Detroit · MI · Vetted Directory

Top Landlord-Tenant Lawyers in Detroit

Whether you are a landlord who needs to evict or a tenant fighting an eviction or a withheld deposit, a Detroit landlord-tenant lawyer protects your rights. Michigan handles evictions through a court process called summary proceedings, with strict notice rules, a security-deposit cap of 1.5 months' rent, and a ban on lockouts. Detroit cases run through the 36th District Court, one of the busiest landlord-tenant dockets in the state. Below are vetted Detroit landlord-tenant firms, most offering an initial consultation.

7-day notice
For unpaid rent
1.5 months
Max deposit
No lockouts
Court only
36th District
Detroit court

Updated June 5, 2026

When you need a Detroit landlord-tenant lawyer

For landlords, call when a tenant stops paying, breaks the lease, or will not leave, and you want the eviction handled correctly so you do not lose weeks to a defective notice. For tenants, call when you are facing an eviction you believe is wrong, your landlord is holding your deposit, your unit has serious repair problems, or you have been locked out. Detroit's large and varied rental market means disputes are common, and the rules favor whoever follows the process carefully.

Michigan law gives both sides real protections, but the summary-proceedings timeline is fast and technical. A local landlord-tenant lawyer knows the 36th District Court, the notice requirements, and how to act quickly when a deadline is days away.

Talk to a Detroit landlord-tenant lawyer if any of the following describes your situation.

  • You are a landlord who needs to evict a non-paying or holdover tenant.
  • You are a tenant served with an eviction you believe is improper.
  • Your landlord is keeping your security deposit without a valid reason.
  • Your landlord refuses to make repairs that affect health or safety.
  • You were locked out or had utilities shut off to force you to leave.
  • You need a lease drafted or reviewed before signing.
  • There is a dispute over damage versus normal wear and tear.
  • You are a landlord facing a tenant's habitability defense.
  • You want to recover unpaid rent or damages after a tenant moves out.
  • You simply want to understand your rights before you act.

How a Detroit eviction actually moves

Step 1: the landlord serves the correct written notice, often a 7-day notice to quit for unpaid rent or a 30-day notice to end a month-to-month tenancy. Step 2: if the tenant does not comply, the landlord files a summary proceedings complaint in the 36th District Court. Step 3: the court sets a hearing, usually within a couple of weeks, where both sides can appear and a tenant can raise defenses. Step 4: if the landlord wins, the court enters a judgment for possession, and after a short statutory period an order of eviction can issue, enforced by a court officer. Step 5: unpaid rent and damages can be decided in the same case or separately. A tenant with a valid defense, such as improper notice, retaliation, or uninhabitable conditions, can change the result.

What this typically costs in Detroit

$300–$600
Flat-fee eviction
~$45+
36th District filing fee
$200–$350/hr
Disputes & defense
Up to 2x
Deposit violation

Many Detroit landlord-tenant lawyers handle a routine eviction for a flat fee of about $300 to $600, plus the 36th District Court filing fee that starts around $45 and the cost of service. Disputes over deposits, repairs, or lease terms, and eviction defense for tenants, are usually billed hourly at about $200 to $350. Where a landlord violates Michigan's deposit rules, a tenant may recover up to double the deposit, which can make those cases worth pursuing. Ask each firm whether the quote covers the court hearing and any follow-up.

What is specific about Michigan and Detroit landlord-tenant law

  • Summary proceedings. Michigan evictions run as summary proceedings, a streamlined court process designed to resolve possession quickly while still giving tenants a chance to be heard.
  • Notice rules. Nonpayment of rent generally requires a 7-day notice to quit, while ending a month-to-month tenancy without cause generally requires a 30-day notice. The notice has to be right, or the case can be dismissed.
  • Security deposit cap. Michigan limits a deposit to 1.5 months' rent and requires the landlord to return it or send an itemized list of damages within 30 days, with penalties for getting it wrong.
  • No self-help. Michigan's anti-lockout law bars landlords from changing locks, removing belongings, or cutting utilities to force a tenant out. Possession must be recovered through the court.
  • 36th District Court. Detroit landlord-tenant cases are heard here, one of the highest-volume courts in Michigan. Knowing its procedures and timelines helps both landlords and tenants.

