If you're hiring a mover for a job that stays in Michigan, look the company up in the MSP CVED CAP search before you put down a deposit. In-state household goods movers need CVED authority. A USDOT number or a logo on a truck is not the same thing.

Why a USDOT number is not enough

Many trucks on Michigan roads have a USDOT number because federal rules require it for certain commercial vehicles. That number tells you the company is in the federal motor carrier system. It does not, by itself, mean the company is authorized to move household goods from Grand Rapids to Ann Arbor, or across Detroit.

CVED tells consumers to use its public search to confirm that a household goods mover has Michigan authority. The lookup is at the CAP search site, and you can also call CVED at 517-284-3250, option 4, then option 1, if you need help reading a result.

When you search, match the legal name on the estimate with the name in the database. A company that advertises under a nickname may be listed under a different corporate name. If you can't find it, don't hire it and hope. Ask the mover for its Michigan authority details, then verify them yourself.

For a move that crosses a state line, federal household goods rules and an FMCSA registration apply. That's a different check, and it does not replace the Michigan search on a job that never leaves the state.

What to ask before you book

CVED's consumer tips are a good script for the first call:

• Will someone come to the house for an on-site estimate, rather than quoting from a phone list of rooms?
• Will you receive a written estimate, and is it binding or non-binding?
• Will you get a bill of lading before the truck is loaded?
• How is valuation offered, the free 60-cents-per-pound option or a higher-value option at $6 per pound?
• When is payment due, and what forms of payment are accepted? Payment is generally due before unloading.
• Who will actually show up on moving day, the company you hired or a third party?

Get the answers in writing. If the mover is impatient about paperwork, that's a reason to keep shopping.

Also ask whether the job is 40 miles or less, or more than 40 miles. Michigan treats those two kinds of moves differently, including how rates may be set. The estimate should be clear about the mileage and the pricing method.

What if something already looks wrong?

Be careful if a mover:

• Won't give a physical business address or a name you can look up.
• Asks for a large cash deposit before any written estimate.
• Claims a USDOT number is "all the license you need in Michigan."
• Wants you to sign a blank or incomplete estimate.
• Offers a price that is far below every other written quote, then talks about extra fees later.

If you've already had a problem, CVED is the state contact for in-state household goods moves. Keep the estimate, the bill of lading, photos of damaged items, and a log of calls. Those documents are what a complaint or a claim will rest on.

Hiring a licensed, authorized mover does not guarantee a perfect day, but it does mean you're dealing with a company the state can hold to its household goods rules.

If two companies look similar in the search, compare their written estimates, not only the authority listing. Authority means the company is allowed to do the work. It does not tell you how carefully the crew packs, or how quickly it answers a claim.

For a move that's part of a home closing, share the closing date and any condo elevator reservation with the estimator. A missed building window can cost more than a slightly higher hourly rate. Confirm whether the quote includes travel time, packing materials, and a second trip if the first truck fills up.

If you're moving yourself with a rented truck, these CVED household-goods rules generally don't apply in the same way, because you are not hiring a household goods carrier. Once you hire a company to load and haul your furniture for pay, the authority check matters again.

FAQ

How do I check whether a Michigan mover is authorized?

Use the MSP CVED CAP search and match the company name to the listing. You can also call CVED at 517-284-3250, option 4, then option 1.

Is a USDOT number proof of Michigan authority?

No. A USDOT number is a federal identifier. In-state household goods movers still need Michigan CVED authority.

Should I get an on-site estimate?

Yes. CVED tells consumers to have the mover inspect the goods on site and to get a written estimate and a bill of lading before loading.

What if my move crosses a state line?

Federal household goods rules apply, and you should verify the company in the FMCSA system as well. Don't use an in-state-only check for an interstate job, and don't skip the Michigan check for a job that stays in-state.

Next step

Before you hire an in-state mover, talk with a licensed local agent if the move is tied to a home sale, and look the company up in the CVED CAP search yourself. Ask for a written, on-site estimate and a clear explanation of mileage, valuation, and payment terms.

Sources: MSP CVED, key tips to protecting your household goods move; MSP CVED CAP search; MSP CVED, household goods movers.

A household move that crosses a Michigan state line is an interstate move under FMCSA rules, not only Michigan's in-state CVED rules. The company must have federal household goods authority. You should get a written estimate, the federal rights pamphlet, and a bill of lading before loading.

