Mich. Comp. Laws § § 554.132
Rent; assumpsit for recovery.
Operative Text
Sec. 32. Such rent may be recovered in an action of debt or assumpsit, and the deed of demise, or other instrument in writing, if there be any showing the provisions of the lease, may be used in evidence by either party to prove the amount due from the defendant.
Under MCL § 554.132, Michigan law provides that unpaid rent can be pursued through a civil lawsuit—specifically through a legal action known as debt or assumpsit. Any written lease or deed of demise may be introduced as evidence by either the landlord or the tenant to establish what amount, if any, is actually owed. The provision essentially confirms that written rental agreements carry evidentiary weight in court proceedings over disputed rent amounts.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under MCL § 554.132, landlords seeking to recover unpaid rent have a recognized legal avenue through a civil action in debt or assumpsit. Operators who maintain clear, written lease agreements are generally better positioned to present documentary evidence of the rental terms and amounts owed. Keeping thorough records of the lease and any payment history supports the evidentiary foundation that this provision contemplates.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
MCL § 554.132 makes clear that the same written lease a landlord might use to claim rent owed can also be introduced by a tenant to contest or clarify the amount being sought. Tenants who believe a claimed rent amount is inaccurate may find that the lease itself is a key piece of evidence in any court proceeding. Consulting a tenant-rights organization or legal aid office can help tenants understand how this evidentiary right applies in a dispute over unpaid rent.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 13, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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