Michigan Eviction Notice Overview
Michigan’s eviction notice period varies from 7 to 30 days depending on the type of violation and the lease terms. There is no standard 14-day notice in Michigan statute. Under MCL §600.5714, the landlord must provide a "Demand for Possession" (or "Notice to Quit") specifying the reason for eviction and the applicable notice period. Michigan’s Summary Proceedings to Recover Possession of Premises (MCL §600.5701–5759) governs the eviction process.
Evictions are filed in the District Court of the district where the property is located. Wayne County (Detroit), Oakland County, Macomb County, and Kent County (Grand Rapids) handle the highest volumes. Michigan has 36th District Court (Detroit) as the busiest eviction court in the state. For non-payment, the landlord must first serve a 7-day demand for possession. For lease violations, the notice period is typically 30 days unless the lease specifies otherwise.
7–30 Days
Statutory minimum
$45–$150
District Court filing
Written
Notice required
4–8 Wks
Total process
Michigan’s Variable Notice Periods (7–30 Days)
Michigan uses different notice periods depending on the grounds for eviction. Under MCL §600.5714(1)(a), non-payment of rent requires a 7-day demand for possession. For lease violations under MCL §600.5714(1)(c), the notice period is generally 30 days from the date of the notice, though shorter periods may apply for health and safety violations. The lease may specify a different cure period, which the landlord must honor.
Michigan Notice Periods
7-day demand: Non-payment of rent (MCL §600.5714(1)(a))
30-day notice: Lease violations (MCL §600.5714(1)(c))
7-day notice: Causing or threatening physical injury on premises
24-hour notice: Drug activity on the premises (MCL §600.5714(1)(e))
30-day termination: Month-to-month without cause
Common Violations Addressed by This Notice in Michigan
- Unauthorized pets or animals
- Unauthorized occupants
- Excessive noise or disturbances
- Property damage
- Failure to maintain the unit
- Operating businesses without permission
Michigan Legal Requirements
Michigan courts require strict compliance with notice requirements. A deficient notice will result in dismissal of the eviction case, wasting time and filing fees. Here are the mandatory elements:
- Written Demand: Michigan requires a written demand for possession before filing suit
- Specific Grounds: State the specific reason for the demand (non-payment, violation, etc.)
- Notice Period: Include the applicable notice period (7 or 30 days depending on grounds)
- Amount Owed: For non-payment, state the exact amount of rent owed
- Property Address: Include the full address of the rental property
Serving the Notice in Michigan
Proper service is critical in Michigan. The method of delivery determines when the notice period starts running and must be documented for court proceedings.
Personal Delivery
Hand the demand to the tenant. The notice period starts the next day.
Posting on Door
If the tenant is not available, post on the main entrance and mail a copy.
Certified Mail
Send via certified mail as supplemental documentation.
Michigan Eviction Timeline
The complete eviction process in Michigan, from notice to physical removal, follows this general timeline for uncontested cases:
Michigan Eviction Fees & Costs
Below are the typical costs associated with the eviction process in Michigan. Fees may vary by county or court location.
| Cost Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| District Court Filing Fee | $45 – $150 |
| Court Officer Service | $25 – $50 |
| Writ of Restitution | $15 – $35 |
| Court Officer Execution | $50 – $100 |
| Attorney Fees | $500 – $2,000 |
Sample Michigan Eviction Notice
Below is a preview of a Michigan-compliant eviction notice. The generated document includes all elements required under MI law.
DEMAND FOR POSSESSION
STATE OF MICHIGAN
Pursuant to MCL §600.5714
TO (TENANT):
Name: [Tenant Full Legal Name]
Address: [Michigan Property Address]
VIOLATION / GROUNDS:
[Detailed description of violation with dates]
DEMAND
You are demanded to deliver up possession of the above premises within the period specified by Michigan law. Failure to comply will result in summary proceedings for possession in the District Court.