Collection Demand Letter

A formal letter demanding repayment of money you are owed on a personal loan, IOU, or other unpaid debt.

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Property Damage Demand Letter

A formal letter demanding payment from whoever damaged your property, backed by repair estimates and photos.

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Unpaid Wages Demand Letter

A formal letter demanding an employer pay wages, overtime, or a final paycheck you earned and are owed.

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Michigan demand letter FAQ

How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Michigan?
In Michigan, a landlord generally must return your security deposit within 30 days. A landlord who keeps a deposit in bad faith can be liable for double the amount wrongfully retained. The governing statute is Mich. Comp. Laws § 554.602 to § 554.616.
What is the small claims court limit in Michigan?
Michigan's Small Claims Division (District Court) hears claims up to $7,000 (adjusts periodically for inflation), with filing fees of roughly $30–$70. Most demand-letter disputes fall within this limit, which is what makes a demand letter such effective leverage.
How long do I have to sue in Michigan?
Michigan's statute of limitations is 6 years for written contracts, 6 years for oral contracts, 3 years for personal injury, and 3 years for property damage. Sending a demand letter does not pause these deadlines, so don't wait too long.
Do I have to send a demand letter before filing in Michigan?
Michigan does not always require a demand letter before suing, but sending one is strongly recommended: many courts expect it, it can resolve the dispute without filing, and it documents that you tried to settle in good faith — which helps your case if you do end up in Small Claims Division (District Court).

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