Understanding the Eviction Process in Michigan: Landlord’s Guide
What Every Michigan Landlord Should Know Before Starting an Eviction
It starts with a late payment. Then another. Maybe they stop answering your calls. Before long, your once-reliable tenant has become a major source of stress.
If you're a landlord in Michigan dealing with a tenant who won’t cooperate, refuses to leave, or is actively damaging your property, you’re not alone — and you do have options.
Many landlords across Michigan face this exact situation. It’s frustrating, it’s emotionally draining, and it can feel like no one is on your side. That’s why this page exists: to walk you through the Michigan eviction process step by step, so you understand what’s legal, what’s effective, and what to expect along the way.
Whether this is your first eviction or your fifth, the process can feel overwhelming.
But with the right information — and the right mindset — you’ll be able to make confident decisions that protect your property, your peace of mind, and your future.
Michigan Eviction Basics – Know Your Legal Grounds
Before starting the eviction process in Michigan, it’s important to understand the legal reasons a landlord can remove a tenant. Michigan law outlines specific “just causes” for eviction, and proceeding without meeting these criteria can lead to delays or dismissal of your case.
Here are the most common legal grounds for eviction under Michigan Compiled Laws § 600.5714:
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Nonpayment of Rent – If a tenant fails to pay rent on time, even once, you may issue a 7-day demand for payment or possession.
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Violation of Lease Terms – This could include unauthorized occupants, pets, illegal activity, or other lease breaches. A 30-day notice is often required.
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Illegal Activity – If the tenant is involved in drug use, violence, or other criminal activity on the premises, you may have grounds for immediate eviction.
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Holding Over – If a lease has ended and the tenant refuses to leave, they are considered a holdover tenant and subject to removal.
It’s essential to follow proper notice procedures, which vary depending on the reason for eviction. Failure to issue the correct notice can result in the court dismissing your case.
To understand exactly what qualifies under Michigan law, consult these authoritative resources:
Step-by-Step: Michigan Eviction Timeline
Evicting a tenant in Michigan follows a structured legal process known as summary proceedings. While it’s designed to move quickly, landlords must follow each step carefully to avoid delays or dismissal. Here’s what the typical eviction timeline looks like:
✅ Step 1: Serve the Proper Notice
Depending on the reason for eviction, you must first serve the tenant with a written notice:
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7-Day Demand for Nonpayment of Rent
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30-Day Notice to Quit for lease violations or ending a month-to-month lease
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24-Hour Notice for illegal activity in some cases
This notice must be delivered personally, by mail, or posted on the tenant’s door.
✅ Step 2: Wait for the Notice Period to Expire
You cannot file in court until the full notice period has expired. If the tenant resolves the issue (such as paying rent), the eviction process typically stops here.
✅ Step 3: File a Complaint in District Court
If the tenant does not comply, you may file a Summons and Complaint in the local district court. The filing fee usually ranges from $45 to $150 depending on the number of tenants and damages claimed.
✅ Step 4: Attend the Court Hearing
Hearings are generally scheduled within 7 to 10 days of filing. Bring documentation such as the lease, payment records, and copies of your notice. If the judge rules in your favor, they’ll issue a judgment for possession.
✅ Step 5: Wait for the Possession Order to Be Enforced
After a waiting period (typically 10 days), if the tenant still hasn’t left, you can request a Writ of Eviction. The sheriff’s department will schedule a time to physically remove the tenant from the property.
⚠️ Important Tip:
Don’t attempt a “self-help” eviction by changing locks or shutting off utilities. These actions are illegal and can lead to serious legal consequences.
For situations where the home also has physical or safety issues, you may also want to review:
🔗 Selling a House with Code Violations in Michigan
Are You Trying to Understand Your Options?
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Common Pitfalls to Avoid During Eviction
Evicting a tenant in Michigan isn’t just about being right — it’s about doing everything by the book. Even small mistakes in the process can delay your case or even get it dismissed altogether. Here are some of the most common pitfalls landlords face during eviction, and how to avoid them:
🚫 Mistake #1: Skipping or Using the Wrong Notice
You must serve the correct notice that matches the legal reason for eviction. Using a 7-day notice when a 30-day notice is required — or forgetting to serve one at all — can stop your case in its tracks.
🚫 Mistake #2: Trying to Force the Tenant Out Yourself
Changing the locks, removing belongings, or turning off utilities is called “self-help eviction” — and it’s illegal in Michigan. Courts take this seriously, and tenants may sue for damages if their rights are violated.
🚫 Mistake #3: Poor Documentation
Courts expect clear evidence. That includes a written lease, records of rent payments (or missed payments), copies of all notices served, and dated communication. Without these, even a strong case can fall apart.
