Michigan 60-Day Notice Overview
Michigan\'s notice requirements for month-to-month terminations depend on the length of the tenancy. Under MCL 554.134, tenancies of one year or more require at least one month\'s notice, while shorter tenancies may require less. A separate provision under MCL 554.134(2) addresses year-to-year tenancies which require notice before the end of the lease year. Michigan\'s landlord-tenant laws are found in MCL Chapter 554 (Landlord and Tenant).
Michigan provides moderate tenant protections. The state has no statewide rent control, but Detroit has enacted special tenant protections including a right to counsel in eviction proceedings. Michigan caps security deposits at one-and-a-half months\' rent under MCL 554.602. The state prohibits retaliatory evictions and requires landlords to maintain habitable conditions. Michigan\'s eviction process through District Courts is moderately fast, with most uncontested cases resolved within 2-4 weeks.
30 Days
Statutory default
$45-$80
Court filing fees
Written
Notice required
2-4 wks
Court process
When a 60-Day Notice Applies in Michigan
Since Michigan's statutory default for month-to-month termination is 30 days, understanding when a 60-day notice is actually required or advisable is essential for landlords.
Lease-Required Extended Notice
Many Michigan property management companies, particularly in metro Detroit, Grand Rapids, and Ann Arbor, include 60-day non-renewal clauses in their leases. When the lease specifies 60 days, the contractual obligation overrides the statutory minimum under MCL 554.134.
Michigan State Housing Development Authority Programs
Federal Section 8 programs administered through the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) and local PHAs like the Detroit Housing Commission frequently require 60-90 days notice before termination of subsidized tenancies.
Detroit Special Protections
Detroit has enacted special tenant protections including a right to counsel program for eviction proceedings. Detroit landlords should be aware of local ordinances that may affect the eviction process and provide 60 days notice as best practice to comply with any additional local requirements.
Michigan Legal Requirements
Michigan's landlord-tenant statutes establish specific requirements for termination notices that must be followed precisely.
Michigan Security Deposit and Notice Rules
Michigan has strict security deposit rules under the Landlord Tenant Relationships Act (MCL 554.601-554.616). Deposits are capped at one-and-a-half months\' rent. The landlord must provide an inventory checklist within 7 days of move-in and return the deposit within 30 days of termination. Violating deposit rules can result in double damages. These rules apply statewide and must be followed regardless of the notice period used.
Notice Content Requirements
- Written Notice: MCL 554.134 requires written notice. Oral notice is insufficient under Michigan law for terminating residential tenancies
- Tenant and Property ID: Include all tenant names from the lease and the complete property address including city, county, and ZIP code
- Termination Date: State the exact date at least 60 days from service, aligned with the end of the monthly rental period
- Landlord Contact: Include the landlord or property manager name, Michigan mailing address, and telephone number
- Security Deposit Reference: MCL 554.602-616 requires return of the deposit within 30 days of termination with an itemized list. Deposits capped at one-and-a-half months\' rent
How to Serve a 60-Day Eviction Notice in Michigan
Proper service is critical in Michigan. If the landlord cannot prove the notice was properly delivered, the court will dismiss the eviction action.
Prepare the Notice
Draft using a Michigan-specific template referencing MCL 554.134. Include all tenant names, property address, and the 60-day termination date
Personal Delivery (Preferred)
Hand-deliver to the tenant at the rental premises. Michigan courts prefer personal service. Use a process server or witness for documentation
Certified Mail Alternative
Send via certified mail with return receipt requested. Michigan accepts mailed service for landlord-tenant notices
Complete Proof of Service
Document date, time, method, and location of service. Keep certified mail receipts and return cards for court proceedings
File Summary Proceedings Action
After 60 days expire without the tenant vacating, file an eviction action in District Court where the property is located
Michigan Eviction Timeline
Michigan\'s eviction process uses Summary Proceedings filed in District Court under MCL 600.5701-5759. After filing, the court issues a summons. The tenant must appear at the hearing date, typically 10-14 days from filing. Failure to appear results in a default judgment.
At the hearing, both parties present evidence. Michigan District Court proceedings are semi-formal. If the landlord prevails, the court issues a judgment for possession. The tenant has 10 days to vacate (or appeal). If the tenant remains, the court issues a writ of restitution.
Total court timeline: 2-4 weeks uncontested, 4-8 weeks contested. Wayne County (Detroit) has the heaviest caseload. Combined with the 60-day notice period, the full process spans 10-16 weeks. Self-help evictions are prohibited under Michigan law.
Michigan Filing Fees & Costs
Eviction costs in Michigan vary by county and court type. Below are typical expenses.
| Fee / Cost | Typical Amount |
|---|---|
| District Court Filing Fee | $45 - $80 |
| Service of Process | $25 - $60 |
| Attorney Fees | $500 - $2,000 |
| Writ of Restitution | $25 - $50 |
| Court Officer Enforcement | $75 - $200 |
Sample Michigan 60-Day Notice
Below is a preview of our Michigan-specific 60-day termination notice template.
60-DAY NOTICE OF TERMINATION
STATE OF MICHIGAN
Pursuant to MCL 554.134
LANDLORD / PROPERTY OWNER:
Name: [Full Legal Name]
Address: [Michigan Mailing Address]
TENANT(S):
Name(s): [All Tenant Names]
Rental Address: [Full Property Address]
NOTICE OF TERMINATION:
You are hereby notified that your tenancy at the above premises will terminate on[Date — 60 days from service]. You must vacate and surrender possession by that date.
MICHIGAN COMPLIANCE NOTE
Your security deposit will be returned within 30 days of vacating per MCL 554.602-616, with an itemized list of any deductions. Deposits are limited to one-and-a-half months\' rent under Michigan law.