Living On Your Own

Fair housing protections

A landlord cannot refuse to rent to you or treat you differently because of your identity, disability, marital status, family responsibilities, or source of income.

Rent during the lease

Rent generally can’t be increased during the lease term unless your lease allows it.

Move-in condition

Your landlord must provide a clean, sanitary residence at move-in.

Entry to your unit

In most cases, your landlord cannot enter without your permission. You should allow access for repairs, to show the unit to prospective tenants, and for routine inspections by local city officials.

A lease is a legally binding contract. Read it carefully before you sign (don’t rush!) and make sure you understand your rights and responsibilities.

• Some Ann Arbor leases are “joint and several.” That means each tenant can be held responsible for the full amount of rent and/or damages—not just their share.
• Get all landlord promises (repairs, upgrades, special terms) in writing and signed.

Renter’s insurance can help protect you if your belongings are lost, stolen, or damaged. Some policies also include liability coverage (for example, if a guest is injured).

U‑M does not cover lost, damaged, or stolen personal property in off-campus housing, and the university does not provide liability coverage for injuries to tenants, guests, or visitors related to their actions (or the actions of others) in off-campus housing. Some landlords may also require renter’s insurance before move-in.

U‑M partners with GradGuard™ (Next Generation Insurance Group, LLC). GradGuard is not your only option, but it’s one provider designed with student renters in mind.

Radon is a colorless, odorless, tasteless radioactive gas that comes from the natural breakdown of uranium in soil and rock. Because of local geology, higher radon levels are more common in Washtenaw County. Specifically, basement bedrooms and apartments face the highest risk and should be tested.

Ask your landlord for a copy of the most recent radon test. If they haven’t tested recently, or if the levels were above 4.0 pCi/L or higher, ask what steps they are taking to fix it.

Testing kits and more information (Washtenaw County): https://www.washtenaw.org/1842/Radon

Moving in is more than just unpacking. In Michigan, you have seven days to document your home’s condition—this is your best defense against unfair security deposit charges later.

• Inventory Checklist: Your landlord must provide two copies. Fill one out in detail before you unpack. If you need a checklist, visit the Dean of Students Office.
• Photo Evidence: Take photos/videos of every room, focusing on any pre-existing damage or wear.
• The Return: Return one signed copy to your landlord within 7 days. Tip: Get a signed receipt or send it via certified mail.
• Keep Records: Save your copy of the checklist and all photos until you move out.

In Michigan, the move-out process follows a strict legal timeline. To protect your security deposit and ensure you receive your refund, follow these steps exactly. If your landlord misses a deadline or you disagree with their deductions, Student Legal Services can help.

Within 4 days following move-out: Send your landlord your forwarding address in writing (by mail) and keep a copy.

Within 30 days following move-out: Your landlord should mail:

• an itemized list of damages and repair costs (if any),
• reasons for deductions, and
• a check for any remaining balance.

Within 7 days of receiving the itemized list: If you disagree, respond by mail. Use your inventory checklist and move-in photos/video to document pre-existing issues. If you provided a forwarding address and don’t receive this within 30 days, contact Student Legal Services.

Within 45 days following move-out: If you properly objected and can’t resolve the dispute, the landlord must either return the disputed amount or file a lawsuit to keep it.

Guarantor/co-signer: A third party who agrees to pay if the tenant doesn’t. If you don’t have one, ask the landlord (or Student Legal Services) about options.

Holding deposit: Money paid to reserve a unit. Confirm in writing whether it’s refundable.

Individual lease: You rent a bedroom and share common areas. You’re usually responsible for your own rent, but may still be charged for common-area damages.

Installments: Payments spread across the total lease cost; they may not match the exact number of months you live there.

Joint and several lease: All tenants share responsibility for lease obligations; each tenant may be held responsible individually for the full amount.

Lease assignment (relet/transfer): Your lease is transferred to a new tenant (typically through the property manager), and you generally aren’t responsible after the transfer is complete.

Lease term: Start/end dates of the lease. Near campus, you may see an 11.5‑month term, but payments are often split into 12 equal installments.

Monthly/prorated rent: If your lease starts or ends mid-month, you may see a prorated amount.

Security deposit: Money the landlord holds during the lease term and may use for eligible deductions. (See also “Security deposit timeline” below.)

Sublease: You rent your space to someone else temporarily; the original tenant often remains responsible to the landlord.