Important: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Court fees and requirements change frequently. Always verify with your local court before filing.
Eviction in Michigan
Open-data reference.
Filing a eviction in Michigan costs $45–$150 - among the more affordable of the 10 states we track. The typical timeline is Hearing within 10-21 days. Possession order after judgment., and a mandatory waiting period of 7 days applies before the court can finalize the matter.
Non-payment (7-day demand), lease violation (30-day notice), illegal activity (24-hour notice)
What This Means for Your Eviction Filing in Michigan
Filing for eviction in Michigan costs $45–$150 at the courthouse, the first financial barrier most self-represented filers face. $45-$150 in District Court. Service by officer ~$25-$75 additional. Beyond the filing fee, a mandatory waiting period of 7 days applies before the court can finalize the matter, and the typical case timeline is Hearing within 10-21 days. Possession order after judgment.. County-level surcharges and service-of-process fees can add to that total; see our court fee waiver guide for who qualifies to file without paying.
Procedurally, Michigan lays out 7 distinct steps, and the clerk typically requires 4 core document categories to open your case. Residency rules matter: standard state residency rules apply. Grounds or legal theory must be stated clearly in the initial petition - Non-payment (7-day demand), lease violation (30-day notice), illegal activity (24-hour notice) (see our pro se filing guide for common filing mistakes to avoid).
Filing Fee Details
$45-$150 in District Court. Service by officer ~$25-$75 additional.
How Michigan compares to other states
Michigan ranks #9 of 10 states for eviction filing cost. Each bar is a state's upper-bound eviction filing fee, from $150 (NC) to $500 (NY); Michigan is highlighted at $150.
Source: state court filing-fee schedules (upper-bound fee per state). Verify current amounts with the relevant court. How we calculate this ranking →
Key Requirements
- Serve 7-day demand for non-payment
- File Complaint to Recover Possession in District Court
- Summons served on tenant
- Order of Eviction after judgment
Step-by-Step Process
- 1
Serve 7-day notice for non-payment (or appropriate notice)
- 2
File Complaint to Recover Possession in District Court
- 3
Court serves summons on tenant
- 4
Hearing within 10-21 days
- 5
Judgment issued
- 6
Order of Eviction issued
- 7
Officer of the court executes eviction
Important Notes
Michigan requires specific notice periods. Domestic violence victims have special protections.
Grounds / Eligibility
Non-payment (7-day demand), lease violation (30-day notice), illegal activity (24-hour notice)
Quick Reference
- Filing Fee
- $45–$150
- Waiting Period
- 7 days
- Typical Timeline
- Hearing within 10-21 days. Possession order after judgment.
Official Resources
Other Civil Processes in Michigan
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to file for eviction in Michigan?
The filing fee for eviction in Michigan is $45–$150. $45-$150 in District Court. Service by officer ~$25-$75 additional.
How long does eviction take in Michigan?
Hearing within 10-21 days. Possession order after judgment.
Do I need a lawyer for eviction in Michigan?
You are not legally required to hire an attorney for eviction in Michigan, but legal representation is recommended for complex cases. Free or low-cost legal aid may be available, see lawhelp.org for Michigan resources.
Is there a waiting period for eviction in Michigan?
Michigan requires a mandatory waiting period of 7 days before the process can be finalized.
Where do I file for eviction in Michigan?
Eviction filings in Michigan are handled through the state court system. Visit the official court website for county-specific filing locations and current fee schedules.
What documents are needed for eviction in Michigan?
Key requirements include: Serve 7-day demand for non-payment; File Complaint to Recover Possession in District Court; Summons served on tenant.
Where does this data come from?
This information is sourced from Michigan court websites, legal aid organizations, and public court fee schedules, last verified 2026-03. See our methodology for full sourcing details.
Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.
| Publisher | PlainCivil |
| Sources | Public state court datasets and federal civil-justice records |