🚫 Mistake #4: Not Preparing for the Court Hearing
Judges often rule based on preparation. If the tenant shows up and you don’t — or if you can’t explain your timeline and provide documentation — the judge may side with the tenant by default.
✅ Want to Understand Your Tenant’s Rights?
It’s helpful to see the eviction process from the other side. This resource from Michigan Legal Help offers tenant-facing guidance that helps landlords avoid missteps too:
📘 Tenant Rights and the Eviction Process – Michigan Legal Help
Avoiding these common missteps will not only help your case move forward faster, it will also protect you from legal blowback — and give you peace of mind knowing you’re doing everything properly.
What If the Tenant Still Won’t Leave?
Even after winning your case in court, some tenants refuse to leave. This can be one of the most frustrating moments for a landlord — you’ve done everything right, followed the legal process, and still, your property remains out of your control. So what now?
🏛️ Step 1: Request a Writ of Eviction
After the judge issues a judgment for possession, there’s typically a waiting period of 10 days before you can take further action. If the tenant hasn’t vacated by then, you’ll need to file for a Writ of Eviction. This document allows law enforcement (not you) to remove the tenant.
🚓 Step 2: The Sheriff Carries Out the Eviction
Once the writ is approved, the court will assign the eviction to the local sheriff’s department. The sheriff will post a notice and set a date — usually within 1 to 2 weeks — for the physical removal. You or your representative will need to be present.
❗Important: You Cannot Remove the Tenant Yourself
It might be tempting to take matters into your own hands, especially if you’ve been dealing with months of non-payment, property damage, or outright defiance. But only law enforcement can legally remove a tenant. Interfering with this process can result in legal penalties.
🛑 Final Checks
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Change the locks immediately after the eviction is carried out.
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Document the property’s condition for any damage claims.
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Do not dispose of tenant belongings without following Michigan’s abandonment rules.
If your property has also been caught up in a personal or legal dispute (such as divorce), you may want to explore additional selling options:
🔗 Selling a House During a Divorce in Michigan
By staying on the right side of the law, you protect yourself — and position your property for recovery, whether you choose to rent again or consider other options.
"When you mentioned that you would give us an offer within 24 hours and then close quickly I didn’t really believe that we would have the house sold in only 2 weeks. I’m glad I found you.”
Michelle L. - Michigan
Eviction Alternatives – When the Process Feels Like Too Much
Evicting a tenant in Michigan can take weeks or even months — and during that time, the costs keep piling up. Missed rent, legal fees, property damage, and emotional strain can leave even experienced landlords wondering if it’s worth it.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, there are other paths forward. Here are a few alternatives to traditional eviction that may offer faster resolution and less stress:
💸 Option 1: “Cash for Keys” Agreements
This informal approach involves offering your tenant a financial incentive to leave the property voluntarily. While it may feel unfair to pay someone who’s already caused problems, the cost is often lower — and the timeline shorter — than a full eviction.
Be sure to get everything in writing and exchange keys only after move-out to avoid surprises.
🏠 Option 2: Sell the Property with the Tenant in Place
Some property buyers — including experienced investors — are willing to purchase rental properties with problem tenants still living there. This allows you to avoid court entirely and move on with cash in hand.
If you’re exploring this option, make sure your buyer understands the situation fully and has the legal and financial resources to take it on.
🔁 Option 3: Offer a Lease Termination Agreement
In some cases, a mutual agreement to end the lease early can benefit both parties. It gives the tenant a chance to leave on their own terms and helps you avoid court costs and drawn-out proceedings.
Each of these options comes with trade-offs. But for many Michigan landlords, avoiding the eviction process entirely can save time, money, and mental energy.
To explore what selling could look like — even with bad tenants still in place — visit:
👉 Sell a House with Bad Tenants in Michigan
Real Talk – The Emotional Toll of Landlord Burnout
No one talks about the mental load that comes with being a landlord — especially when things go wrong. Chasing rent. Watching your property fall into disrepair. Feeling helpless as a tenant ignores your lease, your calls, and your rights. It wears you down.
Maybe you’ve started dreading going to the property. Maybe the stress is keeping you up at night. Or maybe you’re just tired of dealing with people who don’t respect your investment, your boundaries, or your time.
That’s not weakness — it’s burnout. And it’s more common than you think.
You’re not just managing a building. You’re juggling finances, legal deadlines, emotional pressure, and personal responsibility. At some point, every landlord hits a wall. And when that happens, it’s okay to rethink your next step.
This page is here to help you understand the Michigan eviction process. But if reading all this makes you feel more exhausted than empowered — that’s important, too.
