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Wayne County Eviction Court — Landlord Filing Guide (2025)

Everything Michigan landlords need to file a Summary Proceedings (Eviction) in Wayne County — fees, courthouse info, timeline, and step-by-step process.

$45
Filing fee
2–4 weeks
Hearing wait
4–6 weeks
Total process
E-File ✓
Filing method

🏛️ Wayne County Courthouse Information

⚠️ Wayne County — What Landlords Should Know

Wayne County (Detroit) uses 36th District Court for evictions within Detroit.

Need an Eviction Attorney in Wayne County?

Procedural mistakes can get your case dismissed. Get matched with a local Wayne County eviction attorney — free consultation.

Step-by-Step: How to File an Eviction in Wayne County

1

Serve the Required Notice

Before filing, you must serve a written notice. For non-payment of rent, a 7-day Pay or Quit notice is required. For lease violations, serve a 30-day Cure or Quit notice. Make sure the notice is properly formatted and personally served or posted per Michigan law.

2

File Your Summary Proceedings (Eviction) at Frank Murphy Hall of Justice

After the notice period expires without compliance, file your eviction complaint at the Frank Murphy Hall of Justice (1441 St. Antoine St., Detroit, MI 48226). The filing fee is $45. Bring: your lease agreement, the notice, and proof of service. Online filing is also available.

3

Serve the Summons on the Tenant

After filing, the court issues a summons. In Wayne County, service is typically handled by the Sheriff's office or a licensed process server for a fee of $30. You must NOT serve the summons yourself — improper service can get your case dismissed.

4

Attend the Court Hearing

Hearings in Wayne County are typically scheduled 2–4 weeks after filing. Attend with all documentation: lease, notices, payment records, and proof of service. If the tenant doesn't appear, you may receive a default judgment. Come prepared to present your case clearly.

5

Obtain and Enforce the Writ of Possession

After a judgment in your favor, request a Writ of Possession from the clerk. The Michigan Sheriff's office will serve the writ and oversee removal if the tenant refuses to leave voluntarily. Do NOT change locks or remove property yourself — this constitutes illegal self-help eviction in Michigan.

Wayne County Eviction Filing Cost Breakdown

Cost Amount Notes
Court Filing Fee $45 Paid to Wayne County Clerk of Court
Summons Service $30 Sheriff or process server fee
Writ of Possession ~$26–$30 Sheriff enforcement after judgment
Attorney (optional) $400–$1500 Recommended for contested cases

Frequently Asked Questions — Wayne County Evictions

How long does an eviction take in Wayne County?

The typical Wayne County eviction takes 4–6 weeks from serving the initial notice to enforcement — assuming the tenant does not contest. A contested eviction can take significantly longer. Wayne County is generally considered a landlord-friendly jurisdiction.

How much does it cost to file an eviction in Wayne County?

The court filing fee in Wayne County is $45. Additional costs typically include: process service or sheriff fee ($30), Writ of Possession enforcement (~$26–$30), and attorney fees if represented ($400–$1500). Total out-of-pocket without an attorney is typically $101–$105.

What court handles evictions in Wayne County?

Evictions in Wayne County are filed at the Frank Murphy Hall of Justice, located at 1441 St. Antoine St., Detroit, MI 48226. The case type is filed as a Summary Proceedings (Eviction).

Can I file an eviction online in Wayne County?

Yes, Wayne County accepts electronic filing for eviction cases. You can file the complaint and pay fees online, though in-person service of process is still typically required.

Do I need a lawyer to evict a tenant in Wayne County?

Michigan law allows landlords to represent themselves in eviction court. However, having an attorney reduces the risk of procedural dismissals and improves outcomes, especially in contested cases.

What happens if the tenant doesn't leave after the eviction judgment in Wayne County?

After a judgment in your favor, request a Writ of Possession from the court. The Wayne County Sheriff's office will then execute the writ — notifying the tenant to vacate, and physically removing them if they refuse. Do NOT attempt to remove the tenant yourself; self-help eviction is illegal in Michigan.

See full Michigan eviction laws and notice requirements.

Michigan Eviction Guide for Landlords →

Download the eviction notice you must serve before filing in Michigan.

Michigan Eviction Notice Templates →

Is your tenant facing eviction in Wayne County? See their rights.

Tenant Rights in Wayne County →

Relevant Michigan Statutes