How to Screen Tenants in Michigan: A Landlord’s Step-by-Step Guide

If you own a rental property in Michigan—whether it’s a cozy duplex in Grand Rapids, a downtown apartment in Detroit, or a student rental in Ann Arbor—you already know that finding a tenant is only half the battle. The real challenge? Finding the right tenant who will respect your property, pay rent on time, and stick around through Michigan’s snowy winters and busy summers.

Right now, tenant screening in Michigan matters more than ever. With the state’s low rental vacancy rate in cities like Lansing and Traverse City, landlords have more applicants to choose from—but that also means more chances to make a costly mistake. One bad tenant can lead to unpaid rent, property damage, and lengthy eviction proceedings.

In this guide, we’ll walk you step-by-step through how to screen tenants in Michigan, using real local examples, seasonal considerations, and state-specific landlord-tenant laws. By the end, you’ll have a clear, Michigan-tailored strategy for choosing reliable tenants.

Understand Michigan’s Tenant Screening Laws
Create a Clear Rental Application
Run Credit & Background Checks
Verify Employment & Income
Check Rental History & References
Consider Seasonal Factors
Local Resources for Michigan Landlords
Tips & Warnings
Conclusion
FAQs

1. Understand Michigan’s Tenant Screening Laws

Before you even start screening, it’s crucial to know what Michigan law allows—and forbids. The Michigan Truth in Renting Act sets guidelines for rental agreements, and federal Fair Housing laws apply across the state.

You cannot discriminate based on race, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or familial status.
In Ann Arbor and Detroit, additional protections exist for sexual orientation, gender identity, and source of income.
Michigan allows landlords to charge an application fee, but it should cover actual screening costs.

Pro Tip: Keep a printed copy of the Michigan Landlord-Tenant Handbook handy (Michigan.gov) so you can reference it when creating policies.

2. Create a Clear Rental Application

A strong rental application sets the tone for your screening process.

Include:

Full name, date of birth, and contact info
Employment details (company, position, salary)
Rental history (past addresses, landlord contacts)
Consent for background and credit checks

Michigan-specific advice: In college towns like East Lansing, clarify your lease renewal policy early—many students sign months in advance for the next school year.

(Use here an image of a Michigan rental application form)

3. Run Credit & Background Checks

A tenant’s credit history tells you how they handle financial obligations. In Michigan:

Use services like TransUnion SmartMove or RentPrep to run checks.
Look for a credit score above 600 for standard rentals.
Check for bankruptcies, evictions, or large unpaid debts in Michigan’s public court records.

For background checks, Michigan’s Internet Criminal History Access Tool (ICHAT) is a great resource for searching state criminal records.

(Use here an image of a landlord reviewing a credit report)

4. Verify Employment & Income

Michigan winters can be long, and tenants need stable income to cover utilities and rent year-round.

Ask for two recent pay stubs or a letter from their employer.
In seasonal tourist areas like Traverse City, confirm if the applicant’s job is year-round or seasonal.
Use a standard income rule: rent should be no more than 30% of gross monthly income.

Example: If a tenant works at General Motors in Lansing, confirm their position is permanent and not a short-term contract.

5. Check Rental History & References

A tenant’s past rental behavior often predicts future habits.

Call previous landlords in Michigan—ask about payment history, property care, and lease violations.
Be cautious if they have multiple short-term rentals in cities like Detroit, unless it’s due to legitimate reasons like job changes.

Red flag: If they refuse to provide landlord contact info or if the only “landlord” reference is a friend.

6. Consider Seasonal Factors

Michigan’s climate can directly affect tenant behavior and property upkeep.

Winter (Nov–March): Tenants need to handle snow removal and prevent frozen pipes. Confirm they understand responsibilities.
Summer (June–Aug): Higher turnover, especially in student-heavy cities like Ann Arbor and Kalamazoo. Plan for quick re-listings.
Tourist areas: In Traverse City or Holland, some landlords prefer seasonal tenants at higher rates, but this means more frequent screenings.

(Use here an image of Michigan winter snow in front of a rental home)

7. Local Resources for Michigan Landlords

Here are some useful programs and tools:

MI Home Loan Program (Michigan.gov) – Helps tenants become future homeowners.
MSHDA Housing Choice Voucher Program – Assists low-income renters.
Detroit Down Payment Assistance Program – Can make renters more financially stable.
Michigan ICHAT – Criminal background checks.
Local landlord associations – e.g., Rental Property Owners Association of Kent County in Grand Rapids.

8. Tips & Warnings

Do:

Keep screening criteria consistent to avoid discrimination claims.
Document everything—emails, calls, applications.
Follow up quickly to secure top candidates.

Don’t:

Skip background checks, even for “friendly” applicants.
Accept partial or incomplete applications.
Ignore local ordinances—Detroit has strict rental certification rules.

9. Conclusion

Tenant screening in Michigan isn’t just about checking credit scores—it’s about understanding local laws, market conditions, and seasonal patterns. By using the steps above, you can protect your investment, reduce turnover, and create long-term rental success.

At Brick By Brick Investments, we help Michigan landlords every step of the way—from finding the right tenants to maximizing rental income. Contact us today to learn how we can simplify your property management.

10. FAQs

Q1: Can I reject a tenant in Michigan for having pets?
A: Yes, unless it’s a service animal or emotional support animal, which must be accommodated by law.

Q2: What’s the average application fee in Michigan?
A: $25–$50 is common, but it should only cover actual screening costs.

Q3: How do I handle tenants with seasonal jobs in Michigan?
A: Ask for proof of off-season income or savings to ensure year-round rent coverage.

Q4: Is a cosigner allowed in Michigan rentals?
A: Yes, many landlords accept cosigners, especially for students in Ann Arbor or East Lansing.

Q5: Can I check out-of-state criminal records?
A: Yes, but you’ll need a national background check service, not just Michigan’s ICHAT.

Q6: Should I require renters insurance?
A: Absolutely—especially during Michigan winters when frozen pipes or snow damage is a risk.

Q7: How long does tenant screening usually take in Michigan?
A: 2–5 business days, depending on how quickly employers and landlords respond.

Q8: Can I screen tenants before my property is certified in Detroit?
A: No, Detroit requires rental certification before leasing.

Q9: Do I have to provide a reason for rejecting an applicant?
A: Yes, if it’s based on credit report information (per the Fair Credit Reporting Act).

Q10: Is verbal rental agreement valid in Michigan?
A: For leases under one year, yes—but always use a written lease for protection.