Can I serve an eviction notice myself in Michigan?

Michigan law permits a landlord to deliver the Notice to Quit and Demand for Possession personally, by first-class mail, or by leaving with a person of suitable age at the premises. However, judges scrutinize landlord-served notices closely. A licensed process server with audio/video documentation eliminates challenges to service that can dismiss your case.

What is a Notice to Quit vs Demand for Possession in Michigan?

Notice to Quit terminates the tenancy (typical for at-will or holdover tenants). Demand for Possession is the pre-suit demand required for nonpayment, holdover after lease, or breach (use the proper form: DC 100a for nonpayment, DC 100b for holdover, DC 100c for material breach). Both must be properly served before filing complaint in district court.

How much does eviction service cost in Michigan?

Eviction-notice service typically starts at $150 with a licensed process server. Compared to landlord-self-service, the cost prevents service-defect dismissals (which cost weeks of additional vacancy and lost rent) and includes notarized affidavit and audio/video documentation.

How to Serve an Eviction Notice in Michigan -- Step-by-Step Guide

Q: How long does an eviction take in Michigan?

Standard eviction timeline is 4-8 weeks from Notice to Quit through Writ of Possession execution. For nonpayment of rent, the 7-day Notice to Quit + 7 days to file in district court + ~2-3 weeks to hearing + ~7-10 days to writ issuance + sheriff scheduling. Properly served notices avoid re-serve delays that can add weeks.

Published 2026-05-10 by Papers Delivered (Process Servers) -- 24/7 Michigan process server based in Troy, serving Macomb, Oakland, Wayne, and Washtenaw Counties plus statewide.

Why Service Matters in a Michigan Eviction

Michigan landlord-tenant law (the Summary Proceedings Act, MCL 600.5701 et seq.) requires the landlord to serve a written notice on the tenant before filing a complaint in district court. Skip the notice or botch the service and the court will dismiss your case at the first hearing -- the tenant continues occupying the unit, and you lose another 30+ days of rent while you re-serve and re-file. The notice and its proof of service are the foundation of every eviction.

Step 1: Identify the Right Notice

Notice to Quit (DC 100a, DC 100b, DC 100c) -- terminates tenancy. Required before filing complaint.
- DC 100a: 7-day Demand for Possession (nonpayment of rent)
- DC 100b: Notice of Termination of Tenancy (lease expired, month-to-month)
- DC 100c: Demand for Possession (material lease breach -- e.g., damage, illegal activity)
Demand for Possession -- the financial-cure or move-out demand attached to nonpayment cases.
Writ of Possession -- post-judgment court order issued after the eviction hearing. Sheriff (or court officer) executes, but the writ itself often gets served separately when entering the unit.

Step 2: Calculate the Notice Period

Michigan's notice periods are statutory. The clock starts the day after service, not the day of service:

Nonpayment of rent: 7 days
Material lease breach: 7 days (or as the lease specifies, whichever is longer)
Holdover (lease expired, month-to-month): 30 days for periodic, 7 days for at-will
Drug/alcohol-related illegal activity: 24 hours
Subsidized housing: Federal HUD timelines may apply -- consult counsel

Step 3: Serve Properly

Michigan permits multiple service methods, but each has tradeoffs:

Personal service on the tenant -- strongest, hardest to challenge.
Substituted service at the premises with a person of suitable age and discretion -- valid but commonly contested.
Posting + first-class mail -- "nail and mail" allowed if other methods fail. Contested constantly.

A licensed Michigan process server with audio/video documentation renders the service nearly bulletproof. The video shows the door, the tenant or substitute, the document handed off, and the date/time stamp. We comply with MCL 750.539c (Michigan's one-party consent law -- our server is the consenting party).

Step 4: File the Complaint

After the notice period expires, file your eviction complaint at the proper district court. Pages we serve daily:

41A District Court Shelby Township -- serves Shelby Twp, Macomb Twp, Utica, Washington Twp
41A District Court Sterling Heights -- serves Sterling Heights
41B District Court Clinton Township -- serves Clinton Twp, Mt. Clemens, Harrison Twp, Fraser
52-4 District Court Troy -- serves Troy, Clawson

Step 5: After Judgment -- Writ of Possession

The court issues the Writ ~10 days after judgment. The writ authorizes physical removal but cannot be executed before the redemption period ends. Execution is by court officer or sheriff with proper notice. Re-key after execution.

The Re-Serve Trap

Most landlord-served notices that fail in court fail for one reason: the affidavit doesn't match what actually happened, OR the tenant claims they never received the notice. Audio/video documentation kills both defenses cold. We have served thousands of Michigan evictions; not one of our affidavits has ever been struck for service-defect.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does an eviction take in Michigan?

Standard 4-8 weeks. Properly served notices avoid the re-serve delays that can double the timeline.

Can I serve the notice myself?

Yes, but judges scrutinize landlord-served notices closely. A licensed process server with audio/video documentation eliminates challenges that can dismiss your case.

How much does eviction service cost?

Starts at $150 in our service area. Compared to a single re-serve delay, it pays for itself.

Need an Eviction Notice Served in Michigan?

Audio/video documented service. 24-48 hour standard, same-day rush available.

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How to Serve an Eviction Notice in Michigan