Tenant Contesting Security Deposit Return

[Maggie Bonetti]

My husband and I purchased a duplex in Grand Rapids, MI in July and took over August 1. We recently had the last of the tenants move out, and after sending them a security deposit return, they have decided to contest it. 

An interesting piece, that may/may not be relevant is that the tenant that is contesting the claim was not the one that was sent the security deposit return. Both tenants stated that the female roommate was the only one that had paid into the deposit, and that she is the one that should receive the return. I am wondering if the male roommate has any place to contest the return when he wasn't the one receiving it.

Has anyone gone through this, and what should my next steps be. I have time sheets and photographic evidence to prove my claims and charges, so I am not worried about supporting myself... I just need to know what to do next. 

[Maggie Bonetti]

@Jim D. Unfortunately I do not have that information, but the tenants lived in the unit for 5 years. Fortunately, they aren't contesting any damages, but instead bags of trash that were left behind. The previous landlord had an amendment in their lease that stated a $50 charge per bag of trash left behind. Also written into their lease was a cleaning fee of $25 per hour. Those items, along with some unpaid utilities, is where the majority of the deposit went to. 

@Jim Adrian It doesn't look like the lease says anything about where the deposits should be returned.