File Eviction in Michigan -- Complaint for Eviction (DC 102c)

If your tenant did not comply with the Notice to Quit, filing the Complaint for Eviction (DC 102c) in Michigan district court is your next step. This is where your eviction case officially begins. File too early, file incorrectly, or let information mismatch your notice and the court will dismiss your case before it goes anywhere.

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What Is a Complaint for Eviction (DC 102c)?

The DC 102c is the official Michigan form used to open an eviction case in district court. It tells the court who the tenant is, the property address, the reason for eviction, and confirms that proper notice was already served. This form cannot be filed until the required notice period has fully expired.

When Can You File?

You may file after:

• A 7-Day Notice to Quit (DC 100a) expires without payment

• A 30-Day Notice to Quit (DC 100c) expires without the tenant vacating

Do not file before the notice period ends. Early filing results in dismissal and forces you to restart.

What the DC 102c Must Include

Every field must exactly match your Notice to Quit:

• Landlord name and contact information

• Tenant full legal name and all occupants

• Rental property address

• Reason for eviction (nonpayment or termination)

• Amount owed (nonpayment cases)

• Date the Notice to Quit was served

Any mismatch between your complaint and your notice is grounds for dismissal.

Where to File

File in the Michigan district court for the jurisdiction where the rental property is located. Filing fees apply and procedures vary slightly by court.

LLC and Corporation Rule -- Read This Before You File

If the rental property is owned by an LLC or corporation, Michigan courts generally require a licensed attorney to appear on the entity's behalf. Filing without proper representation can result in dismissal and an inability to refile without counsel.

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Mistakes That Get Michigan Evictions Dismissed

These errors are common and entirely avoidable:

• Filing before the notice period has expired

• Information on the complaint that does not match the notice

• Wrong notice type used for the situation

• Improper or undocumented service of the notice

• Missing occupant names

• Filing in the wrong district court

Any one of these sends you back to day one.

What Happens After You File

The court schedules a hearing, typically within 10-14 days. A summons is issued and the tenant must be properly served with the summons and complaint before the hearing date. Service of court documents must comply with Michigan Court Rule 2.105.

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What Happens at the Hearing

The judge reviews your documentation, hears both sides, and rules on the case. If you followed the process correctly, the court may enter a Judgment for Possession. If documentation is defective or service was improper, expect an adjournment or dismissal.

What Happens After Judgment

If the tenant does not vacate after judgment, you may request an Order of Eviction. A court officer carries out the physical removal. You cannot remove the tenant yourself under any circumstances.

[Step 5: Michigan Judgment for Possession] [Step 6: Eviction Enforcement]

Michigan Eviction Timeline

• Days 1-7 or 1-30: Notice period runs

• Day 8 or Day 31+: File complaint if tenant has not complied

• 10-14 days: Typical time to hearing after filing

• Additional time if tenant contests

Every error in the process adds time. Precision at each step controls your timeline.

Related Michigan Eviction Resources

• 7-Day Notice to Quit Michigan (DC 100a)

• 30-Day Notice to Quit Michigan (DC 100c)

• Michigan Eviction Process -- Step by Step

• Michigan Eviction Laws (2026 Update)

Need This Done Correctly?

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For educational purposes only. Not legal advice. Not affiliated with the State of Michigan. Laws may change and every situation is different. Consult a licensed Michigan attorney for legal advice.