Ask a Question

Get free answers to your Landlord - Tenant legal questions from lawyers in your area.

Lawyers, increase your visibility by answering questions and getting points. Answer Questions
Michigan Landlord - Tenant Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant, Social Security and Civil Rights for Michigan on
Q: Can I sue for landlord extorting 50% of Social Security for rent?

I am being extorted by my landlord who is taking over 50% of my Social Security benefits for rent without any formal agreement or justification. I have not received any legal advice yet. What legal steps can I take to address this situation and potentially sue for the excessive deductions?

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Feb 27, 2025

You may have grounds for legal action if your landlord is taking 50% of your Social Security without a formal rental agreement. Many states have laws protecting tenants from excessive rent increases and unfair practices, and Social Security recipients often have additional protections. Without a... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Landlord - Tenant, Civil Rights and Criminal Law for Michigan on
Q: Roommate placed a hidden camera in my bedroom, what legal actions can I take?

My roommate, who is also a renter, recently placed a camera disguised as a pen in my bedroom without my consent. I discovered it after noticing misplaced items, and upon finding it, I reported the incident to the police. The detective mentioned that my roommate might be allowed to put cameras in... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Michigan on
Q: my landlord is trying to overcharge me after moving me in with no set fee

Hello I am a single woman with two children under the age of 14. I met a man at my job and explained to him the situation I was in and he told me he owned a building and would move me in for the money I had on me. He moved me in an apartment that was unfinished with promises to finish it. About a... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Michigan on
Q: What should I be charging in rent to help a family member out who is struggling without being in trouble with the IRS?

The property is a two bedroom house located in saginaw Michigan 48602. I am trying to help a family member our by letting their family live in one of my properties because they are about to be homeless. They can't afford much for rent. The average rent in my area is about $1000 a month for a... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy, Landlord - Tenant and Small Claims for Michigan on
Q: Can I collect small claims money judgment (2019), if business has filed and received bankruptcy chapter 11 status?

In Michigan, Oct 31,2019, I received a small claims court monetary judgement against the defendant. The defendant filed for chapter 11 bankruptcy in the U.S. Bankruptry court Eastern District of Michigan in Jan 2020, I was unaware of this. The bankruptcy estate was fully administrated and... View More

Timothy Denison
Timothy Denison
answered on Jan 19, 2025

No. Not unless it was provided for in the bankruptcy.

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Constitutional Law, Gov & Administrative Law and Landlord - Tenant for Michigan on
Q: Who has the duty of remedying mold in public housing?

How should the tenant proceed due to being exposed to mold and does any failure to properly remediate the mold and it's root causes, violate the Fair Housing Act?

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Oct 28, 2024

In public housing, the responsibility to remedy mold typically falls on the housing authority or landlord. They are obligated to maintain a safe and healthy living environment, which includes addressing mold issues promptly. It's important to notify your landlord or property manager in writing... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Constitutional Law and Landlord - Tenant for Michigan on
Q: Is it possible that government housing inspections can violate the 4th amendment of surge and seizure and harassment?

They conduct what they call “safety inspections” EVERY month. And HUD does a annual inspection EVERY year. My argument is we are paying close to $1,000 a month, and people have the right to pursuit of happiness and tenants have right not to be harassed. It is also effecting my mental health... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Oct 25, 2024

Frequent government housing inspections might raise concerns regarding the Fourth Amendment, which protects against unreasonable searches and seizures. While safety inspections are important for ensuring living conditions meet certain standards, conducting them every month could be seen as... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Michigan on
Q: What is considered wrongful eviction

Landlord told the court I owed him rent but I didn’t owe anything

Brent T. Geers
Brent T. Geers
answered on Sep 20, 2024

A wrongful eviction would be done either constructively or through "self-help", and usually done outside the judicial process. If there was a court hearing where your landlord asserted you owed rent, and either you didn't say otherwise or the judge didn't believe you - or you... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Business Law, Landlord - Tenant and Tax Law for Michigan on
Q: Do I need to start a business to collect rent on a residential property I own?

The property is in Georgia and I reside in Michigan.

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Sep 14, 2024

You do not need to start a business to collect rent on a residential property you own. As an individual, you can rent out your property and report the rental income on your personal tax return. However, there are some benefits to forming a business entity, like an LLC, for rental properties, such... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant and Real Estate Law for Michigan on
Q: What is a promissory note & what is a life lease what are the responsibilities of the tenant & or the original homeowner
Kenneth V Zichi
Kenneth V Zichi
answered on Sep 12, 2024

A promissory note is a promise to pay a specific amount of money in a given time usually with interest rate and payment schedule spelled out. It is usually secured by a mortgage or similar ‘security agreement’.

This has nothing to do with life leases which is a way to transfer a...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation and Landlord - Tenant for Michigan on
Q: Ex-roommate is trying to collect belongs two months after their lease ended. They’ve had plenty of notice & opportunity.