Detroit firms that handle landlord-tenant matters

Updated June 5, 2026. Verified across Super Lawyers, Justia, Avvo, and firm records. We do not accept payment for placement. Where a firm's aggregate client rating is not yet compiled, we say so rather than invent one. Detroit firm coverage in this directory is still being expanded, so this list draws on independently verified firms rather than on-site profiles.

1

Law Offices of Aaron D. Cox, PLLC

Landlord-tenant & evictionDetroit area, MichiganThousands of evictions

A Michigan firm whose attorneys have handled thousands of landlord-tenant evictions across the state, with experience in eviction and related foreclosure matters. A strong fit for landlords who want a high-volume eviction practice that knows the summary-proceedings process cold. Ratings not yet aggregated here.

Consultation Available Landlord-SideEvictionsHigh Volume
Request Free Consult
2

Hanna & Jarbo PLLC

Landlord-tenantDetroit area, MichiganEviction process

A Michigan firm with broad experience in the eviction process, from rent nonpayment through disputes over tenancy termination. A good fit if you want a firm that handles the full range of landlord-tenant issues and can guide you through each step.

Consultation Available EvictionsLease DisputesBoth Sides
Request Free Consult
3

Trowbridge Law Firm P.C.

Landlord-tenant & real estateDetroit, Michigan1380 Jefferson Ave

A downtown Detroit firm with experience in landlord-tenant law and real estate litigation. A good fit if your matter overlaps property ownership and tenancy, or you want a firm based right in the city near the 36th District Court.

Consultation Available Real EstateLitigationDowntown Detroit
Request Free Consult
4

Law Office of Gary Segatti

Eviction representationDetroit area, MichiganEviction attorney

A Detroit-area eviction attorney handling landlord-tenant matters and the eviction process. A reasonable fit for landlords who want a focused, accessible lawyer for a straightforward eviction.

Consultation Available Landlord-SideEvictionsLocal
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Landlord-tenant in Detroit — FAQ

How does an eviction work in Detroit?
Michigan uses a court process called summary proceedings. A landlord must first serve the correct written notice, often a 7-day notice to quit for unpaid rent or a 30-day notice to end a month-to-month tenancy, then file in the 36th District Court. The court sets a hearing, usually within a couple of weeks, and if the landlord wins, an order of eviction can issue. Self-help lockouts are illegal in Michigan.
How much does a landlord-tenant lawyer cost in Detroit?
Many Detroit landlord-tenant lawyers handle a routine eviction for a flat fee of about $300 to $600, plus the 36th District Court filing fee, which starts around $45, and service costs. Disputes over deposits, repairs, or lease terms, and eviction defense for tenants, are usually billed hourly at about $200 to $350. Ask whether the quote covers the court hearing.
How much can a Detroit landlord charge for a security deposit?
Michigan law caps a security deposit at 1.5 months' rent. After you move out, the landlord must return the deposit or send an itemized list of damages within 30 days. If the landlord fails to follow the rules, you may be able to recover up to double the deposit. A lawyer can send a demand or file suit to recover it.
Can my landlord lock me out or remove my belongings?
No. Michigan's anti-lockout law prohibits a landlord from using self-help to force a tenant out, including changing the locks, removing belongings, or shutting off utilities. A landlord must go through the court. If a landlord illegally locks you out, you may recover damages, and a lawyer can act fast to get you back in.
What notice does a landlord have to give before eviction?
It depends on the reason. For nonpayment of rent, Michigan typically requires a 7-day notice to quit. To end a month-to-month tenancy without cause, a 30-day notice is usually required. Lease violations and other situations have their own notice rules. Getting the notice wrong can sink an eviction, which is why landlords often use a lawyer.
Which court handles Detroit landlord-tenant cases?
Landlord-tenant and eviction cases in Detroit are heard in the 36th District Court, which handles a very high volume of these matters. A local landlord-tenant lawyer knows the court's procedures, the magistrates, and the timelines, which helps both landlords and tenants prepare.

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