Michigan Eviction Notice Overview
Michigan Uses a 7-Day Demand, Not 10 Days
Under MCL 600.5714(1)(c), Michigan requires a 7-day Demand for Possession for non-payment of rent. There is no statutory 10-day notice period in Michigan. If your lease specifies 10 days for cure, that lease provision may be honored since it exceeds the 7-day minimum, but the 7-day statute is what Michigan courts enforce as the baseline.
Michigan's eviction process is governed by the Summary Proceedings Act (MCL 600.5701-5759). The state uses District Court for all eviction cases, and the process is designed to be faster than a standard civil lawsuit. Michigan is considered moderately landlord-friendly, with relatively short notice periods and a streamlined court process, though the Truth in Renting Act (MCL 554.631-641) provides important tenant protections.
Self-help evictions are illegal in Michigan. A landlord cannot change locks, remove tenant belongings, shut off utilities, or take any other action to force a tenant out without going through the court system. Violations can result in criminal charges and civil liability for damages under MCL 600.2918.
7 Days
Non-payment demand
$45
Filing fee
Required
Written demand
3-5 wks
Typical process
Michigan's Actual Notice Periods
| Grounds | Notice Period | Statute |
|---|---|---|
| Non-payment of rent | 7-day Demand for Possession | MCL 600.5714(1)(c) |
| Lease violation (health/safety) | 7-day notice | MCL 600.5714(1)(d) |
| Month-to-month termination | 30-day notice (full rental period) | MCL 554.134 |
| Holding over after lease expires | No additional notice required | MCL 600.5714(1)(a) |
| Illegal drug activity | 7-day notice or 24-hour in some cases | MCL 600.5714(1)(e) |
MCL 600.5714 Requirements
When 10 Days Might Apply in Michigan
A 10-day notice period may apply if your lease agreement specifically provides for a 10-day cure period. Michigan courts will generally honor lease provisions that exceed statutory minimums. However, you cannot use a 10-day period if it is shorter than what the statute requires (7 days for non-payment). Always check your lease terms.
Demand for Possession Requirements
- Written Demand: Michigan requires a written demand; oral demands are not sufficient under MCL 600.5714
- Specific Amount: For non-payment, state the exact dollar amount of rent owed including any applicable late fees
- 7-Day Period: Clearly state the tenant has 7 days to pay or vacate (the first day after service counts as day 1)
- Property Address: Include the full address of the rental property including unit number
- Tenant Names: List all tenants on the lease by their full legal names
- Landlord Information: Include the landlord's name, address, and phone number as required by MCL 554.601b
How to Serve a Demand for Possession in Michigan
Michigan law requires proper service of the Demand for Possession. The method of service affects when the 7-day period begins.
Personal Service
Deliver the demand directly to the tenant in person. This is the preferred method. The 7-day period begins the day after delivery
Posting on the Door
If the tenant is not home, securely attach the demand to the main entry door of the unit. Follow up with first-class mail. Some Michigan courts require both posting and mailing
Wait 7 Full Days
Allow the full 7-day period to expire. Do not count the day of service. If the 7th day falls on a weekend or holiday, extend to the next business day
File Summary Proceeding in District Court
After the 7 days expire, file a Summons and Complaint (form DC 100a) at the District Court where the property is located. Pay the $45 filing fee
Michigan Eviction Timeline
Michigan's eviction process is relatively fast compared to many states. An uncontested non-payment case typically takes 3 to 5 weeks from the initial 7-day demand to physical removal by the court officer.
After filing the complaint, the court schedules a hearing within 7 to 10 days. The summons must be served on the tenant at least 3 days before the hearing. If the judge rules for the landlord, a Judgment of Possession is entered giving the tenant 10 days to move out. If the tenant remains after 10 days, the landlord requests an Order of Eviction, and the court officer physically removes the tenant.
Contested cases in Michigan can take 6 to 10 weeks, particularly if the tenant raises defenses under the Truth in Renting Act or claims retaliation. Appeals go to Circuit Court and must be filed within 10 days of judgment. During appeal, the tenant may be required to post a bond or pay rent into escrow.
Michigan Filing Fees & Costs
| Fee / Cost | Typical Amount |
|---|---|
| Summary Proceeding Filing Fee | $45 |
| Service of Process | $25 - $50 |
| Order of Eviction Execution | $50 - $125 |
| Attorney Fees (if hired) | $500 - $2,000 |
| Appeal Bond (if tenant appeals) | Varies (rent amount) |
Sample Michigan Demand for Possession
Below is a preview of a Michigan-compliant 7-day Demand for Possession under MCL 600.5714.
DEMAND FOR POSSESSION
STATE OF MICHIGAN
Pursuant to MCL 600.5714(1)(c)
LANDLORD:
Name: [Full Legal Name]
Address: [Michigan Address]
TENANT:
Name: [Full Legal Name]
Address: [Rental Property Address]
DEMAND:
You are hereby demanded to pay the sum of $_____ in past-due rent within seven (7) days of service of this demand, or to deliver up possession of the premises. Failure to comply will result in Summary Proceedings in Michigan District Court.
MICHIGAN LAW
This demand complies with MCL 600.5714(1)(c) and Michigan's Summary Proceedings Act (MCL 600.5701-5759).