Eviction Law in Grand Rapids, MI
Are you a landlord in Grand Rapids, MI facing a tenant issue that just will not resolve?
When a renter refuses to pay, violates the lease, or damages your property, the stress can pile up fast. Evictions may be necessary, but they are rarely simple—and one misstep can cost you time, money, and peace of mind.
Start by reviewing our practical guide tailored to Grand Rapids landlords. Then, if you need help serving notice, filing documents, or preparing for court, we can connect you with an experienced local attorney.
What Is an Eviction?
Eviction is the legal process used to remove a tenant from a rental property—but it is rarely as simple as serving a notice and expecting them to leave. In Grand Rapids, landlords must follow specific procedures under Michigan law, which often lean in favor of the tenant.
In many cases, a formal eviction notice acts as a final warning. If the tenant pays the overdue rent or starts complying with the lease, the process may not go any further.
When Can Landlords Send a Termination Notice?
The Tenant Doesn’t Pay Rent
If a tenant in Grand Rapids consistently pays rent late or has stopped paying altogether, that alone may be a valid reason to begin the eviction process. While some states allow for a brief grace period, Michigan does not mandate one.
Under Michigan law, a landlord must give the tenant at least seven days’ written notice to pay or vacate before filing for eviction due to nonpayment. However, Grand Rapids landlords can begin discussing consequences or issuing warnings as soon as rent becomes overdue.
Make sure to document every missed payment and late notice. Send written reminders and retain proof of delivery. These records—especially copies of notices and payment histories—can strengthen your position if the matter goes to court. In eviction cases, clear and consistent documentation often makes the difference.
The Tenant Violates the Terms or Conditions of the Lease Agreement
When a tenant breaks the terms of their lease, it is often grounds for eviction. Lease agreements in Grand Rapids are legally binding contracts, not just guidelines. If a renter brings in an unauthorized occupant, keeps a pet in violation of the lease, or uses the property in a prohibited way, you have a right to take action. The eviction process can begin with a written notice outlining the specific violation and the steps required to correct it.
Landlords, too, are bound by the lease. If your lease includes responsibilities like making repairs or maintaining utilities, those obligations must be met. Failure to hold up your end of the agreement could weaken your case in court.
The Tenant Damages the Property
Every rental experiences some wear and tear—scuffed floors, worn carpet, or chipped paint are part of regular use. But when a tenant causes significant damage, such as broken appliances, shattered windows, or holes in the wall, you have stronger legal standing to pursue an eviction. Damage that affects the safety or livability of the unit cannot be ignored.
That said, tenants who quickly repair the damage or provide evidence of an honest mistake may not warrant eviction. Intent and severity matter. If the issue is isolated, documented, and corrected responsibly, a judge may view the situation differently. Still, repeated or malicious damage can justify ending the lease.
The Tenant Uses the Property for Illegal Purposes
Using a rental property for illegal activity—whether it’s drug sales, weapons trafficking, or other criminal conduct—is serious and often leads to immediate eviction. In Grand Rapids, landlords can issue a notice to terminate the tenancy without waiting for a conviction. You are not required to tolerate criminal use of your property.
However, you will need evidence. Police reports, witness statements, or official records will strengthen your claim. If law enforcement has been called to the property or if neighbors have made credible complaints, gather and retain all supporting documentation. Eviction for illegal activity is more likely to succeed when it is backed by clear facts.
How to Evict a Tenant in Grand Rapids, Michigan
If you want to evict a tenant for any reason, then you need to understand the eviction process. Here’s how it works.
Step 1. Check Your Local Laws
Eviction laws in Michigan follow state guidelines, but local policies in Grand Rapids may add another layer of complexity. That is why it is important to fully understand your rights before you deliver any type of notice. You must have a legal reason for removing a tenant—whether for nonpayment, damage, or violating the lease.
Under Michigan law, eviction is considered a “summary proceeding,” which means the courts move quickly once a claim is filed. However, that speed does not grant landlords the authority to take matters into their own hands. Locking a tenant out, shutting off the power, or trying to intimidate them into leaving without a court order is illegal.
Step 2. Give a Formal Notice of Eviction
If your tenant continues to violate the lease despite your attempts to resolve the issue, the next step is to serve a formal eviction notice. This notice acts as your final warning. It should clearly identify what part of the lease your tenant has broken and explain exactly what they must do to correct the problem.
Your notice must also include the amount owed, if applicable, and a clear deadline for the tenant to either comply or move out. If you are unfamiliar with how to draft a proper eviction notice, Michigan provides helpful tools. The state court system offers standardized forms, including the Notice to Quit to Recover Possession of Property. This form includes a certificate of service and allows Grand Rapids landlords to legally deliver the notice through one of the following methods:
- Personal delivery to the tenant
- Mailing it via first-class service
- Electronic delivery (if permitted)
- Handing it to a household member of suitable age
Step 3. File the Eviction with the Court
Once the notice period expires, you must file a formal eviction case with the court. In Grand Rapids, most eviction filings go through the 63rd District Court, which oversees landlord-tenant disputes in the area. After you file, the court will set a hearing date and issue a summons to notify the tenant.
Step 4. Contact an Experienced Grand Rapids, Michigan Eviction Attorney and Prepare for the Hearing
An experienced Grand Rapids eviction attorney can guide you through the hearing process and help ensure all documents are in order. You should begin gathering evidence immediately and organize the materials you’ll need to prove your case. Be sure to bring the following:
- A signed copy of the lease agreement
- A full payment history or ledger
- Copies of any bounced or returned checks
- Documentation of communication with the tenant
- A copy of the eviction notice
- Proof that the tenant received the notice (e.g., certified mail, in-person service)
Step 5. Evict the Tenant
Once the court rules in your favor, your tenant will be given a specific window to vacate the property. In Michigan, this period typically ranges from 48 hours to a few days, depending on the circumstances. If your tenant refuses to leave by the deadline, you can request assistance from law enforcement in Grand Rapids to carry out the physical eviction.
Step 6. Collect Past-Due Rent Payments
Even after regaining possession of your property, you may still face the challenge of collecting unpaid rent. Unfortunately, a court order does not always lead to prompt payment. You can pursue back rent using several collection options, such as:
- Hiring a private collection agency
- Garnishing their wages
- Seeking garnishment of tax refunds
- Suing for the amount owed in small claims court
Work with an Experienced Eviction Attorney in Grand Rapids, Michigan
Tenants in Grand Rapids may try to claim you skipped a step or failed to follow notice requirements. Without legal guidance, even a simple mistake could delay the eviction or result in your case being dismissed altogether. A qualified Grand Rapids attorney can help you follow each step of the process, from notice to final enforcement.
Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in your area! We can even help you connect with an attorney across Michigan state lines.
About the Author
Aaron is a professional legal writer with a B.S. in English Education from Southern Illinois University – Carbondale. He has written, published, and edited thousands of legal articles for RequestLegalHelp, which has connected over 5 million people to legal help in the United States.
With over five years of experience writing thousands of legal articles for law firms across the U.S. and Canada, Aaron specializes in covering federal, state, and city-level legal issues ranging from auto accidents to wrongful terminations.
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