Landlord-Tenant Division
Frequently Asked Questions
1. For what reasons can tenants be evicted from their rental property?2. What procedures does a landlord have to follow to evict a tenant?
3. What do I do if I receive one of these two legal forms from my landlord?
4. What happens when the seven days or month have expired?
5. What happens when I show up on my court date as either a landlord or a tenant?
6. What happens if either the landlord or tenant fails to show up for the court date?
7. What if the conditions of the judgment are not followed?
8. How does a landlord request an Order of Eviction and what does the Court do once the request is made?
9. Will a tenant be notified if a Order of Eviction has been filed?
10. What happens if a Order of Eviction is approved by the judge?
11. How can I file a complaint against my landlord?
12. What are the filing fees?
13. Can a decision of the court be appealed by either party?
14. Clarification of the Court's Eviction Moratorium
For what reasons can tenants be evicted from their rental property?
Under the law, tenants can be evicted for not paying their rent, damage to the property, violation of written lease provisions, or for no reason as long as it doesn't violate the law.
What procedures does a landlord have to follow to evict a tenant?
Before a case is filed with the Landlord-Tenant Division of the 36th District Court, there are a number of steps a landlord must take before a tenant can be evicted. A landlord must fill out and issue to a tenant one of two forms: the "Notice to Quit" or "Demand For Possession". These forms can be purchased at the Civil Division cashier's window on the 2nd Floor for one dollar ($1.25) or at any office supply store. They can also be found here. When filling out these forms, it is important for the landlord to print the tenant's full name and correct address on the form. If delivered by mail, do not use the court as your return address.
What do I do if I receive one of these two legal forms from my landlord?
If you receive a Notice to Quit or Demand for Possession from your landlord, it means that the landlord wants to regain possession of the property that you are renting. You have within the time frame indicated on the form to correct the situation, pay the rent owed, move or seek legal advice. Failure to comply may result in a case being filed against you in court.
What happens when the seven days or month have expired?
When the time period expires after you have been served with the appropriate papers, a landlord can start legal action against a tenant. When filing these documents, a landlord must have the necessary filing fee.
Once the complaint and summons are filed with the Landlord-Tenant Division staff, a hearing date will be set. You are responsible for service of these pleadings. Unless you clearly understand the statutory requirements, we recommend you use a Court Officer.
The complaint form will contain information about the case being brought against the tenant by the landlord, including how much rent is owed. The summons will state the case number, the date and time of your hearing and what your rights and responsibilities are.
What happens when I show up on my court date as either a landlord or a tenant?
The landlord must provide a completed judgment form and stamped envelope for each tenant in the case, with the court address as the return address. Remember, both the landlord and the tenant have the right to have an attorney present during this court hearing and to request a jury trial. Evidence, including any witnesses, that you believe would support your case should be with you at the hearing.
When your case is called, the judge will hear both sides before a ruling is made. If possible, the judge will attempt to get both sides to agree as to how to handle the matter. This is called a Consent Judgment, and it must be signed by both the landlord and the tenant, as well as the judge. If an agreement is not reached, then the judge will make a ruling either in favor of the landlord or the tenant. This document will contain the actions necessary by the landlord and/or the tenant to satisfy the court's ruling.
What happens if either the landlord or tenant fails to show up for the court date?
Failure of a landlord to show up for a court date will result in the case being dismissed. If a tenant does not show up for the court date a default judgment is issued by the court in favor of the landlord. If neither person shows up, the case is dismissed.
What if the conditions of the judgment are not followed?
If a tenant fails to pay rent by the date required, or to move by the date ordered in the judgment, the landlord has the right to request a court order (Order of Eviction) to have you evicted.
How does a landlord request a Order of Eviction and what does the Court do once the request is made?
The Judgment Order issued by the Court at the hearing specifies the terms that have to be followed by both the landlord and the tenant and the date these actions have to be completed. If a tenant fails to obey the requirements of the Judgment Order by the date specified in the Order, then the landlord can request that the Court issue an Order of Eviction ordering the court officer to evict (remove) the tenant and his or her possessions from the rental property.
This action is started by the landlord completing and filing the necessary forms at the Civil Division cashier counter on the 2nd floor. The landlord must pay the necessary filing fee, submit a stamped envelope addressed to the tenant with the 36th District Court address as the return address, and may complete a form giving the court officer instructions regarding the eviction. Because there is an additional cost to the landlord for the court officer carrying out (executing) the eviction order, the court officer will contact the landlord to tell him or her of the cost.
Will a tenant be notified if a Order of Eviction has been filed?
Yes. The Landlord-Tenant Division staff will send you a notice with a copy of the Order attached informing you that an Order has been filed and, if a Writ hearing has been set by the judge, the date of the hearing. If you feel that there is a good reason why you should not be evicted from the property, you must request a Stay (delay) of the Writ at the Civil counter on the 2nd floor in order to go before a judge. Any request for a stay usually must be accompanied by the deposit of one month's rent.
What happens if a Order of Eviction is approved by the judge?
An Order must be signed by a judge. Only a court officer has the authority to execute the Order and remove your possessions from the property. A landlord cannot carry out an Order and evict you.
How can I file a complaint against my landlord?
If you feel that you have legitimate complaint against your landlord, you can contact the City of Detroit Rental Inspector regarding property repair at (313) 224-2733. It is important that you keep a record on everything that has occurred that will support your complaint (i.e. names, dates, problems, receipts etc). If you file a complaint against your landlord, it is illegal for the landlord to retaliate against you through such actions as raising your rent or having you evicted. If your landlord has ignored the legal process to have you evicted and locked you out of your rental property, you can contact the United Community Housing Coalition between the hours of 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. Their address and phone number is listed below.
United Community Housing Coalition2727 2nd Ave # 29/313
Detroit, MI 48201
(313) 963-3310
What are the filing fees?
Can a decision of the court be appealed by either party?
Yes. It is advisable to seek legal advise when considering an appeal to a higher court.Clarification of the Court's Eviction Moratrorium
Please find a list of FAQ's regarding the Court's Eviction Moratorium here.