Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Michigan

Re: Important Considerations in Leasing A Michigan Home

Some considerations are to make sure that you have (1) the name of the parties you are leasing to in a contract (2) Describe the premises being leased and the term of the lease agreement (3) What is the lease rate, when, how, where and to whom should it be paid (4) What is the use and occupancy that the property is being leased for? (5) If the tenant cannot occupy the premises at the time promised by reason that the property is unavailable for what ever reason what are you as the landlord willing to do for them? (6) Who is responsible for what repairs on the property? (7) If the rent is late is there a late fee? How long do you allow the renters to be late? (8) What happens if a check bounces? Who pays for the bank charges? (9) Who pays the utilities? (10) Is the property furnished or unfurnished? If furnished list the furnishing (e.g. stove, refrigerator) (11) Are pets allowed? (12) What is the security depoist and what will it be applied to if there is damage to the house after the renters leave? (13) Will the keys to the house be returned? (14) If there are two tenants they should probably be joint and serverally liable for the lease and terms of the lease. (15) Who pays if there is damage to tenant's property? (e.g. basement floods and ruins new TV) (16) What happens if the tenant refuses to move once the lease is over? (17) Is the landlord (or their agent) allowed to enter the property at any time to inspect it or repair items? (18) IF tenant fails to pay rent or if they cause a health code violation or damage the property what can the landlord do? (19) What are the tenants rights if the house becomes inhabitable (e.g a fire)? (20) Is the tenant allowed to sublet the property?

Other things you may want to consider:

Have the renters fill out and submit a rental application showing credit worthiness, etc before renting to them and incorporate it into the final lease contract.

you should also supply the tenants with a disclosure of information on Lead-based paint and/or lead-based paint hazards regarding the house. (Most real estate companies have these)

I know there are more than 5 items on this list, and the list is not exhaustive. If you have further questions you can contact me at 734-944-2269