Landlord / Tenant Division

The 20th District Court has jurisdiction over landlord/tenant disputes (non-payment of rent or eviction cases), land contracts, and/or mortgage forfeitures where damages are less than $25,000.

The information on this website is designed to provide citizens with a basic explanation of landlord/tenant procedures. It serves as a reference tool and is intended to provide general guidelines to both landlords and tenants, it is not a substitute for legal advice.

View A Practical Guide for Tenants and Landlords (PDF) a booklet designed to inform tenants and landlords about their rights and responsibilities in rental relationships.

Legal action may be initiated by:

• Obtaining and completing the appropriate forms available at the court;  and
• Paying the appropriate filing & service fees. View the Civil Fees Page for more information.

You should be aware that:

• Court Clerks are not attorneys and cannot give legal advice and cannot assist you in filling out forms.
• The Judges and Magistrates may not, and will not, give advice on matters they may have to rule on; they must remain impartial.

Further information may be obtained by contacting the Civil Division at 313-277-7482 or by visiting the legal help links provided.