Q: Can a landlord/leasing company change the security deposit if a roommate has no credit?
Planning to lease an apartment in Ann Arbor, MI. Leasing agent noted that the security deposit would be 500 (and half off for my university affiliation), however yesterday she noted that because my roommate has no credit, we have to pay a full months rent as deposit instead. My roommates parents are assisting with rent, and I asked if they cosigned and ran her parents credit instead, if we could still get the original security deposit (500) and they said no. Is this allowed?
A:
As long as the security deposit (and last month's rent if that is collected) is in total less than 1.5 month's rent they are complying with Michigan law. If they offered YOU a lower rate but won't honor that then there MAY be a contract action, but do you really want to start out a relationship with your landlord with a lawsuit threat? More to the point if they offered YOU a deal but said 'no you've added terms so we can't honor that' then they may have an argument as to why they backed away from the original agreement.
Do you have anything in WRITING about the offer? Are they otherwise complying with Michigan Landlord Tenant law? I'd strongly urge you to consult with an experienced local lawyer to review the proposed lease and advise you of your rights and responsibilities. Yes you DO have responsibilities, not just rights, so it is important to understand the agreement you're entering into!
-- This answer is offered for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney/client relationship.
I am licensed to practice in Michigan only. Please seek competent local legal help if you feel you need legal advice
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