Michigan Statewide Rule

Michigan Statewide Eviction Procedure and Notice Requirements

Some RestrictionsApplies statewide across Michigan (2026)

Key Facts

Governing Statute: MCL 600.5701-5759
Nonpayment Notice: 7 days written demand
Termination Notice: 30 days month-to-month
Lockout Penalty: Treble damages, MCL 600.2918

Last verified: August 21, 2026Source: Michigan Legislature

Summary

Michigan eviction procedure is governed uniformly by the Summary Proceedings Act. Landlords must follow statutory notice and court process under MCL 600.5701 through 600.5759.

(2) A tenant or occupant of housing operated by a city, village, township, or other unit of local government, as provided in 1933 (Ex Sess) PA 18, MCL 125.651 to 125.709c, is not considered to be holding over under subsection (1)(b) or (c) unless the tenancy or agreement has been terminated for just cause, as provided by lawful rules of the local housing commission or by law. (3) A tenant of a mobile home park is not considered to be holding over under subsection (1)(b) or (c) unless the tenancy or lease agreement is terminated for just cause pursuant to chapter 57a.

Source: Michigan LegislatureView official code

Full Breakdown

Evictions in Michigan must proceed under the Summary Proceedings Act, MCL 600.5701 et seq. Landlords serve a written demand for possession (commonly 7 days for nonpayment, 30 days for termination of tenancy, 24 hours for serious health-hazard or illegal-drug situations) before filing a complaint in district court. Self-help eviction, lockouts, and utility shutoffs are prohibited under the anti-lockout statute MCL 600.2918, exposing landlords to treble damages. Michigan does not impose a statewide just-cause requirement for ending month-to-month tenancies, but landlords cannot retaliate for protected tenant activity under MCL 600.5720. The statutory framework applies in every county.

Violations & Penalties

Self-help lockouts trigger treble damages plus $200 minimum under MCL 600.2918; defective notices result in case dismissal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Michigan require just cause to evict?

No statewide just-cause rule exists. Landlords may end month-to-month tenancies with 30 days written notice, subject to anti-retaliation and fair-housing protections.

Can a Michigan landlord change locks to evict a tenant?

No. MCL 600.2918 forbids self-help eviction. Locking out, removing doors, or shutting off utilities exposes landlords to treble damages and statutory penalties.

How much notice is required for nonpayment of rent?

Michigan requires a 7-day written demand for possession before filing a nonpayment eviction in district court under the Summary Proceedings Act.

Sources

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