Apartment Complex Toolkit

Experience, Knowledge, Credibility

We can assist you with Landlord / Tenant Summonses and Orders of Eviction. We have five Special Deputy Sheriffs who are trained in this area. They bring...

• Experience in the safe, timely service of process and the proper handling of court documents.
• Knowledge of civil process statutes and rules, local courts and the community.
• Credibility in the community. Individuals being served usually respond more cooperatively to trained Special Deputy Sheriffs.

Information for Landlords / Property Managers

For complete and detailed information regarding the Landlord / Tenant Summons and Eviction process, please review Michigan’s Practical Guide for Tenants and Landlords.

When a landlord or property manager decides to evict a tenant(s), court papers must be filed to initiate the proceeding. Please see our Court Forms page if you wish to complete and print off the necessary forms from your personal computer. County court clerks and Civil Bureau staff cannot provide legal advice.

Step 1: Landlord / Tenant Summons

The Summons notifies the tenant of a possible impending eviction proceeding due to some breach in the Landlord/Tenant Lease, usually nonpayment of rent. The Summons notifies the tenant of an upcoming court date where both the landlord and tenant(s) can plead their case in front of a judge. If the judge finds in favor of the landlord, a judgment is issued. If the terms of the judgment are not satisfied, an Order of Eviction may be issued. You can either hand-deliver, mail, or have the court forward the Summons to the Civil Bureau to serve.

Step 2: Order of Eviction

After the Civil Bureau receives an Order of Eviction from the court, it is assigned to a Special Deputy. The Special Deputy will contact the Landlord / Property Manager and schedule a date for the eviction. The Special Deputy must "stand-by" to make sure the eviction is completed legally and safely. The Landlord / Property Manager is responsible for providing the man-power to remove any personal property left in the home / apartment. The tenant’s personal property must be placed on public property adjacent to the address and remain there for 24 hours before being removed by the Landlord / Property Manager. The Landlord / Property Manager is also responsible for changing the locks of the premises the day of the eviction before the Special Deputy leaves the premises.

Step 3: Serving the Documents

1. Either bring, mail, or have the court forward the documents to:
   Sheriff’s Office Civil Bureau
   2201 Hogback Road
   Ann Arbor, MI 48105
2. The Civil Bureau will assign the documents to a Special Deputy the same day they are received from the court.
3. Once the service is complete, the Special Deputy will return a copy of the Proof of Service to the court.
4. Invoices are mailed to the complex or law office upon completion of service. Payment is due upon receipt.

Service Fees

$26 plus millage per lessee.