Ask a Question

Get free answers to your Landlord - Tenant legal questions from lawyers in your area.

Lawyers, increase your visibility by answering questions and getting points. Answer Questions
Michigan Landlord - Tenant Questions & Answers
2 Answers | Asked in Landlord - Tenant, Probate and Real Estate Law for Michigan on
Q: Rights to remain in property after grandmother's death with verbal agreement

My grandmother passed away and I had a verbal agreement with her to pay for groceries in exchange for living in her property. She wanted us to stay for up to a year after her death. The property deed has been transferred to my mother and two aunts, as per the will. I've been living here for... View More

David Soble
PREMIUM
David Soble
answered on Jun 13, 2025

Any agreements related to real estate that exceed one year are required to be in writing. A written agreement is a requirement under the Statute of Frauds. So at this time, you are a month-to-month tenant at the property with rights only as a tenant occupant. Unfortunately, unless your... View More

View More Answers

3 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law, Landlord - Tenant and Domestic Violence for Michigan on
Q: How to remove son from deed and evict him in Michigan?

I need legal advice on how to remove my adult son's name from the deed of my house and how to legally evict him. He does not contribute financially to the house, and there is no contract regarding his residency. He's unwilling to cooperate in resolving this issue and has become... View More

Brent T. Geers
Brent T. Geers
answered on Jun 8, 2025

You cannot simply take someone's name off a deed. And because of that, you're going to be unable to evict him as, legally, he also owns the house.

If you have fear for your safety, you may want to look into obtaining a PPO.

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Landlord - Tenant and Real Estate Law for Michigan on
Q: Do I have to pay rent after my lease expired and moved out?

My lease ended on May 4th, and I moved out on that date after notifying my landlord of my intent to vacate two weeks prior. There is no month-to-month clause in the lease agreement, and I returned the keys on May 4th. Despite giving written notice, my landlord did not respond and is still charging... View More

Kenneth V Zichi
Kenneth V Zichi
answered on May 29, 2025

If your lease expired, you moved out and returned the keys and gave them WRITTEN NOTICE (not a phone call or text message!) of your forwarding address to get your security deposit within 4 days of move out, then you have no obligation to do anything more (including paying rent!) but the LANDLORD... View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Foreclosure, Landlord - Tenant and Real Estate Law for Michigan on
Q: Understanding Michigan eviction law after foreclosure and canceled writ.

I am a tenant in Michigan whose home went into foreclosure. The bank issued a writ of eviction, but later canceled the eviction process. I'm trying to understand the implications of this situation regarding Michigan’s eviction laws under MCL 600.5701 to 600.5750. Specifically, what does the... View More

David Soble
PREMIUM
David Soble
answered on May 6, 2025

If the bank or lender is the successful bidder at the sheriff sale and the redemption period expires, they can then file for an eviction against all occupants in the property. If they obtain a judgment, they can ask for a writ to be issued and must do the eviction within 56 days. Otherwise, they... View More

View More Answers

Q: Can sister force grandfather to leave mom's residence in probate issue?

My mother, who was buying the home, recently passed away. My sister, the executor of my mother's estate, is telling my grandfather that he must leave the residence immediately, cannot take or come back to feed one of his dogs, and cannot take anything with him until the will is read. We are... View More

Edward Gudeman
Edward Gudeman
answered on Apr 18, 2025

First of all, your sister has no authority to control any property until a will is probated or an intestate (no will) proceeding is initiated and she is appointed as the Personal Representative. If you cannot find a will, then it may be a good idea for you to initiate such a proceeding and ask that... View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Landlord - Tenant, Contracts, Civil Litigation and Real Estate Law for Michigan on
Q: Legal actions for issues with lease and alleged late rent payments after moving out.

I moved in with my mother and her husband about 3-4 years ago and had a verbal agreement to pay $200 rent directly to them. After some changes, I was told to pay the landlord directly, but there seemed to be confusion about the payment plan and outstanding balances. I eventually moved out, but my... View More

Kenneth V Zichi
Kenneth V Zichi
answered on Apr 8, 2025

If I understand correctly, you verbally 'sublet' part of your mother's rental for $200 a month, but somehow your name is on the lease? How did that work exactly? What does the WRITTEN lease say about your obligations?

