Michigan Legal Aid

Sample Letter: Withholding Rent

Use this as a guide to creating a letter of notice to withhold rent.

(DATE)

Dear (Landlord's Name),

I am writing to advise you that because you have not made the necessary repairs (which I requested in writing two weeks ago and spoke with you about prior to that), you have left me no choice but to withhold my rent.

I have opened a separate savings account at (name of bank or other financial institution), into which I will deposit my rent money for this month and all upcoming months until all of the repairs have been made.

I have also contacted the city's Housing Inspection Bureau and requested an inspection.  I hope that this matter can be settled easily and quickly.

Sincerely,

(Name of Tenant)

For more information on writing sample letters to resolve problems with your landlord you can view other articles on this site: Sample Letter 2: Demanding Repairs, Sample Letter 3: Demanding Return of Security Deposit, Sample Letter 4: Disputing A Late Fee, Sample Letter 5: Disputing Deductions From Security Deposit, and Sample Letter 6: Negotiating A Rent Reduction as Compensation. 

To learn more about housing rights in Michigan and where to get help:    

Consult the Michigantenants.org website for local housing resources and tenant counseling services. 

Consult the Michiganlegalaid.org website for legal education articles and local service information.

If you received court papers or otherwise need free or low cost legal advice:

• Visit Michiganlegalaid.org and search for local assistance by entering your zip code in the box marked “Find a lawyer, organization or related service to help you with your problem.”

• Contact the Michigan State Bar Lawyer Referral Service at (800) 968- 0738, or

• Persons age 60 or older, regardless of their income, may be able to receive free advice from the Legal Hotline for Michigan Seniors by calling (800) 347-5297.

This article appears courtesy of the Michigan Tenants Counseling Program.