How is an interstate move different from an in-state Michigan move?

If the job stays inside Michigan, you check CVED authority and follow Michigan's 40-mile, valuation, and 30-day claim rules. If the truck is going to Ohio, Illinois, or any other state, the move is interstate even if you only hired the company in Detroit or Ann Arbor.

For interstate household goods moves, you should:

• Look up the company in FMCSA's public systems, including the company name, USDOT number, and whether it has household goods authority, not just a motor-carrier registration.
• Be wary of a broker that sells you a move and then assigns an unknown carrier at the last minute. Get the actual carrier's name and USDOT number in writing.
• Use Protect Your Move resources at Move.GSA.gov or the FMCSA consumer pages, and the national complaint process if something goes wrong.

A Michigan CAP search is still useful if the same company also does in-state work, but it is not the federal authority check. Do both when the paperwork is unclear, and do the FMCSA check whenever a state line will be crossed.

What paperwork should you have before loading?

Federal household goods rules require a written estimate. Ask whether it is binding, non-binding, or a not-to-exceed figure, and get it after a physical survey of the goods whenever possible. A phone quote that "looks about right" is a common source of moving-day disputes.

You should also receive the federal rights-and-responsibilities pamphlet, sometimes titled "Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move." Read the sections on estimates, pickup and delivery dates, valuation, and claims before you sign. The pamphlet is not decorative. It describes rights you can actually use.

The bill of lading is the contract. It should name the carrier, the origin and destination, the estimated charges, the valuation option, and the agreed dates. Don't sign a blank bill of lading. If dates are "windows," get those windows in writing, especially when a closing or a lease start depends on them.

On many non-binding interstate estimates, a 110% rule also limits how much you can be required to pay at delivery to get your goods unloaded, with any remaining balance billed later. Ask the carrier to confirm how that rule applies to your shipment.

How should you handle valuation and claims?

Interstate valuation is not identical to Michigan's in-state 60-cents or $6-per-pound menu. Federal rules offer a full-value option and a released-value option, and the details should be on the bill of lading. Choose the option before loading, and list high-value items as the paperwork requires.

Photograph your goods, carry jewelry and important papers yourself, and note exceptions at delivery. File claims in writing with the interstate carrier, using the address and the time limit in the bill of lading and the federal pamphlet. Do not assume Michigan's 30-day in-state deadline applies to a move that crossed a state line, and don't assume a longer period applies to an in-state job.

If a carrier holds your goods hostage for extra cash beyond the lawful delivery amount, that's a serious red flag. Document it, call the FMCSA complaint line, and, if you feel unsafe, contact local law enforcement.

Delivery windows can slip during a busy summer season. Build a few days of flexibility around a closing or a lease start, or budget for a short hotel stay and a "first night" box you keep with you. If the carrier is late, follow the bill of lading and the pamphlet for notice and claims related to delay, and keep receipts.

Ask whether your goods will be on a dedicated truck or mixed with other shipments. A shared load can be cheaper, but it can also mean more stops and a wider delivery spread. Get that in writing if timing matters.

Keep the estimator's name, the USDOT number, and the complaint contacts in the same folder as the estimate. If a different truck and crew arrive, check the name on the side of the truck against the bill of lading before you let loading begin.

FAQ

Is a move from Chicago to Grand Rapids an in-state Michigan move?

No. Crossing a state line makes it an interstate household goods move under FMCSA rules, even if you hired the company in Michigan.

How do I check an interstate mover?

Look up the company name and USDOT number in FMCSA's public tools and confirm household goods authority. Get the actual carrier's name, not only a broker's name.

Do I still need a written estimate and a bill of lading?

Yes. You should have a written estimate, the federal rights pamphlet, and a bill of lading before loading.

Does Michigan's 30-day claim deadline apply to an interstate move?

Don't assume it does. Use the claim process and time limit in the bill of lading and the federal pamphlet for an interstate shipment.

Next step

If you're moving to or from Michigan across a state line, talk with a licensed local agent about the timing around a home closing, and verify the carrier's FMCSA household goods authority yourself. Get a written estimate, read the federal rights pamphlet, and choose your valuation before the truck is loaded.

Sources: FMCSA, protect your move; FMCSA company snapshot search; ProtectYourMove, consumer tools.

