State of Michigan Application Fee

[Kim Cooper]

Hello, I am new to all of this and learning.  For those landlords in Michigan - is there a maximum application fee for prospective tenants?  I know some states do, but I am sifting through Michigan law and just not finding anything.  So either there is no law on this or there is common law (or I am just not finding it).  Either way, is there a maximum application fee?  Or are you just allowed to charge what your costs are that you incurred with background checks, credit checks, etc...? Also, what is kind of the average rate for application fees in Michigan?  Thanks in advance!

[Jim S.]

Make sure you read the Michigan Landlord Tenant Practical Guide. As far as I know there is no limit on app. fee. If you use an online service you can pay or you can have your prospective tenant pay. The problem I run into is most of my tenants are young, under 25, some are 19 so they might not have a credit/debit card so they can't pay online. You could collect the funds in person. I pay online $32 per person. I have done all my screening before I get that far.