How to Evict a Roomate in Michigan the Easy Way [Top Tips]

How to Evict a Roommate in Michigan the Legal Way

Problems with roommates are all too common. Whether the person is your friend or just someone who met the application requirements, butting heads and having differences in the way you live can take a major toll on the relationship.

Learning can help you get the process accomplished faster, and DoNotPay can help, too.

You don't have to make the attempt alone. Let DoNotPay help you handle the eviction promptly and with less stress. The Landlord Protection product will help you handle it.

Eviction Laws in Michigan

In Michigan, it is not legal for anyone (landlord, roommate, or otherwise) to attempt to shut off utilities or change the locks in order to get someone to comply with an eviction. You must go through legal channels to do so, or you may face legal repercussions. A few other laws are:

As the homeowner, you may issue a Notice to Quit. This informs the other tenant in the home that they are being asked to leave and why.
If no attempt is made to rectify the situation within 7 days, you may then submit a Summons and Complaint through the court.
A court hearing must be attended so both parties may speak. The judge will make a final decision.

Who Has the Legal Power to Evict a Roommate in Michigan?

Only the owner of the property has the legal right to evict a roommate or tenant in Michigan. If you and your roommate signed a lease together, you will have to speak with the homeowner regarding the matter and allow them to handle the eviction if they agree. Be aware that this could result in both of you getting evicted from the property.

If you are the home's owner and allowed someone to rent a room within your household, you will have an easier time getting this task accomplished as you see fit.

Reasons Why You May Need to Evict a Roommate

You cannot simply kick out a roommate because you are not getting along at the time. There needs to be a valid reason for it, such as:

They have not paid their portion of the rent or utilities.
They have overstayed the lease.
They have created a health hazard within the home.
They have caused damage to your property.
They have gotten into a physical altercation with you.
They have involved themselves with illegal activities while on the premises.
They have violated a term of the lease, such as having a pet when they were not allowed to or inviting someone else to live there, etc.

What Can I Do if My Roommate Refuses to Leave?

If you ask your roommate to leave and they do not comply, you must start the eviction process. If they still do not leave, you will, unfortunately, have to wait until the judge makes the final decision and a sheriff is asked to come and escort them from the premises.

Evict Your Michigan Roommate on Your Own

To start the eviction process, you must go to your county clerk's office and ask for the appropriate forms to file. It will cost $45 in most counties to file this initial form. However, if you are also asking for owed rent or money for another purpose, such as to cover damages that were done, that will result in an additional charge of up to $150 for the appropriate form.

You must have your roommate served up to 3 days before the hearing date, as well as hand them or leave at the door a second copy of the notices and forms. You will then have to attend a court hearing.

Evict Your Michigan Roommate With DoNotPay

If you're still struggling with , let DoNotPay help. It can be a stressful situation that you want to be sure gets handled correctly. Tensions are most likely already high enough in the household.

Search for and open the Landlord Protection product on DoNotPay.
Select which issue applies to you.
Answer a simple set of questions so our chatbot can collect the necessary information to create your demand letter.
Choose whether you want DoNotPay to send the demand letter to your landlord or roommate on your behalf. If you already tried sending a demand letter and it didn't work, we can help you start the small claims court process.

If you need help getting started in small claims court, the Sue Now product DoNotPay offers will be your next step. It is also a simple process with just a few tasks involved.

Additional Rental Problems DoNotPay Helps You Face

More than evicting a roommate, DoNotPay offers assistance for any additional rental problem you may face in your lifetime. Whether it pertains to a roommate, landlord, or rights for yourself, we'll help you get it solved. Learn:

Does DoNotPay Help With Other Problems?

DoNotPay is your one-stop solution to any of the common problems you may experience in your daily life. Need help getting a refund? Looking to bypass verifications with a burner phone? DoNotPay offers various products to help with your needs, including: