Compare fee structures, vet lawyers like a pro, and explore attorney listings—all in one renter-focused directory.
Michigan’s landlord-tenant statutes fill entire chapters of the Michigan Compiled Laws. Add in local court rules, rapid eviction timelines under the Summary Proceedings Act, and you get a legal maze that overwhelms most renters. A seasoned tenant attorney can navigate strict filing deadlines, negotiate “pay-and-stay” deals, and raise defenses landlords hope you never learn—such as retaliation, illegal entry, or failure to follow MCL 554.601–617 security-deposit rules.
Power imbalances also tilt the playing field. Corporate landlords hire counsel by default; pro-se tenants risk technical missteps that cost the case before presenting facts. Whether you need an eviction defense lawyer in Detroit or a security-deposit attorney in Traverse City, strategic legal help can secure better settlements, buy time, or wipe out unlawful fees altogether.
Before signing a fee agreement, know exactly how Michigan tenant lawyers bill. Rates vary by region—Detroit tenant lawyers often charge more than rural counsel—but the structure largely falls into four buckets:
Structure | When Used | Typical Range | Pros | Cons |
---|---|---|---|---|
Hourly | Complex evictions, injunctions | $175–$400 / hr | Pay only for time used; flexible scope | Final cost unpredictable; retainer required |
Flat Fee | Single-hearing eviction defense | $500–$1 000 | Cost certainty; easy budgeting | No refund if case resolves early |
Contingency | Deposit or damages lawsuits | 30%–40% of recovery | No payment if you lose; aligns incentives | Lawyer may reject lower-value cases |
Hybrid | Fair Housing claims + mediation | $150/hr + 15% of recovery | Balances risk & lawyer buy-in | Requires both retainer & success fee |
Estimated cost: $1 500
Select your region to filter tenant-focused attorneys. Listings are illustrative and not endorsements.
Marquette
Eviction Defense☎ 906-555-0123
Sault Ste. Marie
Security Deposits☎ 906-555-0456
Traverse City
Habitability Claims☎ 231-555-0199
Petoskey
Eviction Defense☎ 231-555-0222
Grand Rapids
Late Fees☎ 616-555-0333
Holland
Fair Housing☎ 616-555-0444
Muskegon
Retaliation☎ 231-555-0555
Lansing
Security Deposits☎ 517-555-0666
Saginaw
Eviction Defense☎ 989-555-0777
Flint
Habitability☎ 810-555-0888
Detroit
Eviction & Appeals☎ 313-555-0999
Royal Oak
Fair Housing☎ 248-555-0101
Wyandotte
Security Deposits☎ 734-555-0112
Sterling Heights
Retaliation Claims☎ 586-555-0124
Kalamazoo
Late Fees☎ 269-555-0135
St. Joseph
Fair Housing☎ 269-555-0146
Battle Creek
Eviction Defense☎ 269-555-0157
If your county isn’t represented above, contact your local bar association for a tenant-law referral. Use the list below to locate your county seat.
This directory is informational and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult a qualified attorney on your specific situation.