How Long Does an Eviction Take in Michigan? Step-by-Step Timeline

Short answer: For unpaid rent, a Michigan eviction starts with a 7-day written notice. After that, the landlord files in district court, attends a hearing, and must wait 10 days after a judgment for possession before an order of eviction can issue. The notice and that post-judgment wait alone add 17 days, before any time spent waiting on the court's calendar.

Important: This article provides general educational information and is not legal advice. Eviction requirements can vary based on the circumstances. Landlords should consult a qualified Michigan attorney regarding their specific situation.

What Notice Does a Michigan Landlord Have to Give?

The notice depends on the reason for ending the tenancy. Under MCL 554.134:

Proper notice is one of the most important parts of the eviction process. A defective notice or improper service can mean starting over. See our free tenant eviction checklist.

What Are the Steps in a Michigan Eviction?

1. Serve the notice. Use the correct notice for the reason and deliver it in a way the law allows.
2. File in district court once the notice period ends without payment or move-out. The court issues a summons with a hearing date, and the tenant must receive the court papers.
3. Attend the hearing. The tenant can pay, contest the case, or reach an agreement. If the landlord wins, the court enters a judgment for possession.
4. Wait 10 days. Under MCL 600.5744, an order of eviction cannot issue until 10 days after the judgment. In a nonpayment case, the tenant can stop the eviction by paying the judgment amount and costs within the time allowed.
5. Request the order of eviction. Under Michigan Court Rule 4.201, the order cannot be issued later than 56 days after the judgment. A court officer or bailiff carries it out.

Landlords should never try to force a tenant out by changing locks, shutting off utilities, or removing belongings outside of this legal process.

What Makes an Eviction Take Longer?

• A defective notice or improper service
• The tenant contesting the case, requesting a jury, or getting an adjournment
• A payment agreement entered as a conditional judgment
• The court's and the court officer's schedules

How Can Landlords Avoid Eviction Delays?

Staying organized from the beginning prevents the most common mistakes. Landlords should:

• Keep accurate rent and payment records.
• Keep a copy of the current lease.
• Document lease violations and communications.
• Use the correct notice for the situation.
• Follow required service procedures.
• Attend every scheduled court date.
• Consult qualified legal counsel when needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a Michigan landlord change the locks to evict a tenant?

No. Only a court officer acting on an order of eviction can remove a tenant.

Does a 7-day notice mean the tenant has to be out in 7 days?

No. It only gives the tenant 7 days to pay or move out before the landlord can file in court.

Can a tenant stop an eviction for unpaid rent?

In a nonpayment case, paying the judgment amount and costs within the time allowed stops the order of eviction from issuing.

How much notice does a month-to-month tenant get in Michigan?

One month's written notice.

How long is an order of eviction valid?

It cannot be issued later than 56 days after the judgment.

Need Help With a Problem Tenancy?

At JMZ Management, we help Michigan property owners with resident communication, rent collection, maintenance coordination, lease administration, and property operations. If tenant issues are taking up too much of your time, we're here to help.

Statute and court rule references checked October 2026.