Michigan Eviction Notice Requirements

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.