Without seeing that document I can't even hazard a...
View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Landlord - Tenant, Gov & Administrative Law and Real Estate Law for Michigan on
Q: Is a rent increase from $520 to $690 at my MHP excessive?

I have been living in a mobile home park for 6 years, and my rent was last increased 12 months ago. Recently, my rent was raised from $520 to $690 without any specific reason provided by management. Other residents have received the same increase. I'm not aware of any local rent control laws.... View More

Kenneth V Zichi
Kenneth V Zichi
answered on Apr 5, 2025

Absent rent control or some other local codes, private landlords can choose to charge whatever the market will bear for rent.

This is the disadvantage of renting.

You can also choose to move somewhere else with little to no notice.

This is the advantage of renting....
View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Landlord - Tenant, Civil Litigation and Real Estate Law for Michigan on
Q: Can my ex-girlfriend avoid eviction and change her mind after dismissal?

I gave my ex-girlfriend a 30-day notice to vacate, which she acknowledged with a handwritten letter stating she'd be out in 30 days to avoid eviction on her record. She didn't leave, so I filed for eviction in Michigan a week after the deadline. She's now claiming she'll move... View More

Kenneth V Zichi
Kenneth V Zichi
answered on Apr 4, 2025

I think you know the answer, or you wouldn’t be asking the question in the first place. A verbal agreement, in general, is worth the paper that it is written on. Yes she can just change her mind again.

You DO need to serve her however, but so long as you are only looking for eviction and...
View More

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Michigan on
Q: What is considered wrongful eviction

Landlord told the court I owed him rent but I didn’t owe anything

Brent T. Geers
Brent T. Geers
answered on Sep 20, 2024

A wrongful eviction would be done either constructively or through "self-help", and usually done outside the judicial process. If there was a court hearing where your landlord asserted you owed rent, and either you didn't say otherwise or the judge didn't believe you - or you... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant and Real Estate Law for Michigan on
Q: What is a promissory note & what is a life lease what are the responsibilities of the tenant & or the original homeowner
Kenneth V Zichi
Kenneth V Zichi
answered on Sep 12, 2024

A promissory note is a promise to pay a specific amount of money in a given time usually with interest rate and payment schedule spelled out. It is usually secured by a mortgage or similar ‘security agreement’.

This has nothing to do with life leases which is a way to transfer a...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation and Landlord - Tenant for Michigan on
Q: Ex-roommate is trying to collect belongs two months after their lease ended. They’ve had plenty of notice & opportunity.

What would be their rights if they’ve been notified for many months? Their portion of the lease has been expired for 2 months now. They do not live in the home & the lease is only in my name. They are threatening to come get only the expensive items and not everything, since they still do not... View More

Kenneth V Zichi
Kenneth V Zichi
answered on Sep 3, 2024

What does your written agreement with your roommate say? Do you have ANYthing in writing?

Put it in writing or there is no way to answer this. I’d suggest even now you should — in writing — offer a specific time and place for them to pick up their things. If they are not removed...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Michigan on
Q: In landlord, tenant law, can an eviction be quashed Under the 56 day rule If the court took too long to rule on appeal?

I was evicted from my home for nonpayment of rent. I filed an appeal. The 30th circuit court took six months to rule on my appeal. They agreed to uphold the eviction. Can I quash the eviction under the 56 day rule? I have paid all of my rent into escrow. I have a remaining balance of $1805.72 can... View More

Brent T. Geers
Brent T. Geers
answered on Aug 15, 2024

Unlikely. While I like where you're going with your logic, unfortunately the law doesn't work that way.

