Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Michigan

We've had a Tenant rent one of our rooms for over 18 years. Her monthly rent covered not only rent, but also all utilities (including cable), laundry service, and we prepared 80% of her meals, and provided transportation to and from her medical/dental/vision appointments.

Her family decided to move her into an assisted living residence due to her age. No written or verbal notice was given and she moved the next day.

I do understand the termination rights of a senior citizen or person incapable of independent living ("A Practical Guide for Tenants and Landlords"; Building Division of the Michigan Department of

Consumer and Industry Services) and neither condition comes into play.

Since no written lease was in place and there was no written or verbal notice for her to vacate:

1. How much notice is she required to give to move out?

2. Do we have to refund her the current month's rent?


Asked on 9/17/10, 12:49 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Shelly Schellenberg MI & FL private practice

Generally, a month to month lease requires 30 days notice by either party to terminate. If she was your tenant for 18 years, the right thing to do is to refund her unused rent, as you did not provide any personal services to her after she departed, and you will no doubt easily fill the vacancy.

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Answered on 9/24/10, 11:10 pm


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