If this has become too much — I get it. You don’t have to decide anything today. But if you need someone who understands both the legal side and the human side of this, let’s talk. Even if you’re not ready to sell.
Gloria B. - Clinton Township, Michigan
“Thank you for contacting me. I didn’t know what I was going to do with this house"
FAQs About Michigan Evictions
Michigan’s eviction laws can be tricky, especially for landlords navigating them for the first time. Below are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions to help clarify the process:
❓ How much notice do I need to give a tenant before eviction in Michigan?
It depends on the reason:
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7-Day Notice for nonpayment of rent.
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30-Day Notice for lease violations or ending a month-to-month lease.
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24-Hour Notice in limited cases involving illegal activity.
You must provide written notice and follow the correct method of delivery (in person, by mail, or posted).
❓ Can I evict a tenant without a lease?
Yes. In Michigan, even month-to-month tenants without a written lease are still subject to the law. A 30-day notice to quit is typically required.
❓ What happens if the tenant pays after I’ve started the eviction?
If the eviction was for nonpayment of rent, the tenant may avoid removal by paying the full balance (including court costs) before the court hearing. However, once a judgment for possession is issued, you are not required to accept payment unless the court specifically orders it.
❓ How long does the eviction process usually take?
From notice to physical removal, the process usually takes 3 to 8 weeks, depending on the court's schedule, tenant response, and local sheriff availability.
❓ Can I sell the property while the eviction is ongoing?
Yes — but you’ll need to disclose the situation to the buyer. Some investors are used to handling tenant-related issues and may still be interested. For more on this, visit:
👉 Sell a House with Bad Tenants in Michigan
Having answers can bring peace of mind — and help you take your next step with confidence.
Next Steps – Know Your Rights, Then Decide What’s Right for You
By now, you’ve seen the full picture: Michigan’s eviction process is structured but demanding. It offers legal protections for landlords — but only if each step is followed carefully. And even when done correctly, the process can be long, emotionally taxing, and financially draining.
So what’s next?
That depends on your situation — and what you’re truly ready to deal with.
🧭 Take Back Control with Clarity
Whether you choose to:
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Move forward with formal eviction,
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Try a cash-for-keys deal,
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Or explore selling the property with tenants still inside...
...you now understand your options. That knowledge is power. And it’s yours to use in whatever way makes sense for you — financially, legally, and emotionally.
🛠️ Need to Rebuild or Just Move On?
Some landlords go through the full eviction process and come out ready to start fresh. Others realize they’re done with the hassle altogether.
There’s no right or wrong choice — only the one that protects your peace of mind and your future.
If you’re exploring a sale, even with difficult tenants still in the home, I’m here to talk — no pressure, just straight answers.
👉 Learn more: Sell a House with Bad Tenants in Michigan
👉 Or Sell During a Divorce in Michigan
You don’t have to make a decision today. But knowing your rights, understanding the process, and exploring all your options — that’s the first real step forward.
See why so many people recommend us...
“Mr. Fassett – thank you for working with us to buy my Mom’s home after she passed away. When you mentioned that you would give us an offer within 24 hours and then close quickly I didn’t really believe that we would have the house sold in only 2 weeks. I’m glad I found you.”
Michelle L. - Michigan
“Thanks for buying my Mother’s home. It was a big help that you were able to buy it without us having to clean it out and get it ready to sell. My mother had accumulated lots of stuff and after the stress of her long illness I was exhausted and I dreaded dealing with all of it. I also liked it that you gave me a very fair price for the home. I’m on a fixed income and that really helped a lot.”
Henry G. - Michigan
“Dennis – thank you for helping us with our Mom’s home. This was a very traumatic experience for us, and we appreciated your patience with all the emotions we experienced during the process. You were really patient and understanding with us during the sale process, and we’re sure that Mom’s home will be in good hands. God Bless.”
Claudia and Nancy M. - Michigan
We Help Michigan Families Navigate These Situations Every Day
At Dennis Buys Houses, we’re not just cash buyers — we’re trusted problem-solvers who help Michigan families find real answers during difficult times.
Since 2004, we've been helping homeowners across Michigan sell their properties quickly and easily—without the stress of agents, repairs, or hidden fees.
We’re a family-owned, local business with deep roots in the community. Over the years, we’ve helped hundreds and hundreds of homeowners in situations just like yours—whether they’re dealing with delinquent property taxes, foreclosure, or simply needing a fresh start.
If you're dealing with a tough family situation and don’t know where to turn, we’re here to help.
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Whether you’re ready to sell or just want to explore your options, we’re here for you. Call us today, and let’s talk about how we can make your situation easier.
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