Procedurally, there was an order for eviction that you appealed. When you appeal, things are sort of put on hold during the pendency of the appeal. Then, the decision is made...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Michigan on
Q: My girlfriends parents gave us their house and now she wants to evict me out of retaliation can she do that

We've been together for 6 years and lived together the same time we have no land contract or lease but she's mad over an argument and is having her parents file eviction can I fight it and sue

Brent T. Geers
Brent T. Geers
answered on Jun 24, 2024

You can fight it, but you're unlikely to prevail. Your girlfriend's parents are the landowners. Your status as an unmarried couple means you have the same legal status as any other tenant to them. In Michigan, absent a lease to the contrary, you are considered a month-to-month tenant. At... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Michigan on
Q: In Michigan, I own my trailer but rent the lot. I allowed someone to move in with me, but didn't inform the park.

They are not added to lease. No agreement of payment.

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jun 15, 2024

In Michigan, if you own your trailer but rent the lot, your lease agreement with the park likely has specific terms about occupancy. Allowing someone to move in without notifying the park could be a violation of your lease. It's important to review your lease agreement to understand the rules... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant, Probate and Estate Planning for Michigan on
Q: Can someone take my role of personal representative over an estate from me just because there mad that I am evictingthem
Brent T. Geers
Brent T. Geers
answered on Jun 12, 2024

They could try, but they would need to fall within the priority list of people who can serve as a personal representative - generally meaning they would need to be more closely related to the deceased person. AND they would need to convince the probate court judge that you are not performing your... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Michigan on
Q: Can a renter pursue a quiet title action under MCL 600.2932?

Under that MCL, "Any person, whether he is in possession of the land in question or not, who claims any right in, title to, equitable title to, interest in, or right to possession of land" may seek such an action. Does a renter, through a lease, meet that criteria? Specifically, the... View More

Brent T. Geers
Brent T. Geers
answered on May 13, 2024

The better course of action would be for you to hire a lawyer on your parents' behalf if you are financially able to do so. No sense muddling the waters - while I think your reading of the statute is correct, I'd anticipate opposing counsel raising it as an issue for attack, which will... View More

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Michigan on
Q: My apartment is charging us $1099 a month for rent even though our lease states we agree to pay $970

In the lease it states "The Resident agrees to pay the Manager the total of $970.00 rent plus additional charges stated below:

$1,164.00 ($1,099.00 Rent +$55.00 Flat-rate Utility +$10.00 Carport Fee)".

When trying to contact management they state that they're under... View More

Brent T. Geers
Brent T. Geers
answered on May 1, 2024

Have you already paid the higher rate? The discrepancy could simply be a scribner's error; either the $970 rate is right or the $1,164 amount is. What is the management saying about it? Unless the management company concedes an error in your favor, I think a court is likely to determine that... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Michigan on
Q: I gave my landlord a 30 day notice on the 5th of April. He’s saying im still responsible for the rent next month (may).

Ye

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Apr 16, 2024

Based on the information provided, it seems there may be some confusion or disagreement between you and your landlord regarding your notice to vacate and the rent obligations for May. Here are a few key points to consider:

1. Timing of notice: In Michigan, if you are on a month-to-month...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Michigan on
Q: my roommate doesn't want my friend to be in our townhouse. can she ban my visitor? nothing is stated in our lease.

my roommate doesn't want my friend in our townhouse because he had a conviction for sexual assult. she has history of abuse, but not relating to my guest. she keeps telling me he is not allowed in the townhouse but she is in the process of moving out and finding someone to take over the lease... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Mar 31, 2024

This is a sensitive situation with valid concerns on both sides. Legally, if there are no provisions in your lease restricting guests and your roommate is not currently residing in the townhouse, you likely have the right to invite your friend over, especially for reasonable durations during the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Land Use & Zoning, Landlord - Tenant and Civil Rights for Michigan on
Q: Neighbor is recording me in the parking lot of our apartment complex because he is trying to prove I have more than

More than two car per household in the parking lot to the main office. I have two and my boyfriend has one- I watched him record me while getting in my car- is this illegal? Also he has been giving me a hard time he lives across the street- I believe he is recording as well.

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Mar 31, 2024

Based on the information provided, it seems that your neighbor's actions are concerning and causing you distress. However, the legality of his recording depends on several factors, such as your location and the specific laws in your area.

In general, in the United States, it is legal...
View More

Justia Ask A Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get free answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask A Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between Justia and you, or between any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions and you, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask A Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.