Security Deposit Interest in Michigan: No State Requirement (2026)
Michigan does not require landlords to pay interest on security deposits; the Security Deposit Act (MCL 554.601 et seq.) caps deposits at 1.5 mon… Calculator, statute citation, Last Verified date o
Quick answer
No — Michigan law does not require landlords to pay interest on security deposits. Michigan does not require landlords to pay interest on security deposits; the Security Deposit Act (MCL 554.601 et seq.) caps deposits at 1.5 months' rent and requires 30-day return, with no interest provision. The rule comes from MCL 554.601 to 554.616 (Michigan Security Deposit Act / Truth in Renting). State statute (official text) · 2026-10-28
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What Michigan law does — and does not — require
Michigan has no statewide statute requiring interest on security deposits. Michigan does not require landlords to pay interest on security deposits; the Security Deposit Act (MCL 554.601 et seq.) caps deposits at 1.5 months' rent and requires 30-day return, with no interest provision.
The statute that governs deposits in Michigan, MCL 554.601 to 554.616 (Michigan Security Deposit Act / Truth in Renting), covers how and when the deposit itself must be returned — it simply does not mandate interest on top.
How interest must be paid
Interest accrues as N/a - no statutory interest requirement. N/a - deposit (or itemized damages list) due within 30 days of move-out; no interest payment obligation.
Who the law applies to
All residential tenancies statewide; the statute covers deposit cap (1.5 months' rent), required move-in notices/checklist, and 30-day return, but mandates no interest.
Cities in Michigan that require interest
No interest requirement found for Detroit: the Detroit Rental Ordinance (Detroit City Code § 8-15-81, per the city's official Landlord Guide) covers rental registration/licensing, not deposit interest. No other Michigan city interest ordinance surfaced.
States that do require deposit interest
Michigan has no statewide requirement. If you are moving or own rentals across state lines, these states do — each rate is the statutory value verified on the state page:
| State | Statutory rate |
|---|---|
| Massachusetts | 5% per annum, or the lesser amount of interest actually received from |
| Ohio | 5% per annum |
| Maryland | greater of 1.5%/year or U.S. Treasury 1-year yield curve rate (leases |
| Minnesota | 1% per annum |
| New York | Interest actually accrued/paid on the deposit in the interest-bearing |
The statute behind it
| Field | Value | | --- | --- | --- | | Citation | MCL 554.601 to 554.616 (Michigan Security Deposit Act / Truth in Renting) | | Official text | www.legislature.mi.gov | | Last verified | 2026-10-28 |
Cross-checked against: City of Detroit Landlord Guide (detroitmi.gov) - rental ordinance scope.
Statutes get amended. If you are relying on this page — for a move-out, a dispute, or a lease draft — click through to the official text and confirm the current wording.
FAQ
Does Michigan require landlords to pay interest on security deposits?
No. Michigan law does not mandate interest; whatever the lease says governs. No interest requirement found for Detroit: the Detroit Rental Ordinance (Detroit City Code § 8-15-81, per the city's official Landlord Guide) covers rental registration/licensing, not deposit interest. No other Michigan city interest ordinance surfaced.
How is deposit interest calculated in Michigan?
Michigan does not require landlords to pay interest on security deposits; the Security Deposit Act (MCL 554.601 et seq.) caps deposits at 1.5 months' rent and requires 30-day return, with no interest provision. The calculator at the top of this page reflects Michigan's rules where a numeric value exists.
When do I get the interest?
N/a - deposit (or itemized damages list) due within 30 days of move-out; no interest payment obligation.
Can my lease require the landlord to pay interest anyway?
Yes — a lease can always give you more than state law requires, never less. If your Michigan lease promises interest, that promise is enforceable as a contract even though no statute mandates it.
Independent second source · 2026-10-28Related guides
- All states: security deposit interest by state · rent increase rules by state
- Tools: deposit interest calculator · rent increase calculator
- Neighboring states: Illinois · Indiana
This page is information, not legal advice — see the full disclaimer.