🏛️ Courthouse Information and Locations for Michigan
Michigan Eviction Laws: Notice Requirements, Process, and Timelines
Michigan handles evictions through District Court using a Summary Proceedings process. For nonpayment of rent, landlords must provide a 7-day Demand for Possession, giving tenants a week to pay before court proceedings can begin. Lease violations may require a 30-day notice depending on the circumstances. Michigan’s process is moderately landlord-friendly with reasonable court timelines, though Detroit and other urban areas may experience delays. Below you’ll find the key details every Michigan landlord needs to know.
Michigan Eviction Laws
Comprehensive guide to Michigan's eviction process, including notice requirements, timelines, court procedures, costs, tenant protections, and landlord rights. Cases are typically filed in District Court - Summary Proceedings.
⚡ Quick Overview
💰 Nonpayment of Rent
Notice period matches rent payment schedule (7 days for monthly tenants). Use official form DC 100a. After judgment, tenant gets 10 business days to pay judgment amount or move - if paid within 10 days, case over. Consent judgments can be set aside within 3 days if tenant was unrepresented. Corporations/partnerships must have attorney. 24-hour notice for illegal drug activity (with police report).
📋 Lease Violation
30-day Notice to Quit for general lease violations (unauthorized pets, occupants, etc.). 7-day notice for willful/negligent health hazards or extensive property damage - must allow cure if premises restorable. 24-hour unconditional quit for illegal drug activity with police report. Same court forms and processes apply.
📬 Service of Process
Use official Michigan court forms (DC 100a for demand, DC 104 for summons, DC 102a for complaint). Summons must be served at least 3 days before hearing. Detroit requires Certificate of Compliance.
🏛️ Court & Legal Information
36th District Court (Detroit) has significant backlogs. New daily case limits may extend scheduling. Consent judgments and payment plans common. 10-day post-judgment redemption period.
⚖️ Appeals & Post-Judgment
Court officer or sheriff executes Order of Eviction. Landlord must have dumpster at property for belongings (Detroit requirement). Only court officer/sheriff can execute. Illegal for landlord to self-help.
📦 Tenant Property & Abandonment
No specific Michigan statute on abandoned property after eviction. Best practice: inventory, store for reasonable period, notify tenant. Some courts include property instructions in eviction order.
🏦 Security Deposits
Max 1.5 months rent. Must return within 30 days with itemized deductions. Must be held in regulated financial institution. Landlord must provide tenant written notice of deposit institution within 14 days. Penalty for violation: up to 2x deposit amount.
💵 Late Fees
No statutory cap on late fees or grace periods. Left to lease terms. Fee must be reasonable.
🛡️ Tenant Protections
Michigan state law (MCL §123.411) preempts local rent control ordinances. No municipality may enact rent control.
🏙️ Local Overrides & City-Specific Rules
Detroit requires Certificate of Compliance for filing eviction. Detroit 36th District Court has specific procedures and form requirements. Ann Arbor has some additional tenant protections. Check local court rules.
Underground Landlord📝 Michigan Eviction Process (Overview)
- Serve the required notice based on the eviction reason (nonpayment or lease violation).
- Wait for the notice period to expire. If tenant cures the issue (where allowed), the process stops.
- File an eviction case with the District Court - Summary Proceedings. Pay the filing fee (~$45-150).
- Tenant is served with a summons and has the opportunity to respond.
- Attend the court hearing and present your case.
- If you prevail, obtain a writ of possession from the court.
- Law enforcement executes the writ and removes the tenant if necessary.
🏛️ Courthouse Information and Locations for Michigan
📊 Data Confidence
ℹ️ Filing fees are approximate and may change - verify with local court clerk before filing | ℹ️ Eviction timelines are estimates - actual duration varies by county caseload, tenant response, and case complexity
Underground Landlord
Michigan Evictions: Complete Landlord Guide (Updated January 2026)
Disclaimer: General educational information only, not legal advice. Michigan eviction rules can vary by court and county. Consult a qualified Michigan attorney for legal advice on your specific situation.
Overview: How Evictions Work in Michigan
Michigan eviction cases are called Summary Proceedings and are governed by the Summary Proceedings Act (MCL 600.5701 et seq.) and court rules. Cases are filed in District Court where the rental property is located. Michigan provides a relatively efficient eviction process, with hearings typically scheduled within 7-14 days of filing.
Michigan strictly prohibits self-help evictions for tenants. Landlords cannot change locks, shut off utilities, or remove belongings without a court order. Only the sheriff or court officer can execute an eviction after proper court proceedings. Note: Michigan law does allow limited self-help methods against squatters (not tenants), but physical removal must still be done by the sheriff.
Proposed 2025-2026 Michigan Legislation
Several bills have been proposed that could affect Michigan evictions:
- Summary Proceedings Reform: Would require pretrial hearings and allow magistrates to conduct hearings and trials, potentially affecting timelines.
- Tenant Repair Rights (S.B. 19-22): Would allow tenants to withhold rent or perform repairs for critical issues (48 hours for life-threatening hazards, 72 hours for mold/pests) and require 90-day notice for rent increases on renewals.
Check current law before proceeding, as these may have passed or changed.
Michigan Notice Requirements
Michigan does not require grace periods by law, but if one is included in the lease, it must be honored. The type and length of notice depends on the reason for eviction:
Nonpayment of Rent: 7-Day Demand for Possession
For unpaid rent, landlords must serve a 7-Day Demand for Possession (also called “Notice to Quit” or “Demand for Possession for Nonpayment of Rent”). The tenant has 7 days to pay all back rent and late fees. If paid in full within 7 days, the eviction stops. If not, the landlord can file in court.
