National Eviction

How long does an eviction take in Michigan?

For landlords and property managers · Updated September 2026

The written deadlines let an uncontested eviction for unpaid rent in Michigan finish in about 3 to 4 weeks at the fastest, before time to file, serve the tenant and get on the court's calendar.

If the tenant contests: Adjourned trial reset 7 to 14 days out; often two court dates.

The Michigan eviction timeline, step by step

Calendar days for a nonpayment case the tenant does not contest. Business and court days are converted to calendar days.

  1. 1Notice for unpaid rent

    7 days

    From serving the notice until you can file.

    7 days after written demand for nonpayment

    From our guide: “the tenant has not paid within 7 days after service of a written demand for possession”

  2. 2Court case

    5 to 10 days

    From filing through service and the answer period or first hearing, to a judgment for possession.

    First appearance 5 to 10 days after summons; judgment if uncontested

    From our guide: “the summons must set the appearance within 10 days of the date the summons is issued, and it must be served at least 3 days before that date” and “set the appearance within 5 days after service”

  3. 3Judgment to possession

    10 days

    Any waiting period before the writ issues, plus the officer's notice before the lockout.

    Order of eviction issues 10 days after judgment

    From our guide: “it may not be issued until 10 days after entry of the judgment”

What can slow it down

  • A rental-assistance stay in nonpayment cases adds 14 to 28 days, and a contested adjournment for good cause can run up to 56 days.
  • A defective notice is the most common reason a case is dismissed and has to start over. Check the form and the delivery method in the full guide before you serve it.
  • A tenant who files an answer, raises a defense or appeals adds hearings and waiting periods. Busy urban dockets can add weeks at every stage.
  • Never change the locks or shut off utilities yourself. Self-help eviction is illegal in every state and can cost more than the unpaid rent.

Read the full Michigan eviction guide, with the statute or rule behind each step.

Michigan scores 9 of 10 on our landlord-friendly states map (landlord-leaning).

Compare eviction timelines in every state.

This timeline is general information for landlords, not legal advice. Deadlines change and courts vary by county. Confirm current rules with a licensed Michigan attorney before acting.