Free Michigan Residential Lease Agreement

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What is a Lease in Michigan

A lease agreement is a legally binding contract between a landlord and a tenant. This is written to conform to state laws where the property is located. In Michigan these allow both parties to comply with a series of set terms for a specified number of months or years.

Rental contracts and lease agreements have a lot of similarities as they both set out payment plans and the terms of use for a house or apartment. However, the big difference is the duration that they cover. Rental agreements usually only cover short-term tenancies of a few months at a time or month-to-month contracts.

A lease agreement should contain the following details:

  • How long the tenant may legally reside in the property

  • How much rent should be paid

  • Information about the security deposits necessary

  • When rental installments are due

  • Any additional costs that must be serviced by the tenant

  • The rules regarding the proper use of the property

  • Situations that constitute a lease violation eviction procedures

Types of Michigan Lease Agreements

There are many types of Michigan lease agreement forms that can be used to manage and legally bind many different types of rental situations. They allow landlords to rent out various types of property they might have and for tenants to find the best kind of tenancy for their needs.

The most common types of lease agreements in Michigan include:

  • Standard residential lease agreements: Under a standard lease agreement both the landlord and tenant commit to a fixed set of terms that last for a series of months or years.

  • Option to purchase (Rent-to-own) lease agreements: Lease agreements with rent-to-own options are designed for tenants that wish to buy the property they are renting. This requires them to pay a sum of money each month, in addition to rent, to cover the costs of the principal.  

  • Month-to-month rental agreements: Month-to-month lease agreements will often have similar basic terms to standard residential lease contracts. However, they differ as they can be renewed or ended on a month-by-month basis. Their terms may also be flexibly altered each month. 

  • Commercial lease agreements: Commercial leases are provided by landlords of retail property to tenants that intend to use the real estate to run a business.

  • Room rental (Roommate) agreements: In rental properties with shared living areas a room rental agreement can be used to rent a singular bedroom.

  • Sublease Agreement: A Michigan sublease agreement allows tenants to reassign or ‘sublease’ the property to another individual. This requires the property landlord’s permission and must be specifically allowed in the original lease.

Michigan Lease Addendums and Disclosures

Michigan lease agreements must contain a few disclosures and addendums when they are completed and signed. This is to properly inform the tenant of any health risks or potential issues with the property or details about how the property is managed that they must be aware of. 

These essential addendums include the following: 

  • Domestic violence victims notice: Landlords in Michigan must provide a statement  in the contract or a written note to their tenant(s) that says:  "NOTICE: A tenant who has a reasonable apprehension of present danger to him or her or his or her child from domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking may have special statutory rights to seek a release of rental obligation under MCL 554.601b."

  • Inventory checklist: An inventory checklist that also states the condition of the property must be returned to the landlord within 7 days of moving in when a security deposit is required. 

  • Lead paint disclosure: If the rental unit is in a building constructed before 1978, the landlord or their agent must disclose whether lead paint can be found on the property and must provide safety information for any located on the premises.

  • Notice information: The lease agreement must include a section or an addendum that discloses the contact information of the landlord or that of their chosen agent.

  • Truth in Lending act: All rental contracts in Michigan must include a disclosure statement written in a 12 point font and that is at least ⅛ inch in height. It must state: "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."

  • Security deposit receipt: A section must be added advising the tenant on how the security deposit will be collected and stored. A short disclosure text must also be included. This must be written in bold font that is at least size 12 and is 4 points larger than the other text on the page. It must say: "NOTICE: You must notify your landlord in writing within 4 days after you move of a forwarding address where you can be reached and where you will receive mail; otherwise your landlord shall be relieved of sending you an itemized list of damages and the penalties adherent to that failure."

Michigan Lease Agreement Laws

An MI lease agreement must be written and signed within the laws of Michigan state, otherwise, it will be legally contestable and can be declared invalid and block either party from recourse if a violation is committed. These will police how you start and end the contract and control what procedures you can reasonably ask a tenant to follow.

