HOW TO WRITE TO YOUR LANDLORD


Written correspondence can prevent or solve many landlord-tenant problems. Below are suggestions on how to correspond effectively (written in the form of sample letters) to deal with issues that frequently arise for tenants.

In dealing with landlord correspondence, always:

    • Keep a chronological record of all correspondence (including phone calls) with your landlord.
    • Remember that E-mail counts as written correspondence.
    • Save a copy of each letter/e-mail.
    • Send all mail using certified mail from your local post office for additional security. This will provide you with the ability to confirm that your landlord receives the letter.

Sample Letter 1 - Demanding Repairs

How to make a written demand that your landlord make overdue repairs to your rental property.

Sample Letter 2 - Withholding Rent

If you landlord does not make repairs you have demanded in writing, you can withhold rent (by placing it in a savings account) until repairs are done. This is an example of the letter that confirms your intention to do this.

Sample Letter 3 - Negotiating a Rent Reduction as Compensation

If damage has been made to your property, or if you have to live in difficult conditions for an unreasonable period, you can withhold rent based on losses you sustained because of the conditions. This is an example of a letter proposing a rent reduction that compensates a tenant for these difficulties.

Sample Letter 4 - Disputing a Late Fee

If you think a late fee is unreasonably high in relation to the actual damage to your landlord caused by the lateness, you can dispute it by writing a letter like this one.

Sample Letter 5 - Disputing Deductions From Your Security Deposit

The security deposit is your money until proven otherwise. If you believe your landlord has wrongfully taken funds from your security deposit by falsely claiming or exaggerating damage to your property after you move out, you can dispute that action by writing a letter like this one.

Sample Letter 6 - Demanding the Return of Your Security Deposit

If your landlord does not provide you with an itemized damage bill or returned your security deposit within 30 days of the end of your tenancy, you can demand your entire security deposit back by writing a letter like this one.

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:

This article and the sample letters were provided by the Michigan Tenants Counseling Program