A landlord who was initially looking to rent out a property downloaded a random contract template from the internet and later realized it lacked maintenance responsibility clauses, which left them feeling anxious. If you are renting out a home for the first time in Grand Rapids, there are five main things to check in order.

The first is preparation before renting. It's advisable to check the functionality of smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors, and to fix any noticeable damage to the wallpaper or flooring in advance. Skipping this step could lead to a negative impression from the very first visit. If there is an outstanding mortgage on the property, you may need to inform the lender about the rental, so don't forget to review the mortgage agreement.

The second is the rental price. According to Zumper data, the average rent in Grand Rapids in July 2026 was $1,600. Studios averaged $1,299, one-bedroom units were around $1,460, and two-bedroom units were about $1,600, while single-family homes had a median price of $2,195, which is higher than apartments. Even within the same city, downtown and suburban areas can vary, so it's best to check Zillow or Rentometer to see how much similar properties are listed for. It's also a good idea to decide at this point whether to set the rental period for one year or on a month-to-month basis. Month-to-month agreements offer flexibility but typically come with slightly higher rent. Neighborhoods with stable school districts tend to attract family tenants, so checking the assigned schools for the property address can be helpful.

The third is advertising. You can post photos and details on Zillow, Zumper, and Facebook Marketplace, but be sure to specify the rental price, security deposit, move-in date, and whether pets are allowed to filter inquiries effectively. Scheduling visits for multiple potential tenants at once can save time, and establishing a principle of reviewing applications in the order they are received can reduce confusion later on.

The fourth is tenant screening. This involves checking credit scores, income verification, and previous rental history, with many landlords looking for income to be at least three times the rent. It's common to collect a small application fee when receiving applications to cover the costs of credit checks and background investigations. Skipping this verification can lead to issues with late rent payments or management problems later on.

The fifth is the lease agreement. You need to document the rental price, payment dates, amount and conditions for the security deposit, lease duration, maintenance responsibilities, and rules regarding pets and smoking. If you allow pets, you should clearly specify whether to charge a separate pet deposit or include it in the security deposit. Instead of using a standard form, it's better to check that the clauses comply with Michigan regulations one by one. Here are some items that are good to include in the contract:

• Rental price, payment method, payment dates, and late fee criteria
• Amount and conditions for the security deposit, and settlement procedures
• Lease duration, renewal options, and early termination conditions
• Maintenance responsibilities and repair request procedures

Finally, there are legal regulations to be aware of. In Michigan, the security deposit cannot exceed 1.5 times the monthly rent, and it must be returned to the tenant within 30 days after they move out, along with a settlement statement. Tenants have 7 days to dispute this statement. If rent is not paid, a 7-day eviction notice must be sent before legal proceedings can begin. It's also good to know that deductions from the security deposit are limited to actual damages, not normal wear and tear. Rental income is reported as a separate item on tax returns, so it's wise to keep receipts for related expenses as well.

If you follow these five steps in order, your first rental experience shouldn't be too difficult. However, keep in mind that specific regulations may vary by county, and this article is intended for general informational purposes, so it's advisable to consult a real estate attorney or property management company before finalizing any agreements.