The most important laws to consider in Michigan when you are renting a property include:

  • Security deposits: Michigan landlords may charge no more than one and a half months’ rent if the property is a non-rent control unit. This must be returned to the tenant within 30 days of vacating the property and returning the keys. Landlords must also give advance notice of any deductions.

  • Landlord’s right to enter: There are no laws in Michigan for how much notice a landlord should give before visiting the property. However, it is recommended to give at least some prior notice (around 24 hours) to tenants before arriving to make repairs or inspect damage.

Michigan Residential Lease Agreement Sample

Before beginning the process of creating a residential lease agreement in Michigan it is sensible to review an example document first. Use our Michigan lease agreement sample below to find out more about the structure and contents of a fully-fledged rental contract.

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Residential Lease Agreement Michigan Sample

FAQs About Michigan Lease Agreement

It is important to carefully prepare a Michigan lease agreement to suit the needs of the landlord and tenant exactly. To help demystify the process a little simply review our FAQs below to learn more about the specificities of rental contracts in Michigan.

How to Get a Lease Agreement in Michigan?

It is possible to create a Michigan lease agreement completely online. Using our residential lease agreement maker you can tailor your document for your specific needs and take advantage of professional templates and expert tips.

How to Write a MI Lease Termination Letter?

If either the landlord or tenant for any reason needs to terminate a Michigan lease agreement early, they must provide the correct amount of notice (usually 30 days) in a written MI lease termination letter.

This letter needs to contain the following information:

  • The name of the landlord and the tenant

  • The date the letter has been written and signed

  • The name and address of the property in question

  • Information explaining why the tenancy needs to be terminated early

  • The reason the lease is being broken

  • The date that the resident will vacate the property

  • Acknowledgment of any penalties that will be incurred

  • Signature of the signing party

Lease Agreement or Rental Agreement?

There is a key difference between a Michigan lease agreement and a Michigan rental agreement, which is the length of duration that they each cover.

Lease agreements are normally longer-term arrangements that can last several months or even years, in which their terms remain fixed. Rental agreements on the other hand are shorter-term in nature but are more flexible and may be changed on a weekly or monthly basis.

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Residential Lease Agreement Michigan Sample

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Preview of your Michigan Residential Lease Agreement

MICHIGAN
RESIDENTIAL LEASE AGREEMENT
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.
This Lease Agreement (hereinafter, the "Lease Agreement") is dated as of _________ (hereinafter, the "Effective Date") and is entered into by and between _________ (hereinafter, the "Landlord") and the following residents:

_________
(hereinafter, the "Tenant(s)").

The Landlord and the Tenant(s) agree as follows:
1. PROPERTY

A. The Landlord is the owner of certain real property and improvements described as a house located at _________, _________, Michigan _________ (hereinafter, the "Property").

B. The Landlord rents to the Tenant(s) and the Tenant(s) rents from the Landlord the Property according to the terms and conditions described in this Lease Agreement.

C. Unless otherwise indicated in the Lease Agreement, no other portion of the building (hereinafter, the “Building”) is included in the Lease.

D. Unless otherwise indicated in the Lease Agreement, the Property is for the sole use as a personal residence by the person(s) named above only.
2. OCCUPANTS

During the term of this Lease Agreement, the only individuals permitted to reside on the Property are the following:

_________

The Tenant(s) may not allow any guest to stay on the Property longer than _________ consecutive day(s) or _________ day(s) in a calendar year. The Tenant(s)'s guests shall not be considered original occupants of the Property under any circumstances.

The amount of time the Tenant(s)'s guests may stay on the Property may never be longer than the time permitted by any owners' association rule or restrictive covenant or _________ consecutive day(s) or _________ day(s) in a calendar year, without Landlord's written permission, whichever is less.