Michigan treats in-state household moves of 40 miles or less differently from longer jobs. Short moves may be hourly and are not rate-regulated. Moves over 40 miles are regulated, usually by weight and mileage. On a non-binding estimate, you generally can't be made to pay more than 110% to unload.

What changes at 40 miles?

CVED's consumer guidance draws a clear line. For a household goods move of 40 miles or less, rates are not regulated. Hourly pricing is common, and the rate is negotiable. That does not mean the mover can skip a written estimate or a bill of lading. It means the state is not setting the hourly figure.

For a move of more than 40 miles, the job is regulated. Pricing is generally based on the weight of the shipment and the mileage, plus any add-on services you agree to, such as packing, stairs, or long carries. The estimate should show how those pieces add up.

Measure the distance the way the mover will, usually from origin to destination along the route used for the job, and get that mileage in the estimate. A "39-mile" quote that is actually 45 miles can change the pricing method. If you're close to the line, ask the company to confirm the mileage in writing.

The 40-mile rule is about in-state household goods moves under Michigan authority. An interstate move is under federal rules, even if the first 30 miles are in Michigan.

Binding, non-binding, and the 110% rule

Ask which kind of estimate you're getting.

• A binding estimate is a guaranteed price for the services listed, as long as the inventory and the access conditions don't change. If you add a piano or a third-floor walk-up on moving day, the price can change because the job changed.
• A non-binding estimate is the mover's good-faith guess, often based on weight for a long move. The final price can be higher or lower once the shipment is weighed and the extras are tallied.

On a non-binding estimate, Michigan consumers are generally protected by a 110% rule: you shouldn't have to pay more than 110% of the estimated charges to have your goods unloaded. If the final bill is higher, the balance is handled after delivery under the mover's and the state's rules. Ask the company, in writing, how that reconciliation works before you book.

Don't sign a blank estimate, and don't accept a phone quote as a substitute for a written one. If the mover never came to the house, the estimate is more likely to be wrong, and moving day is a stressful time to argue about a missing storage shed or a basement full of boxes.

What should be on the paperwork?

Before the truck is loaded, you should have:

• A written estimate that states whether it is binding or non-binding, the mileage, and the services included.
• A bill of lading, which is the contract for the move.
• An inventory of the goods, especially on a longer or stored shipment.
• Valuation charges, if you chose more than the free minimum.
• The payment method and the amount due before unloading.

Walk through the estimate line by line. Packing cartons, wardrobe boxes, bulky-article fees, and "shuttle" charges for a truck that can't park at the door are common add-ons. If you don't want those services, say so before packing starts.

Payment is typically due before the crew unloads. Plan the form of payment the estimate requires, such as a credit card or a certified check, so you're not surprised in the driveway.

On a long move, ask whether the shipment will be weighed on a certified scale, and whether you or your representative may watch. Weight is the foundation of a regulated-rate bill, so a scale ticket should not be a mystery.

If the origin or destination has tight parking, ask about a shuttle or a long carry before moving day, and get the fee in the estimate. Those conditions are obvious at an on-site walk-through and easy to miss on a phone quote.

Keep a copy of every revised estimate. If you later drop a piano or add a storage unit, the 110% figure should be based on the estimate that actually describes the job, not an outdated first draft.

FAQ

Are hourly moves legal in Michigan?

Yes, on in-state household moves of 40 miles or less, rates are not regulated and hourly pricing is common. You should still get a written estimate and a bill of lading.

How are moves over 40 miles priced?

Those jobs are regulated and are usually priced by weight and mileage, plus agreed extras. The estimate should show the method clearly.

What is the 110% rule?

On a non-binding estimate, you generally cannot be required to pay more than 110% of the estimated charges in order to get your goods unloaded. Ask the mover how any remaining balance is billed after delivery.

Can the price change if I add items on moving day?

Yes. If the inventory or the access conditions change, the estimate no longer describes the same job. Stick to the list you gave the estimator, or accept a written change before the crew proceeds.

Next step

Before you book an in-state Michigan move, talk with a licensed local agent if the move is part of a home purchase, and get a written estimate that states the mileage, the pricing method, and whether the quote is binding or non-binding. Ask how the 110% rule would work if the final weight comes in high.

Sources: MSP CVED, key tips to protecting your household goods move; MSP CVED CAP search.

