When to Seek Counsel
Rule of thumb: if money, housing, or your future record is at risk, talk to a lawyer—or at least a legal-aid advocate—early. Michigan tenants typically need counsel when they receive (a) an eviction notice under MCL 600.5716, (b) a shut-off warning for utilities they believe the landlord should pay, (c) a partial or missing security-deposit refund, or (d) discrimination based on race, disability, or family status.
Urgent scenarios—such as a seven-day “Demand for Possession” or a 24-hour lock-out threat—leave little time for mistakes. Lawyers can file emergency motions, negotiate payment plans, or stop retaliatory conduct fast. Non-urgent flags—like recurring repair delays or unauthorized entry—still benefit from early guidance; a lawyer can draft demand letters that preserve evidence and deter escalation.
Even a single consult can clarify next steps, expected costs, and realistic outcomes. Most Michigan legal-aid offices offer free phone triage, and many private attorneys provide a low-cost, 30-minute “quick consult.”
Free Legal-Aid Programs in Michigan
Michigan boasts a statewide network of non-profit legal-aid organisations. They focus on civil matters—including landlord-tenant cases—for residents meeting income and asset guidelines. Expect three phases: (1) phone or online intake; (2) conflict-of-interest check; (3) advice, brief service, or full representation depending on capacity.
| Name | Region Covered | ≤ % FPL | Phone | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Legal Services of Eastern MI | Flint, Saginaw, Thumb | 200 % | (810) 767-4014 | Visit |
| Michigan Legal Help Hotline | Statewide | 250 % | (888) 783-8190 | Visit |
| Lakeshore Legal Aid | Metro Detroit & Thumb | 200 % | (888) 783-8190 | Visit |
| Legal Aid of Western MI | Grand Rapids & West Coast | 200 % | (616) 774-0672 | Visit |
| U-M Law Clinics | Ann Arbor Area | 250 % | (734) 763-4319 | Visit |
Income-Eligibility Chart
Most Michigan legal-aid offices cap eligibility at 125–250 % of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Use the matrix below to estimate your cut-off. Subtract allowable deductions—such as child-care costs or extraordinary medical bills—before comparing to the chart.
| Household Size | 125 % FPL | 200 % FPL | 250 % FPL |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $18,225 | $29,160 | $36,450 |
| 2 | $24,525 | $39,240 | $49,050 |
| 3 | $30,825 | $49,320 | $61,650 |
| 4 | $37,125 | $59,400 | $74,250 |
| 5 | $43,425 | $69,480 | $86,850 |
| 6 | $49,725 | $79,560 | $99,450 |
| 7 | $56,025 | $89,640 | $112,050 |
| 8 | $62,325 | $99,720 | $124,650 |
Quick Aid Matcher
Enter your region and yearly gross income to see which organisations may screen your case.
Finding a Tenant-Rights Lawyer
Free legal-aid capacity is limited. If you don’t qualify—or need representation beyond advice—use these three strategies:
- State Bar of Michigan Directory: filter by “Landlord-Tenant” practice area, then sort by county.
- Local Bar Referral Services: many county bar associations offer a $25 flat-fee initial consult voucher.
- Our attorney directory: pre-sorted list of lawyers who regularly handle renter cases.
During an interview, ask about fee structure (hourly, flat, contingency), expected litigation costs, and experience with Michigan’s summary-proceedings eviction docket.
Preparing Your Case
A great lawyer still needs great evidence. Start a chronological log the moment problems arise. Gather:
- Signed lease and all addenda
- Photos/video of defects (timestamped)
- Certified-mail receipts for notice letters
- Text/email threads (export as PDFs)
- Bank statements or money-order stubs for rent
- Names of neighbors or maintenance staff willing to testify
Pro-tip: practice your testimony with a friend—courts move fast and judge patience is finite.
Mediation vs Litigation
Community mediation can resolve disputes in days—often free—while litigation may take months. Compare below, then explore our deep-dive guide.
| Mediation | Court | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $0–$40 | $45–$150+ fees |
| Timeline | 1–2 weeks | 45–90 days |
| Control of Outcome | Parties craft agreement | Judge decides |
| Enforceability | Agreement filed as order | Judgment automatically enforceable |
While mediation outcomes rely on good-faith compliance, most agreements stick because parties own the solution.
Small-Claims Self-Help
Jurisdictional limit: $8 000 statewide in 2025. File form DC84 at the district court where the rental property sits. Pay a filing fee based on claim amount (roughly $45–$70), serve the defendant by certified mail or process server, then appear at a bench trial—no lawyers required but allowed.
Need a hand with math? Our upcoming small-claims calculator will estimate filing fees and statutory interest.
Settlement remains possible any time; parties can file a stipulated dismissal or present the agreement to the judge for entry as judgment.
Document Checklist
- Signed lease & addenda
- All written notices (7-day, 30-day, etc.)
- Certified-mail receipts & tracking
- Photographs / video with timestamps
- Maintenance request log
- Rent ledger or bank statements
- Witness list with contact info
Cost & Fee-Shifting Rules
Court filing fees appear in MCL 600.2529 and typically run $55 for claims over $600. Service fees by certified mail add $15–$20. Michigan courts may waive fees for indigent litigants—ask for SCAO form MC20 when filing.
Attorney fees: Michigan follows the “American Rule,” meaning each side pays its own lawyer unless a statute or contract shifts fees. Two renter-friendly fee-shifting statutes are:
- MCL 554.613 – double damages + reasonable attorney fees for illegal security-deposit deductions
- MCL 600.2918 – up to 3× actual damages + fees for illegal lock-outs
Include fee-shifting demands in your prayer for relief to preserve the right.
Avoiding Scams
Free legal help is limited—scammers know it. Beware of anyone who:
- Demands upfront payment to “expedite” a grant or government program
- Offers to “file paperwork” for a flat fee but is not a licensed attorney
- Guarantees case dismissal or “secret loophole” results
Verify licensure through the State Bar of Michigan database. Report suspected unauthorized practice to the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division (877-765-8388) or the State Bar UPL committee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Solid legal advice can turn panic into a clear plan. Bookmark this page, gather your documents, and connect with legal-aid resources or our tenant-attorney directory before deadlines loom.