Note: If the Property is located in the city of East Lansing, the occupancy limit must be displayed on the license and posted in the premises. The city may fine violators $500 a day for over-occupancy.
3. TERM

The term of the Lease Agreement begins on _________ (hereinafter, the "Commencement Date"), and will terminate on _________ (hereinafter, the "Termination Date"). Upon the Termination Date, the Tenant(s) shall be required to vacate the Property.
4. MANAGEMENT

The Tenant(s) is hereby notified that the Owner or Landlord _________ is the Property Manager in charge of repairs or maintenance of the Property.

If the Tenant(s) has any complaint regarding any issue about the Property, _________ shall be contacted by one of the following methods:

Address: _________
Telephone: _________
Email: _________
5. RENT

The Tenant(s) shall pay the Landlord monthly rent in the amount of $_________ (hereinafter, the "Rent") for each full month during this lease. The full month's rent is due and payable not later than the 1st day of each month. If that day falls on a legal holiday, the rent is due on the next business day.
Place of Payment:

The Tenant(s) shall remit all Rent payment amounts owed to the Landlord under this Lease Agreement to the following address:

_________

The Landlord may later change the person and place to which the Tenant(s) must remit the rental amounts due under this Lease Agreement.
Method of Payment:

The Tenant(s) shall pay Rent by selecting any of the following forms of payment (select one or more):
6. ILLEGAL DRUG USE

The Tenant(s) must not violate, or knowingly allow another to violate, federal, state, or local laws regarding the use of controlled substances or the use of alcohol by minors in or around the Property. When aware of a violation of this provision, Landlord will file a formal police report. Landlord may recover possession of the premises by summary proceedings when Tenant(s) holds over the premises for 24 hours after service of a written demand for possession for termination of this Lease under this provision.
7. UTILITIES AND SERVICES

The Tenant(s) shall be solely responsible for and shall pay expenses for all utilities and services used or consumed at the Property.
8. MAINTENANCE

The Landlord will have the responsibility to maintain the Property in good condition at all times and perform all repairs reasonably necessary to meet the implied warranty of habitability of the Property, that is, that the Property is in a safe and livable condition.
9. PIPE-FREEZE PREVENTION

If the Tenant(s) plans to be away from the Property for any length of time, the heat must be left on during the cold season and the windows closed to avoid broken pipes and water damage.
10. REPAIRS

All requests for repairs must be in writing and delivered to the Landlord. Only in the event of an emergency related to the condition of the Property that materially affects the physical health or safety of an ordinary tenant, the Tenant(s) may call the Landlord.

The Tenant(s) may not repair or cause to be repaired any condition, regardless of the cause, without the Landlord's permission. All decisions regarding repairs, including the completion of any repair, whether to repair or replace the item, and the selection of contractors, will be at the Landlord's sole discretion.

If, in an emergency, it shall become necessary to make any repairs or replacements by the Tenant(s) without prior written consent from the Landlord, at Landlord's expenses, and such repairs or replacements are found to be unsatisfactory and to have caused additional damages, the Tenant(s) shall reimburse Landlord for the cost of making such repairs.
11. CONDITION OF PROPERTY

The Tenant(s) acknowledges receipt of two blank copies of an inventory checklist. The Tenant(s) must complete both checklists and return one to the Landlord within 7 days after Tenant(s) takes possession of the Property. Except for those items specifically noted by the Tenant(s) in detail on the inventory checklist, Tenant(s) accepts the Property, and the appliances and furnishings, in good condition. The inventory checklist is used only to assess damages and is not a warranty or promise by Landlord that any item listed on the checklist, but not present on the Property, will be provided.
12. ALTERATIONS AND IMPROVEMENTS

The Tenant(s) shall not make any alterations, additions, redecorations, or any sort of improvements on the leased Property without the Landlord's prior written consent. All additions, alterations, fixtures, or improvements made by the Tenant(s), except movable household furniture, shall become the Landlord's property and remain on the Property as part of the Property and shall be surrendered with the leased premises at the Termination of this Lease Agreement.
13. HAZARDOUS MATERIALS

