Security Deposit Policy

The Redstone Group

Security Deposit Policy

1. Security Deposit Amount and Purpose

Tenants must pay a security deposit of no more than 1.5 months’ rent, in accordance with Michigan law.

This deposit is held to cover:

  • Unpaid rent
  • Damage beyond ordinary wear and tear
  • Lease violations
  • Cleaning or pest treatment
  • Legal or repair costs due to tenant actions

2. Initial Condition & Move-In Responsibility – 60-Day Notification

Upon move-in, tenants are given a 60-day window to report any existing damages or concerns that might affect their future security deposit.

To protect your interests:

  • All concerns must be submitted in writing (email or paper).
  • This helps avoid future disputes such as, “It was like that when I moved in.” For that to be true, it would mean both The Redstone Group and MSHDA inspectors failed to catch the issue, which is rare.
  • If no written report is submitted within 60 days, it will be presumed that any damage found at move-out was caused during your tenancy.

3. What Counts as Normal Wear and Tear

We understand that time and use affect a home. The following are examples of acceptable wear and tear:

  • Faded paint or small nail holes
  • Minor scuffs on walls
  • Worn carpet from use
  • Routine smoke detector battery changes

Not considered normal wear:

  • Holes, broken fixtures, cracked windows
  • Removed smoke detectors or missing batteries
  • Strong odors from pets or smoking
  • Excessive dirt, grease, or mildew

4. No Pets Allowed

Our properties have a strict no-pet policy.

If pets are discovered in the unit:

  • A minimum $500 deduction will apply for odor remediation and cleaning
  • If dog odor or urine is embedded in floors or walls, full forfeiture of the deposit is likely
  • Unauthorized pets may also result in lease termination

5. Smoke Detectors

Tampering with, removing, or failing to maintain smoke detectors is:

  • A violation of state law
  • Grounds for full deposit forfeiture
  • A possible basis for lease termination
  • It may also cause failure of your Section 8 inspection

6. Screens and Fixtures

Damaged or missing window screens are one of the most common causes of security deposit loss. Tenants are responsible for:

  • Maintaining screens, blinds, curtain rods, and light fixtures
  • Reporting damaged items promptly

7. Cleaning Expectations

At move-out, the property must be:

  • Fully emptied of all personal items and garbage
  • Cleaned to a professional standard (bathroom, appliances, floors, etc.)

Failure to clean will result in a minimum $150 deduction, with higher deductions depending on severity.

8. MSHDA & Section 8 Compliance

All units are inspected and approved by Section 8 and MSHDA. It is the tenant’s duty to:

  • Maintain HQS standards
  • Avoid damage that would trigger an inspection failure
  • Cooperate with inspections and repairs

Non-compliance can result in deductions and/or eviction.

9. Final Inspections and Disputes

Tenants are encouraged to attend the final move-out inspection. A written itemized list of deductions will be mailed within 30 days, as required by Michigan law. Tenants have 7 days to submit a written dispute if they disagree.