Michigan Eviction Notice Template (MCL 600.5714)
Before a landlord can file an eviction case, most states require a written notice that tells the tenant what is wrong and how long they have to fix it or move out. Answer the questions below to create a clear, professional notice — then check it against your state and local rules before you serve it.
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Free to preview[Landlord or property manager name]
[Your address and phone for the tenant to reach you]
October 15, 2026
To: [Tenant name(s)]
and all other occupants of
[Rental property address]
Re: [Type of notice] — [Rental property address]
Dear [Tenant name(s)],
This letter is formal written notice to you as the tenant of the property at [Rental property address]. Type of notice: [Type of notice].
The reason for this notice is as follows:
[Reason for this notice]
Within [Notice period in days] days after this notice is delivered to you, you must [What the tenant must do within that time]. If this notice is delivered to you on October 15, 2026, that period ends on October 15, 2026.
This notice is given under Michigan Compiled Laws § 600.5714, which allows a landlord to seek possession in district court only after giving the tenant the required written demand or notice.
If you do not do so within that time, I intend to file an eviction case with the court to recover possession of the property. You will have the opportunity to respond in court, and you may not be removed from the property unless a court orders it. I will not remove you or your belongings or change the locks without a court order.
If you have questions about this notice, or wish to discuss payment or resolving the issue, please contact me in writing at the address above.
Sincerely,
[Landlord or property manager name]
Date this notice was delivered: ____________________
Method of delivery: ____________________
Delivered by: ____________________
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How eviction notices work in Michigan
Michigan's summary proceedings law, MCL 600.5714, allows a landlord to recover possession after a written demand or notice. For unpaid rent, the landlord serves a 7-day demand for possession. State law doesn't set one cure period for lease violations; a landlord can end a lease for a breach only under a termination power in the lease or implied by law. Shorter notices apply to drug activity with a police report (24 hours), serious health hazards or extensive damage (7 days), and physical injury or threats reported to police (7 days).
Michigan courts publish standard forms for a demand for possession for nonpayment of rent and for a notice to quit. Under MCL 600.5716, the demand must be in writing, describe the premises, state the reason and the time to act, give the amount due, and be dated and signed. Under MCL 600.5718, it can be delivered in person, left with a household member of suitable age, mailed by first-class mail, or sent electronically if the tenant agreed in writing. Keep a copy and a record of the delivery method.
If the tenant doesn't pay or move out, the landlord files a summary proceedings case in district court. In a nonpayment case, the writ of restitution can't issue if the tenant pays the judgment amount plus costs in time, and it generally can't issue until 10 days after judgment. Michigan's anti-lockout law, MCL 600.2918, makes it unlawful to change locks, remove belongings or shut off utilities to force a tenant out. Only a court officer, bailiff or sheriff acting on a writ can remove a tenant.
What to do, step by step
Check your state and local rules first
Look up the notice period, required wording and delivery method for your state, county and city. Many places set different periods for unpaid rent, lease violations and ending a tenancy, and some cities add their own just-cause rules.
Fill in the notice
Answer the questions above. Name every adult tenant on the lease, state the facts plainly and enter the exact number of days your rules require.
Serve it the way your state requires
States specify how a notice must be delivered — commonly hand delivery, leaving it with an adult at the home, posting and mailing, or certified mail. A notice served the wrong way may have to be redone.
Record how and when you served it
Write down the date, time, method and who delivered it, and keep a copy of the notice. Courts often ask for this proof of service.
Wait out the full notice period
Don't change the locks, remove belongings or shut off utilities. If the tenant fixes the problem, accept it as your rules require; if not, the next step is filing an eviction case in court.
What if the tenant doesn't respond to the notice?
An eviction notice is not an eviction. It is the written warning most states require before you can go to court. If the notice period ends and the tenant hasn't paid, fixed the violation or moved out, the next step is to file an eviction case — often called an unlawful detainer or summary possession case — with your local court.
