Q: Can my landlord make me move out without a proper eviction notice?
My landlord sold the house we are currently residing in while we still have 6 and a half montns left on our 2 year lease. He called me about 15 days ago stating that he sold the house and was waiting to see if the people were going to be approved. He called back about 3 days later stating they were approved. He called me yesterday and said that they were going to start moving there things into the home on Friday which is 4 days away and that we have to be out by then. What can I do?
A:
If you have a lease that has not yet expired, and are current with rent, haven't violated any terms of the lease, etc. then no -- you can't be 'evicted'. You will note a lot of 'caveats' there -- the only way to be sure is to get local legal help.
On the OTHER hand, even if there are issues like non-payment of rent or violating the lease, you can't be given 4 days notice. In Michigan the fastest you can be evicted is with a 24 hour notice (illegal drug activity on property) or more commonly, a 7 day notice to quit (health hazard/non-payment) or more typically a 30 day notice (termination of tenancy after lease has ended, etc.)
AFTER than notice to quit period has run, your landlord will need to take you to court to evict you and typically courts give up to 10 days for you to move out even if you 'lose' the case.
The BEST option may well be to negotiate some financial accommodation from your current landlord. -- "I will move out voluntarily by date x if you pay me $y to abandon the rest of my lease." There may well be other options as well, but -- seek out local legal representation. It will go better for you with someone in your corner who understands the options.
-- This answer is offered for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney/client relationship.
I am licensed to practice in Michigan only. Please seek competent local legal help if you feel you need legal advice
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