Permitting & Zoning Standards
ADU Rules
In Michigan, accessory dwelling units (ADUs) are subject to specific zoning regulations. Landlords must adhere to local zoning laws when converting a single-family home into an ADU (MCL 125.607). Landlords must also ensure that the ADU complies with all building codes and regulations (MCL 125.607).
Owner-Occupancy Requirements
Landlords must occupy the property they rent out if it is a single-family home (MCL 554.608). This requirement ensures that landlords are not renting out their primary residence.
Parking Minimums
Landlords must comply with municipal parking minimum requirements when converting a single-family home into an ADU. Landlords must obtain approval from the local zoning board before converting a single-family home into an ADU (MCL 125.607).
Lease Structuring, Utility Metering, and Disclosures
Lease Agreement
Landlords must provide a lease agreement that includes all necessary terms, such as rent amount, payment due dates, and eviction procedures. Landlords must also include a clause that outlines the landlord’s rights to enter the property for maintenance (MCL 554.608).
Utility Metering
Landlords must ensure that utility meters are installed in the rental property and that tenants have access to them. Landlords must also ensure that utility bills are paid by the tenant (MCL 554.608).
Disclosures
Landlords must provide tenants with a notice of damages within 30 days if any property is damaged. Landlords must also provide tenants with a security deposit inventory checklist within 4 days of the tenant’s move-in (MCL 554.608).
State Landlord-Tenant Act Compliance
Notice Periods
Landlords must provide tenants with a notice of damages within 30 days if any property is damaged. Landlords must also provide tenants with a security deposit inventory checklist within 4 days of the tenant’s move-in (MCL 554.608).
Deposit Handling
Landlords must hold the security deposit in a separate interest-bearing account and return it to tenants within 30 days of the tenant’s move-out (MCL 554.608).
Fee Caps
Landlords are not allowed to charge fees for late rent or other fees unless specified in the lease agreement (MCL 554.608).
Defensible Record-Keeping & Compliance Checklist
- Move-In Inventory Checklist: Provide a 2-copy move-in inventory checklist within 4 days of the tenant’s move-in.
- Notice of Damages: Issue an itemized notice of damages within 30 days if any property is damaged.
- Security Deposit Handling: Hold the security deposit in a separate interest-bearing account and return it to tenants within 30 days of the tenant’s move-out.
- Lease Agreement: Ensure that the lease agreement includes all necessary terms, such as rent amount, payment due dates, and eviction procedures.
- Utility Metering: Ensure that utility meters are installed in the rental property and that tenants have access to them.
- Disclosures: Provide tenants with a notice of damages within 30 days if any property is damaged. Provide tenants with a security deposit inventory checklist within 4 days of the tenant’s move-in.
By following these guidelines, landlords in Michigan can ensure compliance with state law and avoid potential legal issues.