Illegal landlord actions to avoid in Michigan

Being a landlord requires you to always remain aware of potential laws protecting tenants. While many of these laws strive to protect both you and renters, violating them may affect you far worse than your tenants. Strive to avoid breaking these landlord laws in Michigan in order to protect yourself.

Security deposits

As a landlord in Michigan, you must properly manage security deposits. The law regarding security deposits requires you to do the following:

• Deposit the deposit in a financial institution.
• Keep the deposit in the institution.
• Use the funds only for reasons that the state allows.

Forcing an eviction illegally

In order to properly evict a tenant in the state of Michigan, you must go through the correct legal steps. These steps include:

• Issuing a demand for possession
• Filing a complaint with the district court
• Filing a summons with the district court
• Providing a copy of the lease and demand for possession to the district court
• Going to court for eviction if the tenant does not move out after receiving a notice

These steps make an eviction legal. Trying to force an eviction using other methods is illegal in the state of Michigan. Some landlords try to evict renters through self-help methods, which may cause the landlord to face legal trouble. Avoid these common examples of illegal ways to force an eviction:

• Shutting off utilities
• Changing the locks
• Removing the doors
• Blocking the driveway

Discrimination

Many legal actions taken against landlords allege discrimination in renting practices. State and federal law prevent you from refusing to rent based on the following categories:

• Religion
• National origin
• Race
• Age
• Sex
• Disability status
• Marital status

Landlord rights

Although the legal system provides a rigid set of laws to protect tenants, landlords also have rights under Michigan law. Although your renters may cause frustration, legal options exist to help you remain in control of your property.