If an in-state Michigan mover damages your goods, you generally have to file a claim in writing within 30 days. The free valuation is 60 cents per pound per article. A higher-value option is often $6 per pound, and you should choose it before the truck is loaded.

What does 60 cents per pound actually pay?

The minimum, no-charge valuation sounds like insurance, but it is only a limited liability figure. If a 50-pound dresser is destroyed, 60 cents per pound is $30, not the cost of a new dresser. A 4-pound lamp might be valued at $2.40.

That's why CVED tells consumers to consider the higher-value option. At $6 per pound, that same 50-pound dresser would be valued at $300. It still may not equal replacement cost for every item, especially antiques, jewelry, or artwork, but it is a large step up from the free minimum.

Ask the mover, in writing:

• What the $6-per-pound option costs.
• Whether you can declare a lump-sum value or must use the per-pound figure.
• Whether high-value items need to be listed separately.
• How deductibles, if any, apply.

If you have a renters or homeowners policy, call that insurer too. Some policies offer limited off-premises coverage, and some don't. A mover's valuation and a homeowners claim are not automatic substitutes for each other.

How do you file a claim in 30 days?

Note damage or missing items on the inventory or bill of lading before the crew leaves, when you can. Then follow up in writing. A photo on your phone or a complaint to a review site is not a claim.

Your written claim should include:

• The move date, the bill of lading number, and the account or estimate number.
• A list of damaged or missing items, with descriptions and, if you have them, weights.
• Photos of the damage and of the items taken before the move, if you have them.
• Estimates or receipts for repair or replacement.
• The valuation option you purchased.

Send it in a way you can prove, and keep a copy. CVED says claims must be in writing and must be filed within 30 days. Don't wait until a couch is repaired or a missing box "maybe shows up." Start the clock on delivery day.

If the mover ignores you or denies the claim without a clear reason, you can contact CVED at 517-284-3250, option 4, then option 1. Have the paperwork ready.

What can you do before moving day to make a claim easier?

• Photograph furniture, electronics, and tightly packed rooms before the crew arrives.
• Carry jewelry, important papers, and small high-value items yourself.
• Don't sign a delivery receipt that says the goods arrived in good condition if you haven't walked through the rooms.
• Mark exceptions on the inventory when you see a gouge, a tear, or a missing carton.
• Save the estimate, the bill of lading, the valuation selection, and every email.

If part of the shipment goes into storage, ask how valuation and claims work for the storage period, and who is responsible when the goods come out. A storage add-on can change the paperwork.

The 30-day deadline is the item people miss. Put a reminder on your calendar for two weeks after delivery so you still have time to inspect boxes you haven't opened yet and still file on time.

Open a few boxes the first evening, especially those with dishes, pictures, and electronics, even if you're tired. Hidden breakage is still breakage, and the 30-day clock does not pause because you haven't unpacked.

If a claim is paid, ask how the check was calculated and whether the item was treated as a total loss or a repair. If you disagree, respond in writing and attach any new estimate. Keep the damaged item until the claim is closed, unless the mover tells you in writing that it will take the piece for inspection.

For an interstate move, federal claim rules and timelines apply, and they are not identical to Michigan's 30-day in-state deadline. Use the rules that match the job, and get the claim-filing address and deadline in writing on the bill of lading so you are not guessing after delivery. A short note in your moving folder with that address will save time if you later need to file.

FAQ

How long do I have to file a Michigan in-state mover claim?

Generally 30 days, and the claim must be in writing. Don't rely on a phone call or a photo text as the official claim.

What is the free valuation?

60 cents per pound per article. That can be far below replacement cost, which is why a higher-value option is worth pricing.

What is the higher-value option in Michigan?

CVED describes a premium valuation of $6 per pound. Ask the mover for the cost and the exact terms before you sign the bill of lading.

What if the mover doesn't respond?

Follow up in writing, keep your proof of delivery of the claim, and call CVED at 517-284-3250, option 4, then option 1.

Next step

Before your Michigan move, talk with a licensed local agent if the move is part of a home sale, and ask the mover in writing about valuation and the 30-day claim deadline. Photograph your goods, carry the irreplaceable items yourself, and file any claim in writing as soon as you see a problem.

Sources: MSP CVED, key tips to protecting your household goods move; MSP CVED CAP search.

