Detroit's Eviction Moratorium Ends Saturday Night: What Tenants Should Know

A state moratorium on residential evictions for nonpayment expired on July 16. The 36th District Court began its ban on March 13, before the statewide prohibition. 

The court estimates a backlog of about 900 cases and expects to hold hearings for 200 to 300 cases that were not already resolved, said Chief Judge William McConico. 

Legal aid organizations expect a spike in calls when the Detroit moratorium lifts.

Lakeshore Legal Aid has seen an uptick in landlord-tenant calls since the statewide moratorium ended, said staff development director Kellie Maki Foster. 

Michigan Legal Help, a program that helps people navigate legal problems, shares this advice for people who may face eviction:

  • Tenants cannot be evicted without an eviction order. When the moratorium lifts, enforcement of these orders can resume.
  • Monitor any mail, email, or phone calls from the court. Because of the backlog of cases, hearing dates may change several times. Read any materials carefully and call the court for questions. 
  • Communicate with landlords. Some landlords have been able to work out agreements with tenants, including forbearances, waivers and repayment plans,
  • Attend remote hearings, and if unable to, let the court know.
  • Reach out to legal aid programs like the ones listed below, which offer legal assistance to qualifying tenants. 

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