# Michigan Security Deposits: Wear vs Damage | Who Pays the Repair?

> Michigan landlords may only deduct damage beyond normal-habitation conduct and must itemize claims within 30 days, under MCL §§554.607, 554.609.

**Who pays:** shared

Michigan landlords may only deduct for damage beyond normal-habitation conduct and must itemize claims within 30 days, under MCL §§554.607, 554.609.

**Boundary:** Michigan landlords may use a security deposit only to reimburse actual damage resulting from conduct not reasonably expected in normal habitation (not ordinary wear and tear) or unpaid rent/utilities, and must mail an itemized list of any damage claim within 30 days after the tenant moves out (MCL §§554.607, 554.609).

## Sources
- [MCL §554.607(a) (deposit limited to damage beyond normal-habitation conduct)](https://www.legislature.mi.gov/Laws/MCL?objectName=mcl-554-607) — "Reimburse the landlord for actual damages to the rental unit or any ancillary facility that are the direct result of conduct not reasonably expected in the normal course of habitation of a dwelling." (accessed 2026-09-13)
- [MCL §554.609 (30-day itemized-list mailing deadline)](https://www.legislature.mi.gov/Laws/MCL?objectName=mcl-554-609) — "In case of damage to the rental unit or other obligation against the security deposit, the landlord shall mail to the tenant, within 30 days after the termination of occupancy, a notice of damages that contains an itemized list of damages claimed for which the security deposit may be used." (accessed 2026-09-27)

_Last verified 2026-09-19. Source: Who Pays the Repair? — https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/michigan-security-deposit-wear-vs-damage/ — every claim checked against a primary source before publication (see /methodology/)._