(866) 313-2520
Wayne Metro, PO Box 32873, Detroit, MI 48232
The call volume for eviction prevention and rental assistance is very high. We appreciate your patience while partners assist residents in the order that calls are received. If you have already completed a program intake, and have not heard back, please be aware that it may take up to four weeks to hear from a case manager.
The City of Detroit has eviction prevention resources to assist Detroit residents facing eviction. The eviction prevention program is administered by partners at United Community Housing Coalition (UCHC), MI Legal Services, Lakeshore Legal Aid and Wayne Metropolitan Community Action Agency.
Who Can Apply?
Eligibility
An “eligible household” is defined as a renter household in which at least one or more individuals meets the following criteria:
Documents Checklist
If you or someone you know is facing eviction and has received a court order summons, complaint or judgement, a notice to quite or demand for possession, please access the eviction prevention program by calling the Eviction Prevention Helpline number (866-313-2520). Renters who have a court order summons, complaint or judgement will be screened for financial assistance and free legal representation based on household income, family size, and circumstance. Those earning over 80% percent of the area median income (AMI) will not be eligible.
Please be aware that call volume is very high. We appreciate your patience while we assist residents seeking assistance.
Steps to Eviction and Special Eviction Cases
The guidance below, ‘Steps to Eviction and Special Eviction Cases’ has been compiled by Detroit’s non-profit legal services partners. The City of Detroit takes no responsibility for its content, however, residents facing eviction may find it useful. If you are facing eviction, need legal or financial help regarding an eviction, please call:
Steps to Eviction and Special Eviction Cases
If you are a tenant, your landlord may not evict you unless the landlord follows the legal process outlined below. If your landlord tries to force you to move and threatens you, call 911. If you are locked out of your home or apartment, you should seek legal help immediately. In the first step in an eviction process, the landlord provides the tenant with a “Demand for Possession”, also sometimes called a “Notice to Quit” of “Eviction Notice”
The next step in the process is for a Complaint to be filed in the Court which issues a Summons for the landlord and tenant to appear for a hearing.
Next, the court will conduct the first hearing on the date listed on the summons
At court, you should raise your defenses or response to the eviction
1. If the case is for non-payment of rent, your defenses may include
2. Termination of tenancy
3. Health Hazard or injury to the premises
Judgments. This is the written decision of the court after the court hears the case. There are three types of judgments:
In the 36th District Court, the process is as follows:
Special eviction cases
Financial assistance for past due rent, and legal representation are available through the Eviction Prevention Program.
The best way for a tenant to sign up for assistance is to complete the online intake form at www.DetroitEvictionHelp.com or to call the Detroit Eviction Prevention Helpline at (866) 313-2520 to complete the program intake process.
Tenants must sign up for the program to get considered for eviction prevention assistance. Landlords must agree to participate and provide any necessary documentation.
EDP Tenant Form
EDP Landlord Form
Assistance will be provided by one of several legal and social service organizations that regularly provide representation to households facing eviction. These groups include the United Community Housing Coalition, Michigan Legal Services, Lakeshore Legal Services, and Wayne Metro.
Financial assistance for past for renters earning under 80% area median income (AMI). Please see the Income Chart here
Rental assistance will not cover all back rent in all cases.
A tenant must have a Notice to Quit from their landlord or a summons from the court to access financial assistance through the State Eviction Diversion Program. To qualify for City eviction assistance, households need to show they are within 21 days of becoming homeless. During the intake process, staff will work with you to learn about your household in order to determine if you qualify for assistance.
Yes – those MOST at risk of eviction and homelessness are required to be given higher priority.
No.
No, you will not be denied assistance due to a prior eviction. If you foresee future challenges in paying your rent on time, counseling will be available to help you avoid future evictions.
To apply for eviction prevention assistance, tenants should have a copy of their state ID (with proof of residency if the address does not match the unit), their most current copy of their lease agreement in their name (if a written lease was completed), and proof of earned and unearned income for household members that live at the property and are over the age of 18. Tenants will need to demonstrate their need and how it is based on challenges created by COVID-19.
Eviction prevention assistance will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
If you have a complaint and summons, landlords who agree to the eviction prevention programs are required to agree to conditional dismissals. This means that as long as the rent is paid, the case will be dismissed and no judgment will be on your record.
If you have a Notice to Quit and receive eviction prevention assistance, your landlord will be required to sign an agreement that the tenant will receive. If your landlord tries to violate the agreement (such as taking the money and filing an eviction against you), tenants should reach out to free legal counsel through this program and this will be brought to the attention of the court.