Landlord-Tenant • Document Preparation
Michigan Eviction Notice & Filing Preparation
Filing support for Michigan landlords preparing 7-day, 30-day, and 24-hour notices and the Summary Proceedings complaint.
Important: Clear Path Document Services is a document preparation and filing-assistance service — not a law firm. We do not provide legal advice, attorney representation, or create attorney-client relationships. All documents are prepared based on information you provide for educational and administrative purposes.Read full disclaimer.
- Transparent flat-rate pricing
- Notices in 1–2 business days; complaints in 2–4 days
- Michigan court-ready formatting
- Step-by-step filing instructions
How Michigan Eviction Notice Preparation works in Michigan
Michigan eviction starts with a written notice (Demand for Possession). After the notice period expires, the landlord can file a Complaint in summary proceedings at the District Court.
- 1
Notice selection
We prepare the right notice for the situation: 7-day for non-payment, 30-day for termination, 24-hour for serious damage.
- 2
Service documentation
We prepare the Proof of Service so service is documented.
- 3
Complaint package
After the notice period, we prepare the Summary Proceedings Complaint (DC 102c) and Summons (DC 104).
- 4
Hearing prep
Checklist of exhibits and lease provisions to bring to the hearing.
- 5
Order and writ
Post-judgment, we prepare the Order of Eviction and Writ of Restitution.
Common forms used for michigan eviction notice preparation
Michigan eviction uses DC-series forms in District Court summary proceedings.
| Form # | Name | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| DC 100a | Demand for Possession — Non-Payment of Rent (7-day) | Required pre-suit notice for non-payment. |
| DC 100c | Demand for Possession — Termination of Tenancy (30-day) | Used to end month-to-month tenancies. |
| DC 102c | Complaint — Nonpayment of Rent | Filed at District Court after 7 days. |
| DC 104 | Summons | Notifies tenant of court date. |
| DC 107 | Order of Eviction | Entered by court after judgment. |
Form numbers and revisions change. Always confirm with your local court before filing. We help organize and complete the right packet based on the information you provide.
Where to file
File at the District Court covering the property's address. Hearings are scheduled within 10 days of filing.
Typical filing fee
$45 filing fee + service costs.
Service of process basics
Notice can be served by personal delivery, leaving with a household member age 13+, or first-class mail (adds 3 days). The Complaint is served by the court officer.
What trips people up
- Using the wrong notice (e.g., 7-day notice for a lease violation instead of 30-day).
- Failing to wait the full notice period before filing.
- Self-help eviction (changing locks, removing belongings) — illegal in Michigan.
- Not naming all adult occupants on the complaint.
- Missing the legal description of the rental property.
What to expect, week by week
- Day 1
Serve notice
Demand for Possession served on tenant.
- Day 8
File complaint
After 7-day notice expires.
- Days 12–18
Hearing
Court hears within 10 days of filing.
- Day 20+
Order of Eviction
Court issues order; tenant has 10 days to vacate.
- Day 30+
Writ of Restitution
Court officer schedules physical eviction if needed.
How Michigan Eviction Document Preparation Works in Michigan
Eviction (called 'summary proceedings' in Michigan) is heard by district judges or magistrates with expedited timelines.
Typical filing fees: $45 filing • $35 court officer service (set by the court, not by us)
- • MCL 600.5701 et seq. governs summary proceedings.
- • MCR 4.201 sets the procedural rules and 10-day hearing requirement.
- • Self-help eviction is prohibited and creates landlord liability.
- • St. Clair County: file at the courthouse in Port Huron; small clerk staff means going early in the day usually means shorter waits.
- • Macomb County: filings are processed at the county complex in Mount Clemens; many local district courts also accept walk-ins.
- • Oakland County: the 6th Circuit Court in Pontiac handles most civil and family matters; e-filing through MiFILE is required for many filings.
- • Wayne County: the 3rd Circuit Court in Detroit and the 36th District Court each have separate filing windows and rules — confirm before you go.
Procedures and fees vary by county and may change. We prepare documents based on the information you provide; final filing acceptance is determined by the court.
Understanding michigan eviction notice preparation in Michigan
Eviction in Michigan is a fast process — but only when the paperwork is done correctly. A single defective notice can reset the entire timeline by weeks.
Notice periods
7-day for non-payment of rent; 7-day for serious lease violations; 24-hour for extensive damage or illegal drug use; 30-day for termination of an at-will tenancy.
Conditional dismissal
Michigan courts often enter a Conditional Dismissal at hearing — tenant catches up on rent on a payment plan to avoid the eviction. We prepare the order template either way.
This information is provided for educational purposes only. Statutes, procedures, and court rules change. Clear Path Document Services prepares documents based on the information you provide and is not a law firm.
What's included in your document preparation package
Turnaround: Notices in 1–2 business days; complaints in 2–4 days • Pricing: $75–$249+ (court filing fees not included)
- Correct Demand for Possession
- Proof of Service form
- Summary Proceedings Complaint and Summons
- Filing instructions for your district
- Hearing exhibit checklist
- Order of Eviction template
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a Michigan eviction take?+
From notice to physical eviction is typically 4–6 weeks if uncontested.
Can I just change the locks?+
No. Self-help eviction is illegal in Michigan and creates landlord liability.
What notice do I serve for non-payment?+
A 7-day Demand for Possession (DC 100a).
What if the tenant pays during the notice period?+
Acceptance of rent generally cancels the notice. Document the payment carefully.
How is the notice served?+
Personal delivery, by leaving with someone 13 or older at the residence, or by first-class mail (which adds 3 days).
Can I evict for one late payment?+
Yes — Michigan does not require multiple late payments before serving notice.
What if the lease has a no-cause termination clause?+
Use a 30-day Demand for Possession (DC 100c).
Will the tenant have to leave the day of the order?+
No — they typically have 10 days. After that, a Writ of Restitution is needed for physical removal by a court officer.
What if the tenant is on Section 8?+
Subsidized housing has additional notice requirements; confirm with the local PHA.
Can I recover unpaid rent in the same case?+
Yes — the complaint can request both possession and money judgment.
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