Michigan Eviction Notice Overview
Michigan is a true 7-day notice state. Under MCL 600.5714(1)(c), landlords must give tenants a 7-day notice to quitfor non-payment of rent. Michigan law calls this a 'demand for possession.' After the 7-day period expires, the landlord may file a summary proceedings action in District Court. Michigan has a specific summary proceedings statute (MCL 600.5701-5759) that governs the entire eviction process.
Michigan's eviction process is called 'summary proceedings to recover possession of premises' and is governed by MCL 600.5701 et seq. Cases are filed in District Court for the district where the rental property is located. Michigan has 100+ District Court locations across 83 counties. Wayne County (Detroit), Oakland County, and Kent County (Grand Rapids) handle the highest volume of eviction filings. Michigan courts provide standardized forms (DC 100 series) for summary proceedings.
7 Days
Notice period
$45 - $65
Filing fee
MI Code
Governing law
District
Court level
MCL 600.5714 Legal Framework
Michigan Is a True 7-Day Notice State
MCL 600.5714(1)(c) requires a 7-day demand for possession before filing an eviction for non-payment of rent. The tenant has the right to pay the full amount within 7 days to avoid eviction. Michigan is one of the states where the 7-day notice is the actual statutory standard for non-payment evictions. Use the Michigan DC 100a form.
Michigan Notice Periods at a Glance
- 7-Day Demand — Non-Payment (MCL 600.5714(1)(c)): Tenant has 7 days to pay all rent owed in full
- 30-Day Notice — Lease Violations: For termination due to material breach of lease terms
- 7-Day Notice — Health/Safety Violations: For serious health or safety violations on the premises
- Rental Period Notice — Month-to-Month: One full rental period notice to terminate a periodic tenancy
Michigan Notice Requirements
Michigan courts require that eviction notices meet specific content and format standards. An incomplete or incorrectly timed notice will result in dismissal of the eviction case.
Required Notice Content
- Property Address: Full address including unit number, city, and zip code
- Tenant Names: All tenants named on the lease or rental agreement
- Amount Owed or Violation: Exact dollar amount of rent due, or specific description of the lease violation
- Correct Notice Period: 7 days for non-payment as required by Michigan law
- Consequence Statement: That eviction proceedings will be filed if the tenant does not cure or vacate
- Landlord Information: Name and contact information of the landlord or property manager
How to Serve an Eviction Notice in Michigan
Michigan law provides specific methods for serving eviction notices. Proper service and documentation are essential for the court filing.
Personal Delivery
Hand-deliver to the tenant in person. Starts the 7-day period immediately. This is the preferred method in Michigan District Courts.
Posting on Premises
Post conspicuously on the main entry door if the tenant cannot be found. Michigan courts accept this as valid service for the demand for possession.
Certified Mail
Send via certified mail with return receipt. Michigan courts recognize certified mail as valid service. Allow extra days for mail transit.
Document Service
Use the Michigan DC 100a form (Demand for Possession) and prepare a certificate of service. Michigan District Courts require proof of proper service when filing the summary proceedings complaint.
Michigan Eviction Timeline
The Michigan eviction process follows a specific timeline from notice through court proceedings to enforcement.
Serve 7-day demand for possession per MCL 600.5714(1)(c) using form DC 100a
If tenant has not paid, file summons and complaint (DC 102) in District Court
Court serves summons; hearing set not less than 3 days and not more than 7 days from service
Hearing held; if landlord prevails, judgment of possession entered
Writ of restitution issued after 10-day redemption period; sheriff enforces removal
Uncontested Michigan evictions take 4-6 weeks. Contested cases take 6-12 weeks. Wayne County (Detroit) often has longer timelines due to case volume. Michigan law provides a 10-day redemption period after judgment during which the tenant can pay the full amount and remain. This redemption right is a key feature of Michigan eviction law.
Michigan Eviction Fees & Costs
Below are the typical costs for an eviction proceeding in Michigan District Court. Actual fees may vary by county.
| Fee / Cost | Typical Amount |
|---|---|
| District Court Filing Fee | $45 - $65 |
| Service of Process | $25 - $50 |
| Writ of Restitution | $25 - $50 |
| Attorney Fees (optional) | $500 - $2,000 |
| Appeal Filing Fee | $150 - $250 |
Sample Michigan Eviction Notice
Below is a preview of a Michigan-compliant eviction notice that meets the requirements of MCL 600.5714.
7-DAY DEMAND FOR POSSESSION
STATE OF MICHIGAN
Pursuant to MCL 600.5714(1)(c)
LANDLORD:
Name: [Full Legal Name]
Address: [Michigan Address]
TENANT(S):
Name(s): [All Tenant Names]
Rental Address: [Full Property Address]
NOTICE:
DEMAND IS HEREBY MADE that you pay rent in the amount of $[Amount] for the period of [Dates] or deliver possession of the premises within SEVEN (7) DAYS of this demand.
MICHIGAN COMPLIANCE NOTE
Michigan requires a 7-day demand for possession for non-payment (MCL 600.5714(1)(c)). Use Michigan form DC 100a for the demand. After the 7-day period, file summary proceedings using form DC 102. The tenant has a 10-day redemption period after judgment.