Michigan does not give new residents a grace period to visit a Secretary of State office. Once you establish residency, apply for a license or ID and title and register your vehicles right away. You'll need proof of Michigan no-fault insurance, and you should go in as soon as your residency documents are ready.

When are you a resident, and what happens first?

The Secretary of State tells new residents there is no grace period. The trigger is establishing residency, not a fixed number of days after you cross the state line. Once you have the documents that show you live in Michigan, schedule a branch visit and don't wait.

Until those residency documents are established, you may use a valid out-of-state license. That interim use is not a months-long pass to keep the old plates after you've moved in, started a job, and set up a household. When you can show residency, go to a branch.

Typical first-week tasks, in order, look like this:

• Arrange Michigan no-fault auto insurance on any vehicle you'll title or register. A policy from your old state is not a substitute once the vehicle is a Michigan vehicle.
• Gather identity, Social Security, and residency documents on the Secretary of State's current list.
• Make a branch appointment if your local office uses them, and go in for a license or ID, plus title and registration.

Most people converting a valid out-of-state license do not take a written knowledge test. You should expect a vision screening and a new photo. If your license is expired, suspended, or from a jurisdiction the branch can't convert in the usual way, ask before you go so you bring the right papers.

How do title and registration work if a lender has the title?

If you own the car outright and have the out-of-state title in hand, you can usually title and register it at the same visit, with proof of Michigan no-fault insurance, the title, and identification.

If a lienholder is holding the title, you may not be able to complete a full title transfer that day. The Secretary of State describes a Foreign Ownership-Registration Only process in that situation, so you can register the vehicle in Michigan while the title paperwork is completed with the lienholder. Ask the branch, and call your lender as soon as you have a Michigan address, because some lenders need a written request and time to send the title.

Plates and registration stickers from your old state should not stay on the car once the Michigan registration is issued. Return or surrender them as the branch instructs.

If you have more than one vehicle, including a trailer or a motorcycle, make a list before you go. Each one has its own title and insurance needs.

What else should you bring to the branch?

Requirements are updated, so use the current Secretary of State document list, not a blog post from the year you last moved. In general, plan to bring:

• Proof of identity and lawful status, and your Social Security number as required.
• Two proofs of Michigan residency, if that's what the current list asks for, such as a lease, a utility bill, or a bank statement with your Michigan address.
• Your current out-of-state license or ID, and any court or name-change documents.
• Vehicle titles or lienholder information, odometer readings, and the insurance certificate from a Michigan no-fault insurer.

Michigan does not currently run a statewide vehicle emissions inspection program, so don't plan your visit around an emissions test that isn't required. The branch still needs current insurance and title documents.

If the branch turns you away for a missing paper, ask exactly what's missing and whether you can complete part of the transaction, such as the license, while you wait on a title from a lender.

If you also need to vote or to update a professional license, the Secretary of State visit does not complete those tasks by itself, but a Michigan license or ID and a current address will be useful. Change your address with banks, insurers, and your former state motor-vehicle agency so renewal notices don't keep going to an empty house.

Military members and some students can have different residency and licensing rules. If that's your situation, read the Secretary of State's military or student pages, or ask at the branch, before you surrender an out-of-state license you still need.

Keep the new insurance declarations page and the branch receipt in the glove box until the new registration and title arrive. If you're pulled over in the first week, you'll want those papers handy.

FAQ

How many days do I have after I move to get a Michigan license?

The Secretary of State does not give a grace period. Once you establish residency, you should apply immediately for a license or ID and for vehicle title and registration.

Can I keep driving on my old license for a while?

You may use a valid out-of-state license until your residency documents are established. After that, visit a branch right away. Don't treat the interim period as a long delay.

Do I need Michigan auto insurance first?

Yes. You need proof of Michigan no-fault insurance to title and register a vehicle. Arrange the policy before the branch visit.

What if the bank has my title?

Ask about Foreign Ownership-Registration Only, and contact the lienholder so the title can be sent or transferred. You may be able to register while that paperwork is completed.

Next step

As soon as you've established residency, talk with a licensed local insurance agent about a Michigan no-fault policy, then book a Secretary of State visit for your license or ID and your vehicle title and registration. Bring the current document list, not a guessed set of papers.