What would be their rights if they’ve been notified for many months? Their portion of the lease has been expired for 2 months now. They do not live in the home & the lease is only in my name. They are threatening to come get only the expensive items and not everything, since they still do not... View More

Kenneth V Zichi
Kenneth V Zichi
answered on Sep 3, 2024

What does your written agreement with your roommate say? Do you have ANYthing in writing?

Put it in writing or there is no way to answer this. I’d suggest even now you should — in writing — offer a specific time and place for them to pick up their things. If they are not removed...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Michigan on
Q: In landlord, tenant law, can an eviction be quashed Under the 56 day rule If the court took too long to rule on appeal?

I was evicted from my home for nonpayment of rent. I filed an appeal. The 30th circuit court took six months to rule on my appeal. They agreed to uphold the eviction. Can I quash the eviction under the 56 day rule? I have paid all of my rent into escrow. I have a remaining balance of $1805.72 can... View More

Brent T. Geers
Brent T. Geers
answered on Aug 15, 2024

Unlikely. While I like where you're going with your logic, unfortunately the law doesn't work that way.

Procedurally, there was an order for eviction that you appealed. When you appeal, things are sort of put on hold during the pendency of the appeal. Then, the decision is made...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Constitutional Law, Domestic Violence and Landlord - Tenant for Michigan on
Q: As a D.V victim can I sue a housing Agency for posting photos of my daughters & I on their social media without consent?

In my complex, we have exclusive resident parties organized by the housing agency. I've consistently filled out forms stating my children and I should not be photographed or publicly identified. Unfortunately, This is the second instance where my whereabouts were revealed. The first time, my... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jul 28, 2024

You have the right to pursue legal action against the housing agency for posting photos without your consent and for disclosing your location, especially given your history as a domestic violence victim. This repeated failure to protect your privacy and safety can be grounds for a lawsuit. You... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Michigan on
Q: Can I get evicted from a house I never rented I stayed there with the landlord.
Brent T. Geers
Brent T. Geers
answered on Jul 2, 2024

Yes. When it comes to real property, you're either an owner, tenant, or occupant. When you are not the owner, you can be evicted.

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Michigan on
Q: Is a guarantor on the hook financially if a tenant gets evicted?

An unreliable tenant may be getting evicted in my unit. If they used a guarantor to secure housing, will the guarantor be at risk financially if there are any legal issues?

Brent T. Geers
Brent T. Geers
answered on Jun 27, 2024

Financially to the extent there is debt or money owed.

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Michigan on
Q: My girlfriends parents gave us their house and now she wants to evict me out of retaliation can she do that

We've been together for 6 years and lived together the same time we have no land contract or lease but she's mad over an argument and is having her parents file eviction can I fight it and sue

Brent T. Geers
Brent T. Geers
answered on Jun 24, 2024

You can fight it, but you're unlikely to prevail. Your girlfriend's parents are the landowners. Your status as an unmarried couple means you have the same legal status as any other tenant to them. In Michigan, absent a lease to the contrary, you are considered a month-to-month tenant. At... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Michigan on
Q: In Michigan, I own my trailer but rent the lot. I allowed someone to move in with me, but didn't inform the park.

They are not added to lease. No agreement of payment.

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jun 15, 2024

In Michigan, if you own your trailer but rent the lot, your lease agreement with the park likely has specific terms about occupancy. Allowing someone to move in without notifying the park could be a violation of your lease. It's important to review your lease agreement to understand the rules... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant, Probate and Estate Planning for Michigan on
Q: Can someone take my role of personal representative over an estate from me just because there mad that I am evictingthem
Brent T. Geers
Brent T. Geers
answered on Jun 12, 2024

They could try, but they would need to fall within the priority list of people who can serve as a personal representative - generally meaning they would need to be more closely related to the deceased person. AND they would need to convince the probate court judge that you are not performing your... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Michigan on
Q: Can a renter pursue a quiet title action under MCL 600.2932?

Under that MCL, "Any person, whether he is in possession of the land in question or not, who claims any right in, title to, equitable title to, interest in, or right to possession of land" may seek such an action. Does a renter, through a lease, meet that criteria? Specifically, the... View More

Brent T. Geers
Brent T. Geers
answered on May 13, 2024

The better course of action would be for you to hire a lawyer on your parents' behalf if you are financially able to do so. No sense muddling the waters - while I think your reading of the statute is correct, I'd anticipate opposing counsel raising it as an issue for attack, which will... View More

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Michigan on
Q: Can a landlord talk to a friend that called him w/o your permission or even knowledge and discuss your financial situati
Brent T. Geers
Brent T. Geers
answered on May 9, 2024

They can do so legally. Probably not a wise business or professional practice.

Justia Ask A Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask A Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between Justia and you, or between any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions and you, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask A Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.