Michigan Commercial Lease Review
Michigan’s anti-lockout statute is written for any tenant in possession, not just residential renters, and it says its protections cannot be waived. A commercial landlord who changes the locks or cuts services without a court order risks paying damages for each occurrence. Michigan also has short statutory notices for nonpayment and for ending a tenancy at will. A Michigan review should check the re-entry and notice clauses against both.
Is a commercial lockout legal in Michigan?
Generally not. MCL 600.2918 lets anyone ousted forcibly and unlawfully recover three times actual damages or $200, whichever is greater. A tenant in possession can also recover actual damages or $200 per occurrence for interference such as changing locks without providing keys, boarding up the premises, removing property or cutting essential services. The statute draws no line between homes and businesses, and states that its provisions may not be waived. The main exceptions are court orders, temporary entry for repairs or inspection, and a good-faith belief, after diligent inquiry, that the tenant has abandoned with rent unpaid. If you plan a temporary closure, tell the landlord in writing and keep rent current, so the abandonment exception cannot apply.
What notices apply to a Michigan commercial tenant?
Under MCL 554.134, a landlord may end a tenancy for nonpayment with a written 7-day notice to quit. A tenancy at will or month to month ends on notice equal to the rent interval, so one month for monthly rent, and a year-to-year tenancy ends one year after service of notice. Ask for a cure period in the lease that runs before the landlord can serve a notice to quit. Holdover terms in the lease will usually decide what kind of tenancy you have if you stay on, so read that clause alongside the statute and agree any extension in writing before the term ends.
Michigan sources checked 2026-10-09: MCL 600.2918 · MCL 554.134. Laws change; confirm the current rule before relying on it.
Frequently asked questions
How long do I have to act after a Michigan lockout?
MCL 600.2918 sets time limits: an action to recover possession must be brought within 90 days, and an action for damages within one year. Act quickly, document the lockout and any lost business, and remember that the statute provides for tripled damages after an unlawful forcible ouster.
Can my Michigan lease let the landlord treat the space as abandoned?
The statute’s abandonment exception requires the landlord to believe in good faith, after diligent inquiry, that you will not return and that current rent is unpaid. A lease cannot waive the statute, so a clause defining abandonment loosely should not override that test. If you will be closed for a while, tell the landlord in writing and keep rent current.
Signing a commercial lease in Michigan?
Upload the lease and any guaranty. Every page is read, rent and escalations are totalled over the term, and each risky clause is explained in plain English with what to ask the landlord for.
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General information, not legal advice, and not reviewed by an attorney. Confirm with a Michigan attorney before relying on it.