Sources: Michigan Secretary of State, new Michigan residents; Michigan Secretary of State, changing your out-of-state license; Michigan.gov/AutoInsurance.

Michigan landlords generally may not take a security deposit larger than 1½ months' rent. Return one of the two move-in inventory checklists within 7 days. After you leave, the landlord must send an itemized damage list within 30 days or return the full deposit.

How large can the deposit be?

MCL 554.602 caps a security deposit at 1½ months' rent. A larger "deposit" by another name is still subject to the cap if it is being held as security. If a landlord asks for two months plus last month's rent plus a deposit, do the math before you pay, and ask which payments are prepaid rent and which are a security deposit.

Get a receipt and keep a record of how you paid. If the rent changes later, the lawful deposit ceiling can change with it. The statute, not a verbal side deal, is what controls the maximum.

The deposit is your money, held as security. It is not an automatic repair fund the landlord can spend without following the notice rules.

What are the inventory checklists, and why is 7 days important?

Michigan's landlord-tenant law requires two identical commencement inventory checklists at the start of the tenancy, one for you and one for the landlord. You use them to record the condition of the unit when you move in. Return one signed copy to the landlord within 7 days.

Walk every room, including appliances, walls, carpets, blinds, and the garage or basement if they're part of the rental. Take photos and, if you can, a short video with the date. Note stains, holes, and missing parts on the checklist, not only in a text message. The 7-day return is how you preserve a record of the unit's starting condition.

If you don't return the checklist, you make it harder later to show that a mark on the wall was already there. If the landlord never provides the two copies, keep written proof that you asked for them, and still document the unit yourself on day one.

At move-out, do a similar walk-through. Clean the unit, take photos, and, if possible, return the keys in a way you can prove. Forwarding your mail matters too, because the 30-day damage notice has to reach you.

What happens in the 30 days after you leave?

After you move out, the landlord must send a written, itemized list of damages, with the amounts claimed, within 30 days. You then have 7 days to respond, by ordinary mail, if you dispute those charges.

If the landlord misses the 30-day deadline, the law treats that as an agreement that no damages are due, and the full deposit must be returned. That's why a calendar reminder helps. If 30 days pass with no itemized notice and no check, follow up in writing and be prepared to use the small-claims process if the money isn't returned.

Ordinary wear and tear is not the same as damage. A nail hole, gentle carpet wear, or faded paint is often wear. A broken window, a large stain, or an unreturned key can be a lawful deduction if it is itemized and documented. You don't have to accept a vague "cleaning and repairs" line with no detail.

The official Tenant and Landlord booklet from the Michigan Legislature and the Attorney General's office is the plain-language guide to these timelines. Use that booklet if a lease clause seems to shorten the landlord's 30-day duty or to waive the checklist.

If you share a unit with roommates, decide in writing who will receive the deposit notice and how a refund will be split. Landlords often issue one check. A messy roommate breakup is a poor reason to miss the 7-day response window on an itemized list.

Some landlords also collect a nonrefundable pet fee or a key fee. Ask, before you sign, whether that money is part of the security deposit or a separate charge, and get the answer in the lease. If it's really a deposit, it still counts toward the 1½-month cap.

Store the signed checklist, photos, lease, and deposit receipt together. You'll need them months later, when the details of a small stain are no longer fresh.

FAQ

How much can a Michigan landlord take as a security deposit?

Generally no more than 1½ months' rent, under MCL 554.602.

When do I have to return the move-in checklist?

Within 7 days. You should have received two identical commencement inventory checklists at the start of the tenancy.

How long does the landlord have to itemize damages after I move out?

30 days. You then have 7 days to respond by ordinary mail if you dispute the charges. If the landlord misses the 30-day notice, the full deposit must be returned.

Can a lease take away these deadlines?

Don't assume a lease clause can wipe out the statutory notice rules. Read the official booklet and, if a large deposit is at stake, talk with a lawyer or a tenant clinic.

Next step

Before you move into or out of a Michigan rental, talk with a licensed local agent if the move is tied to a home purchase, and put the 7-day checklist and 30-day deposit deadlines on your calendar. Take photos, return one inventory checklist on time, and keep a forwarding address for the itemized notice.

Sources: MCL 554.602, security deposit maximum; MCL 554.609, notice of damages; Michigan Legislature, official Tenant and Landlord booklet (PDF).