How can a landlord collect on unpaid rent?

In the state of Michigan, if a tenant has not paid rent, a landlord has several options available to them to collect on the unpaid rent. One option is to pursue legal action. A landlord can serve an eviction notice to the tenant, which would require the tenant to vacate the premises within a certain time period. If the tenant fails to do so, the landlord can then file a complaint for eviction with the district court. This is the largest expense for a landlord as they may need to hire an attorney and could potentially lose out on rent while the case is being resolved. Secondly, a landlord may pursue a claim of money owed through a district court. This involves taking the tenant to court, presenting the lease agreement and any unpaid rent documents, and asking the court to award a judgment in the landlord’s favor. The tenant would be obligated to pay the money owed as ordered by the court. Thirdly, the landlord may choose to take the tenant to small claims court. This process is generally less expensive and requires less paperwork than a formal lawsuit. The tenant would still be obligated to pay the money owed if the court rules against them. Finally, a landlord can repossess the property belonging to the tenant in order to cover the amount owed. This option is only available if the landlord is able to secure a writ of replevin from a court. Overall, there are several ways for a landlord to collect on unpaid rent in Michigan. However, they should always seek legal advice before taking any steps to ensure that their rights as landlords are protected.

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