In Michigan, an eviction is a court case in district court. A landlord who wants a tenant out has to serve the right notice, file a case, win a judgment, wait out the time the judgment gives, and then get an order of eviction that only a court officer or law enforcement can carry out [1][5].
At a glance
- Unpaid rent
- Demand for Possession: 7 days to pay or move [1][2]
- Illegal drug activity
- 24 hours [1]
- Service before trial
- At least 3 days [3]
- After judgment
- At least 10 days before an order of eviction [5]
- Who removes the tenant
- Only a court officer, bailiff, sheriff or police, with an order [5]
| Reason | Notice | Time before the landlord can file |
|---|---|---|
| Unpaid rent | Demand for Possession | 7 days |
| Damage to the home | Demand for Possession | 7 days |
| Health hazard | Demand for Possession | 7 days |
| Illegal drug activity | Demand for Possession | 24 hours |
| Ending a tenancy with no lease, or month-to-month | Notice to Quit | One rental period (such as a month) |
The eviction timeline
-
Landlord serves a written notice 24 hours to one rental period
For unpaid rent it's a Demand for Possession giving 7 days to pay or move out. Damage or a health hazard also gets 7 days, illegal drug activity 24 hours, and ending a tenancy with no lease takes one rental period. Slipping the notice under the door isn't proper service.
Michigan Legal Help, Eviction: What Is It and How Does It Start?
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Landlord files in district court After the notice period runs out
The landlord files a complaint for possession. The court issues a summons that sets the trial date, normally within 10 days of when the summons is issued.
MCL 600.5735(2), as summarized in the Landlord-Tenant Benchbook
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Tenant is served At least 3 days before trial
The summons and complaint are mailed to the tenant and also delivered in person, left with an adult in the household, or, after real attempts at personal service, attached to the main entrance.
MCR 4.201(D), Landlord-Tenant Benchbook
-
Trial On the date in the summons
The judge may decide that day. If the trial is put off after the tenant is told of their rights, it's usually reset 7 to 14 days later, longer if a jury is demanded or there's good cause.
MCR 4.201(K), Landlord-Tenant Benchbook
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Judgment for possession Usually 10 days to pay or move
If the landlord wins, the judgment says what's owed and gives the tenant at least 10 days. In a rent case, paying the full amount in the judgment, with costs, within that time lets the tenant stay.
MCL 600.5744, Landlord-Tenant Benchbook; Michigan Legal Help
-
Order of eviction Only after the judgment period ends
If the tenant hasn't paid or moved, the landlord applies for an order of eviction. It has to be issued within 56 days of the judgment and carried out within 56 days of being issued, by a court officer, bailiff, sheriff or police officer.
MCL 600.5744, Landlord-Tenant Benchbook
Step 1: the notice
Most evictions start with one of two notices [1]:
- A Demand for Possession is used for unpaid rent, damage to the home, a health hazard, and illegal drug activity.
- A Notice to Quit is used when the landlord ends a tenancy, for example a lease violation where the lease allows ending it, or a tenancy with no lease where the landlord wants the tenant to move.
For unpaid rent, the demand gives 7 days to pay or move out. It can be handed to the tenant, left with a member of the household, sent by first-class mail, or emailed if the tenant agreed in writing ahead of time. Slipping it under the door isn’t proper service [2].
Steps 2 to 4: filing, service and trial
After the notice period runs out, the landlord files in the district court. The summons normally sets the trial within 10 days of when it’s issued, and the tenant must be served at least 3 days before trial [3]. Service always includes mailing the papers, plus one more method: personal service, leaving them with a suitable household member, or, after real attempts at personal service, attaching them to the main entrance [3]. Some district courts use different timing under their own local rules [3].
Filing costs $45 for a claim for possession, plus the $10 electronic filing system fee. A claim for unpaid rent adds a supplemental fee based on the amount [6].
At trial, the judge can decide the case that day. If the trial is put off after the tenant is told of their rights, it’s generally reset 7 to 14 days later, unless a jury is demanded or there’s good cause for longer [4].
Step 5: the judgment and the 10 days
If the landlord wins, the judgment says how much is owed and gives the tenant time, at least 10 days, to pay or move [2][5]. In a rent case, paying the full amount in the judgment, with costs, within that time means the landlord can’t get an order of eviction [5]. A partial payment may not stop it [5]. Any deal with the landlord to avoid eviction should be in writing and signed [2].
Step 6: the order of eviction
If the tenant hasn’t paid or moved when the judgment period ends, the landlord applies in writing for an order of eviction [5]. The order must be issued within 56 days of the judgment and carried out within 56 days of being issued, unless the court holds a hearing [5]. Only a court officer, a bailiff, the sheriff or a deputy, or local police can carry it out [5].
Where to get help
Michigan Legal Help (michiganlegalhelp.org) has free guides and forms for tenants and landlords, and can point you to legal aid in your county.
Sources
- Michigan Legal Help: Eviction: What Is It and How Does It Start?
- Michigan Legal Help: Eviction for Nonpayment of Rent
- Michigan Judicial Institute, Landlord-Tenant Benchbook: Summons and Complaint
- Michigan Judicial Institute, Landlord-Tenant Benchbook: Trials
- Michigan Judicial Institute, Landlord-Tenant Benchbook: Orders of Eviction
- Michigan Courts: District Court Fee and Assessments Table (April 2025)
Common questions
How much notice does a Michigan landlord have to give for unpaid rent?
A written Demand for Possession giving the tenant 7 days to pay the rent or move out. Only after those 7 days pass can the landlord file in district court. A lease can require more notice.
Can a landlord in Michigan change the locks to get a tenant out?
No. A landlord has to go to court and get an eviction order first. Only a court officer, bailiff, sheriff or police officer can remove a tenant. A tenant who's locked out without an order may be able to sue for up to three times actual damages or $200 a day, whichever is more.
What happens after an eviction judgment in Michigan?
The judgment usually gives the tenant at least 10 days. In a rent case, paying the full amount in the judgment within that time lets the tenant stay. If the tenant doesn't pay or move, the landlord can ask the court for an order of eviction.