The Tenant(s) shall not keep or have on the Property any article or item of a dangerous, flammable, or explosive material that might unreasonably increase the danger of fire or explosion on the Property or that might be considered hazardous or extra hazardous by any responsible insurance company.
14. LANDLORD ACCESS TO PROPERTY

The Landlord and the Landlord's agents shall have the right at all reasonable times, and by all reasonable means during the term of this Lease Agreement and any renewal thereof, to enter the Property for the following purposes:

(a) Survey the Property's condition and take photographs to document the condition.
(b) Make repairs or improvements to the Property.
(c) Supply agreed services.
(d) Show the Property to prospective buyers or tenants.
(e) Exercise a contractual or statutory lien.
(f) Leave a written notice.
(g) Seize nonexempt property if the Tenant(s) is in default.

Except in case of emergency, the Landlord will give the Tenant(s) reasonable notice of intent to enter. For these purposes, twenty-four (24) hour written notice will be deemed reasonable.
15. ASSIGNMENT / SUBLETTING

The Tenant(s) acknowledges that this Lease Agreement is not transferable and that the Tenant(s) may not assign or sublet this Lease Agreement, grant any license to use the Property or any interest in the Property or any part thereof, nor mortgage or pledge this Lease Agreement.

The Tenant(s) shall not contravene this provision, unless the Landlord expressly waivers this prohibition in writing, the consent of which the Landlord may, in any case, withhold in its sole and absolute discretion.
16. NOTICES

Notice under this Lease Agreement will be given in accordance with the applicable statute. All other notices shall be deemed sufficient if made as follows:

(a) All notices to the Landlord shall be directed by personal delivery or first-class mail to the Landlord at the appropriate address set forth below, until the Tenant(s) is notified, in writing, to the contrary.

(b) All notices to the Tenant(s) shall be directed by personal delivery or first-class mail to the Tenant(s) at the Leased Property or any forwarding address provided in writing by the Tenant(s) to the Landlord.
Landlord:

_________
_________
Tenant(s):

_________
_________, _________, Michigan _________
Such addresses may be changed from time to time by any party by providing notice as set forth above.
17. VENUE AND GOVERNING LAW

The exclusive venue is in the county where the Property is located. This Lease Agreement shall be governed, construed, and interpreted by the Laws of the State of Michigan.
Each person who signs this Lease Agreement acknowledges, by their signature, that they have read it, understand it, and voluntarily agree to it. Further, each person is mentally competent and 18 years or older.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Landlord and the Tenant(s) have executed this Lease Agreement in the manner prescribed by law as of the Effective Date.
Landlord:

By: ____________________________ Date: ______________
      _________
Tenant:

By: ____________________________ Date: ______________
      _________
Michigan Lease Agreement
Inspection Checklist
You should complete this checklist, noting the condition of the rental property, and return it to the Landlord within 7 days after obtaining possession of the rental unit. You are also entitled to request and receive a copy of the last termination inventory checklist, which shows what claims were chargeable to the last prior tenants.
Address: _________, _________, Michigan _________

The Tenant(s) has inspected the Property and states that the Property is in satisfactory condition, free of defects, except as noted below:
SATISFACTORYCOMMENTS
Bathrooms  __________________________________
Carpeting  __________________________________
Ceilings  __________________________________
Closets  __________________________________
Countertops  __________________________________
Dishwasher  __________________________________
Disposal  __________________________________
Doors  __________________________________
Fireplace  __________________________________
Lights  __________________________________
Locks  __________________________________
Refrigerator  __________________________________
Screens  __________________________________
Stove  __________________________________
Walls  __________________________________
Windows  __________________________________
Window coverings  __________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________



_____________________

Date

Tenant:

By: ____________________________ Date: ______________
      _________
Acknowledged by Landlord:

By: ____________________________ Date: ______________
      _________
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