All Laws Decoded

Eviction in Berrien County, Michigan

Where eviction cases are filed in Berrien County, what it costs, local rent levels and where to get help — with the official court, county and HUD sources.

Quick facts: eviction in Berrien County

Eviction court
5th District Court (Berrien County) — District Court (landlord-tenant / summary proceedings)
Notice before filing (state law)
7 days: written demand for possession (or written notice to quit) for nonpayment of rent before filing Michigan rules
HUD Fair Market Rent, 2-bedroom (FY2026)
$1,184/month HUD
Renter households
17,388 (27% of households) Census ACS 2020–2024

Last verified against official sources: 2026-10-28

Where eviction cases are filed in Berrien County

Eviction cases in Berrien County are heard by the 5th District Court (Berrien County) (District Court (landlord-tenant / summary proceedings)).

Landlord-tenant cases in Berrien County are handled by the 5th District Court.

The Michigan eviction process

Michigan state law sets the notice periods and court steps everywhere in the state, including Berrien County:

  1. Written notice: demand for possession (7 days nonpayment, health hazard/damage; 24 hours drug activity) or notice to quit (e.g., one rental period / 1 month for month-to-month)
  2. Landlord files a complaint in district court, attaching the notice and written lease (MCR 4.201(B))
  3. Summons and complaint served (mailed AND served personally, by certified restricted mail, on a household member, or by posting after diligent attempts) at least 3 days before the trial/appearance date
  4. First hearing (often a pretrial): tenant answers orally or in writing, raises defenses/counterclaims, may demand a jury; if triable issues exist trial is usually set within about 7-14 days; possible 14-28 day stay for pending rental assistance; tenant who fails to appear may be defaulted
  5. Judgment for possession (and any money judgment); in nonpayment cases, paying the judgment amount plus costs within the time allowed prevents the order of eviction
  6. Order of Eviction (writ of restitution) may not issue until 10 days after judgment, except immediate issuance in listed cases (e.g., forcible entry, trespass, serious continuing health hazard, drug-activity cases); landlord must request it within 56 days of judgment
  7. Removal of the tenant and belongings by a court officer, bailiff, or sheriff/deputy executing the order

Full Michigan eviction rules with sources →

Rent in Berrien County

HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rents for the Niles, MI MSA (the rent levels used for Section 8 vouchers):

Studio$816
1 bedroom$902
2 bedrooms$1,184
3 bedrooms$1,556
4 bedrooms$1,568

Source: HUD Fair Market Rent documentation

Median gross rent in Berrien County: $942/month (Census ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimates).

County tenant ordinance

No county-level landlord-tenant ordinance identified; eviction procedure follows state law. City rules, if any, are on city pages.

Eviction help in Berrien County

Free legal help

Tenant and eviction lawyers in Berrien County

Other Michigan counties

Related

Frequently asked questions

Where do I file an eviction in Berrien County?
Eviction cases in Berrien County are filed with the 5th District Court (Berrien County).
Where can I get help with an eviction in Berrien County?
Legal Aid of Western Michigan - St. Joseph office.
What is the fair market rent in Berrien County?
HUD's FY2026 Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom unit is $1,184 per month (1-bedroom: $902).

General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.