How to evict a tenant in Michigan: steps and timeline

What does the Michigan 7-day demand look like?

MCL 554.134(2) lets the landlord end a tenancy when the tenant neglects or refuses to pay rent by giving a written 7-day notice to quit, and MCL 600.5714(1)(a) lets a person recover possession by summary proceedings when a tenant holds over after failing or refusing to pay rent within 7 days from the service of a written demand for possession for nonpayment. The rent due for that purpose does not include rent accelerated because of a breach.

MCL 600.5716 says the demand must be in writing, addressed to the person in possession, give the address or a brief description of the premises, clearly state the reasons for the demand and the time to take remedial action, state the amount due when nonpayment is claimed, and be dated and signed by the person entitled to possession or the attorney or agent. Under 600.5718 you can serve it by personal delivery to the tenant, delivery on the premises to a household member of suitable age, first-class mail (service is the next regular mail day), or electronic service when the tenant has consented in writing and confirmed it.

Other short notices exist. A 24-hour notice applies where the lease allows termination for controlled substance offenses and a police report has been filed, and a 7-day notice applies where a tenant causes a serious health hazard or extensive property injury or has caused or threatened physical injury. These are narrow; see 600.5714(1)(b), (d) and (e).

How does the court case begin?

You file in the district court. Under MCL 600.5735 the summons commands the defendant to appear for trial within 10 days of its issuance in most proceedings, and it must be served not less than 3 days before the trial date. A court may by local rule use a different schedule, with trial within 5 days after service. Fees vary by court. Unlike some states, Michigan lets the tenant file an answer and ask for a trial, so allow for a contested hearing.

When can the tenant be removed?

After a judgment for possession, MCL 600.5744(5) says a writ of restitution must not be issued until 10 days after the judgment, unless one of the narrow exceptions in subsection (3) applies, such as forcible entry or a serious continuing health hazard. If a judgment is for nonpayment and the tenant pays the amount in the judgment with the taxed costs within the time provided, the writ must not issue (subsection (7)). An appeal with a bond to stay proceedings tolls the waiting period (subsection (6)).

The writ commands a court officer, bailiff, sheriff or local police officer to restore the landlord to full, peaceful possession by removing all occupants and personal property, leaving the property in an area open to the public or in the public right-of-way, or delivering it to the sheriff as authorized.

Example a made-up landlord hand-delivers a written demand for possession for $1,150 in unpaid rent on Monday, November 2, 2026. The seventh day is Monday, November 9, so the landlord files on Tuesday, November 10. The summons is issued the same day and sets trial within 10 days: Friday, November 20. The tenant is served Monday, November 16, more than 3 days before. The judge awards possession on November 20. The writ cannot issue until the 10 days after judgment expire, so the earliest issuance is Tuesday, December 1. If the tenant pays the judgment amount and costs before that, the writ must not issue. From demand to a writ is 29 days.

What is a Michigan landlord never allowed to do?

MCL 600.2918(1) says anyone forcibly and unlawfully put out of lands or tenements can recover three times actual damages or $200, whichever is greater, plus possession. Under subsection (2), a tenant whose possessory interest is unlawfully interfered with can recover actual damages or $200 for each occurrence, and possession if lost. Interference includes force or threats, removing or destroying personal property, changing locks without immediately providing keys, boarding up, removing doors, windows or locks, and cutting heat, running water, hot water, electric or gas service. Acting on a court order is not interference (subsection (3)(a)).

How DoorKeeping handles it

DoorKeeping tracks the rent and late fees in each property's books, so the amount due on the day of your demand is on the ledger. Your lease and demand stay with the tenant's documents, and you can email tenants. Service of the demand and the court filing are done by you or your attorney. DoorKeeping gives general information, not legal advice. If a case is contested, or the tenant files an answer, talk to a local attorney.

Sources

1. MCL 554.134 (termination of tenancy; 7-day notice to quit), read Oct 30, 2026
2. MCL 600.5714 (summary proceedings to recover possession), read Oct 30, 2026
3. MCL 600.5716 and 600.5718 (the demand and how to serve it), read Oct 30, 2026
4. MCL 600.5735 (summons and trial date), read Oct 30, 2026
5. MCL 600.5744 (writ of restitution), read Oct 30, 2026
6. MCL 600.2918 (unlawful interference with possession), read Oct 30, 2026

Questions

What is the Michigan 7-day notice?

A written demand for possession for unpaid rent. If the tenant does not pay within 7 days of service, the landlord can start a summary proceeding (MCL 600.5714(1)(a)).

How long after judgment before a Michigan writ can issue?

Normally not until 10 days after the judgment is entered, and not at all if the tenant pays the judgment amount and costs within the time provided.

Can a Michigan landlord change the locks?

Not to push a tenant out. Changing locks without immediately providing keys is unlawful interference under MCL 600.2918, with damages of at least $200 per occurrence, or triple damages if the tenant was forcibly put out.