Until a judge rules in your favor and a court officer such as a sheriff or marshal carries out the order, the tenant has the right to stay. Changing the locks, removing the tenant's belongings, cutting off utilities or otherwise forcing them out is a so-called self-help eviction, which is illegal in nearly every state and can expose you to damages.
Courts look closely at the notice itself. If the period was too short, the wording missed something your state requires or it was delivered the wrong way, the case can be dismissed and you may have to start over. Your local court's self-help center or a landlord association can tell you what your court expects.
Example Michigan eviction notice
A filled-in sample with made-up details, so you can see the finished result.
Greenway Rentals LLC
PO Box 2210, Lakeview, MN 55401 · (555) 201-4478
October 5, 2026
To: Taylor Brooks and Jamie Brooks
and all other occupants of
56 Willow St, Unit 3, Lakeview, MN 55402
Re: Notice to pay rent or quit — 56 Willow St, Unit 3, Lakeview, MN 55402
Dear Taylor Brooks and Jamie Brooks,
This letter is formal written notice to you as the tenant of the property at 56 Willow St, Unit 3, Lakeview, MN 55402. Type of notice: Notice to pay rent or quit.
The reason for this notice is as follows:
Rent of $1,450 for the month of September 2026, due on September 1, 2026, has not been paid, despite a reminder sent by email on September 10.
The total amount of rent now due is $1,450.00.
Within 14 days after this notice is delivered to you, you must pay the full amount of rent owed or move out of the property. If this notice is delivered to you on October 5, 2026, that period ends on October 19, 2026.
This notice is given under Michigan Compiled Laws § 600.5714, which allows a landlord to seek possession in district court only after giving the tenant the required written demand or notice.
If you do not do so within that time, I intend to file an eviction case with the court to recover possession of the property. You will have the opportunity to respond in court, and you may not be removed from the property unless a court orders it. I will not remove you or your belongings or change the locks without a court order.
If you have questions about this notice, or wish to discuss payment or resolving the issue, please contact me in writing at the address above.
Sincerely,
Greenway Rentals LLC
Date this notice was delivered: ____________________
Method of delivery: ____________________
Delivered by: ____________________
Frequently asked questions
How much notice for unpaid rent in Michigan?
Seven days. The landlord serves a written demand for possession for nonpayment of rent that states the amount due, and the tenant has seven days from service to pay in full or move out. If the demand is mailed, service counts from the next regular mail delivery day. Then the landlord may file in district court.
How do I end a month-to-month tenancy in Michigan?
Under MCL 554.134, a tenancy at will ends with one month's notice, and when rent is paid at intervals of less than three months, notice equal to the rent interval is enough. For a monthly tenancy, that means one month. Michigan has no statewide just-cause rule for most private rentals.
What notice applies to a lease violation in Michigan?
It depends on the lease. If the lease gives the landlord a power to terminate for the violation, the landlord may end the lease and then seek possession. Shorter statutory notices apply to illegal drug activity, serious health hazards, extensive property damage and physical injury or threats. Michigan law doesn't give a general right to cure.
Can a Michigan landlord lock out a tenant?
No. MCL 600.2918 bars using force, changing locks without giving keys, removing belongings or interrupting heat, water, electric or gas service to recover possession. A tenant can recover actual damages or $200, whichever is greater, for each occurrence. Use the court process and let a court officer enforce any order.
How much notice do I have to give a tenant?
It depends on your state, sometimes your city, the type of notice and the lease. Periods for unpaid rent can be as short as a few days or as long as a month, and notices ending a month-to-month tenancy are often 30 days or more. Check your state's landlord-tenant law and any local ordinance before serving.
Is an eviction notice the same as being evicted?
No. A notice only starts the process. If the tenant doesn't comply, the landlord must file a case in court and win a judgment. Only a court order, carried out by a sheriff, marshal or similar officer, can legally remove a tenant from the property.
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