Lease Violations: 7-Day or 30-Day Notice
For lease violations (unauthorized occupants, pets, property damage, etc.), landlords typically serve a Notice to Quit giving the tenant time to remedy the violation:
- Health or safety hazards: 7-day notice
- Other lease violations: 7 to 30 days depending on severity and lease terms
Illegal Drug Activity: 24-Hour Notice
If the tenant or someone under their supervision engages in illegal drug activity and a police report is filed, landlords can serve a 24-hour unconditional notice to quit. This is an immediate termination with no opportunity to cure.
Month-to-Month Termination: 30-Day Notice
To end a month-to-month tenancy without cause, landlords must provide 30 days’ written notice (or one full rental period, whichever applies). If the tenant doesn’t vacate, the landlord can then file for eviction.
End of Lease Term
If a tenant stays after the lease expires without renewal, a one rental period notice (typically 30 days) is generally required before filing.
How to Serve Notice in Michigan
Michigan law allows several service methods:
- Personal service: Handing the notice directly to the tenant
- Substituted service: Leaving with a family member or responsible adult at the property
- First-class mail: Sending via regular mail (often combined with another method for proof)
- Electronic service: If the tenant has agreed in writing to receive notices electronically
Keep copies of all notices and proof of service—you’ll need them in court.
Michigan Eviction Process Timeline (Step by Step)
Step 1 – Serve the proper notice. Deliver the correct notice based on the reason for eviction (7-day for nonpayment, 7-30 days for violations, 24-hour for drug activity, 30-day for termination).
Step 2 – File the complaint. If the tenant doesn’t comply by the deadline, file a Complaint to Recover Possession of Property (DC 102c) and Summons (DC 104) in District Court. Include:
- Copy of the lease agreement
- Copy of the notice served
- Rent ledger/payment records
- Documentation of violations (photos, communications)
The base filing fee is $45 for possession only. Additional fees apply if claiming monetary damages (unpaid rent), with amounts varying based on the claim.
Step 3 – Service of summons and complaint. The court documents must be served on the tenant at least 3 days before the hearing by a sheriff, deputy, bailiff, court officer, process server, or certified mail. A Return of Service must be filed with the court.
Step 4 – Court hearing. Hearings are typically scheduled within 7-14 days of filing. Both parties appear before the judge. The landlord presents evidence (lease, ledger, notices, proof of service). The tenant may present defenses. Most rulings happen the same day, though some courts take a few extra days.
Step 5 – Judgment. If the landlord proves their case, the court issues a Judgment of Possession. The court may also award a money judgment for unpaid rent.
Step 6 – 10-day period. After judgment, the tenant typically has 10 days to move out voluntarily. During this time, the tenant may also:
- Pay all rent owed plus court costs to stop the eviction (in nonpayment cases)
- File an appeal or motion for new trial (which may delay the writ if a bond is posted)
Step 7 – Writ of Restitution. If the tenant doesn’t vacate within 10 days, the landlord files an Application and Order of Eviction (DC 107) requesting a Writ of Restitution. The fee is $15. The writ must be given to the sheriff’s office within 7 days of issuance.
Step 8 – Sheriff enforcement. The sheriff physically removes the tenant. Only law enforcement can carry out this step.
Tenant Defenses Landlords Should Anticipate
Common defenses in Michigan eviction cases:
- Improper notice: Wrong notice type, insufficient days, or defective service.
- Payment disputes: Tenant claims rent was paid or landlord refused payment.
- Habitability issues: Property was not safe or maintained to code, violating landlord obligations.
- Retaliatory eviction: Eviction filed in response to tenant complaints or legal actions.
- Discrimination: Eviction based on protected class status.
Michigan Eviction Context (Late 2025–January 2026)
Michigan evictions typically take 2 weeks to 2 months from notice to possession, depending on whether the case is contested, court schedules, and other factors. Uncontested cases move faster.
Detroit and urban areas (Wayne County, Oakland County, Genesee County) have historically higher eviction filing rates and may experience longer wait times. The 36th District Court (Detroit) has particularly heavy caseloads. Rural counties often move faster.
Michigan has one of the higher eviction filing rates in the Midwest. Low-income neighborhoods and Black-majority neighborhoods face disproportionately higher eviction rates. Legal aid organizations are active throughout the state, and tenants may seek representation, which can extend timelines.
Best Practices for Michigan Landlords
- Use the correct statutory notice form for the specific violation.
- Keep meticulous rent ledgers that match your bank deposits.
- Document service of all notices carefully—you’ll need proof in court.
- File using Michigan court forms (DC 102c, DC 104, DC 107, etc.).
- Don’t accept rent after serving a termination notice unless you intend to cancel the eviction.
- Keep all communication professional—texts and emails may be shown to judges.
- Bring organized evidence to court: lease, ledger, notices, proof of service, photos.
- Never attempt self-help eviction against a tenant.
- Budget for the 10-day post-judgment period and potential writ fees.
Quick Reference: Michigan Eviction Rules
- Nonpayment of rent: 7-day Demand for Possession
- Health/safety hazards: 7-day notice
- Other lease violations: 7-30 day notice
- Illegal drug activity: 24-hour notice
- Month-to-month termination: 30-day notice
- Filing fee: $45 base (plus additional for money claims)
- Hearing scheduling: Typically 7-14 days after filing
- Time to vacate after judgment: 10 days
- Writ fee: $15
- Typical timeline: 2 weeks to 2 months
- Removal: Sheriff only, after Writ of Restitution
Bottom line: Michigan’s Summary Proceedings provide a relatively efficient eviction process when procedures are followed correctly. Use the proper notice, file the correct forms, and be prepared to prove your case with solid documentation.