General information, not legal advice. Landlord-tenant rules change, and cities and counties can add their own. Check the current statute and local ordinances, and talk to a licensed attorney before you act.
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The short version
- An action to recover land generally must be brought within 15 years, so a claim by adverse possession needs 15 years of open, hostile and continuous possession.
- An owner can bring summary proceedings in district court against someone who came into possession by trespass without color of title, and the anti lockout law does not protect such an occupant.
Michigan's adverse possession period is 15 years. An owner facing an unauthorized occupant who never had permission can use the same district court summary proceedings that apply to evictions.
Michigan squatters rights at a glance
| Rule | Michigan | Law |
|---|---|---|
| Adverse possession period | An action to recover land generally must be brought within 15 years, so a claim by adverse possession needs 15 years of open, hostile and continuous possession. | MCL 600.5801 |
| How owners remove occupants | An owner can bring summary proceedings in district court against someone who came into possession by trespass without color of title, and the anti lockout law does not protect such an occupant. | MCL 600.5714 and MCL 600.2918 |
Adverse possession
An occupant can gain title only after a long period of open, continuous possession without the owner’s permission, and only by meeting every condition the law sets.
Adverse possession period. An action to recover land generally must be brought within 15 years, so a claim by adverse possession needs 15 years of open, hostile and continuous possession. (MCL 600.5801)
Removing an unauthorized occupant
How owners remove occupants. An owner can bring summary proceedings in district court against someone who came into possession by trespass without color of title, and the anti lockout law does not protect such an occupant. (MCL 600.5714 and MCL 600.2918)
Where the case is filed. Eviction cases are summary proceedings filed in the district court for the area where the property is located. (MCL 600.5701 et seq.)
Why force backfires
Removing an occupant by force can expose an owner to liability, especially if the occupant claims to be a tenant.
Self-help eviction. Changing locks, removing doors or belongings, or cutting off heat, water or power to force a tenant out is unlawful, and the tenant can recover possession and the greater of actual damages or a set amount for each occurrence. (MCL 600.2918)
Protecting a vacant property
Visit vacant properties on a schedule, keep them locked and lit, post no trespassing signs where allowed, and act quickly when someone moves in. Do not accept money from an occupant, because rent can look like a tenancy.
Mistakes to avoid
- Waiting months to act after someone moves in.
- Changing locks or removing belongings yourself.
- Accepting rent or utility payments from the occupant.
- Leaving a vacant property unchecked for long stretches.
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General information, not legal advice.
Verify current law
We last checked these Michigan rules on . Laws change and cities can add their own, so confirm the current text before you rely on it, and talk to a Michigan attorney about your situation.
Laws named on this page
- MCL 600.5801
- MCL 600.5714 and MCL 600.2918
- MCL 600.5701 et seq.
- MCL 600.2918
Official sources
Michigan forms for this topic
Letters and checklists for this topic
Asked by landlords in this state.
How long does adverse possession take in Michigan?
An action to recover land generally must be brought within 15 years, so a claim by adverse possession needs 15 years of open, hostile and continuous possession. Source: MCL 600.5801.
How does an owner remove a squatter in Michigan?
An owner can bring summary proceedings in district court against someone who came into possession by trespass without color of title, and the anti lockout law does not protect such an occupant. Source: MCL 600.5714 and MCL 600.2918.