Detroit Landlord-Tenant Attorney — 29 Years Experience

In Michigan, the eviction process typically takes 4 to 8 weeks from the initial notice to actual removal. The process begins with serving the tenant a notice (7-day for nonpayment, 30-day for lease violations), followed by filing a summons and complaint in district court. After the court hearing, if the landlord prevails, a Writ of Restitution is issued, giving the tenant 10 days to vacate. Complex cases involving disputes may take longer. An experienced landlord-tenant attorney can help expedite the process and avoid common filing errors.

Michigan landlords have several key rights under the Truth in Renting Act and Michigan Compiled Laws, including: the right to collect rent as agreed, the right to evict for nonpayment or lease violations, the right to enter property with reasonable notice (24 hours), the right to retain security deposits for damages beyond normal wear, and the right to screen tenants. Landlords must follow proper legal procedures and cannot use self-help measures like changing locks or shutting off utilities.

Under Michigan law (MCL 554.602), landlords cannot charge a security deposit exceeding 1.5 months' rent. The deposit must be held in a regulated financial institution, and the landlord must provide the tenant with the institution's name and address within 14 days. Within 30 days of lease termination, the landlord must either return the full deposit or provide an itemized list of deductions. Failure to comply can result in liability for double the amount wrongfully withheld.

Michigan does not have a specific statutory right for tenants to withhold rent. However, tenants may have legal remedies if the landlord fails to maintain the property in habitable condition. Under Michigan law, tenants can file a complaint with the local housing authority, pursue repairs and deduct costs from rent (with proper notice), or terminate the lease if conditions are severe. It's critical to consult an attorney before withholding rent, as doing so without proper legal grounds can lead to eviction.

Landlord-tenant attorney fees in Detroit typically range from $150 to $400 per hour, with many firms offering flat-fee arrangements for standard eviction filings ($500–$1,500). Some attorneys, including Demers Law, offer free initial consultations to evaluate your case. Legal aid organizations may provide free or reduced-cost services for qualifying tenants. The cost depends on case complexity, whether the matter goes to trial, and the attorney's experience level.