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Eviction in Kalamazoo County (Kalamazoo / Portage), Michigan

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

Quick facts: eviction in Kalamazoo County (Kalamazoo / Portage)

Eviction court
8th District Court (Kalamazoo County) — District court (landlord-tenant / summary proceedings) Court page
Filing fee
Possession only $55; possession + money judgment: $90 (claim up to $600), $110 ($600.01-$1,750), $130 ($1,750.01-$10,000), $215 ($10,000.01-$25,000); service/court-officer fees extra; $2 per tenant if stamped envelopes are not provided 8th District Court Civil Filing Fees (effective January 1, 2024)
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)
$1,162/month HUD
Renter households
38,004 (36% of households) Census ACS 2020–2024

Last verified against official sources: 2026-10-23

Where eviction cases are filed in Kalamazoo County (Kalamazoo / Portage)

Eviction cases in Kalamazoo County (Kalamazoo / Portage) are heard by the 8th District Court (Kalamazoo County) (District court (landlord-tenant / summary proceedings)).

Court eviction page · E-filing · Self-help center

The 8th District Court hears landlord-tenant cases (summary proceedings) for all of Kalamazoo County; phone 269-384-8171. The court clerk sets the hearing date. Papers must be served by a court officer or process server and also sent by first-class mail. To ask about a remote appearance, call the court at least two days before the hearing.

How much it costs to file an eviction in Kalamazoo County (Kalamazoo / Portage)

Possession only $55; possession + money judgment: $90 (claim up to $600), $110 ($600.01-$1,750), $130 ($1,750.01-$10,000), $215 ($10,000.01-$25,000); service/court-officer fees extra; $2 per tenant if stamped envelopes are not provided

These amounts are set by state statute and apply in every Michigan district court. If you cannot afford the fee, ask the clerk about a fee waiver. The court officer bills landlords directly for service fees and mileage.

Source: 8th District Court Civil Filing Fees (effective January 1, 2024)

How eviction cases work locally

Help at the courthouseThe court's resource sheet for parties with upcoming hearings lists Housing Resources Inc. (onsite office at the court during court hours) for rent assistance and the Michigan Community Dispute Resolution Program ((269) 982-7898) for mediation.
Source: Official source

The Michigan eviction process

Michigan state law sets the notice periods and court steps everywhere in the state, including Kalamazoo County (Kalamazoo / Portage):

  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 Kalamazoo County (Kalamazoo / Portage)

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

Studio$838
1 bedroom$998
2 bedrooms$1,162
3 bedrooms$1,531
4 bedrooms$1,571

Source: HUD Fair Market Rent documentation

Median gross rent in Kalamazoo County (Kalamazoo / Portage): $1,093/month (Census ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimates).

County tenant ordinance

No county-level landlord-tenant ordinance identified; city rules (if any) live on city pages.

Eviction help in Kalamazoo County (Kalamazoo / Portage)

Free legal help

Rental assistance

Other Michigan counties

Related

Frequently asked questions

Where do I file an eviction in Kalamazoo County (Kalamazoo / Portage)?
Eviction cases in Kalamazoo County (Kalamazoo / Portage) are filed with the 8th District Court (Kalamazoo County).
How much does it cost to file an eviction in Kalamazoo County (Kalamazoo / Portage)?
Possession only $55; possession + money judgment: $90 (claim up to $600), $110 ($600.01-$1,750), $130 ($1,750.01-$10,000), $215 ($10,000.01-$25,000); service/court-officer fees extra; $2 per tenant if stamped envelopes are not provided.
Where can I get help with an eviction in Kalamazoo County (Kalamazoo / Portage)?
Legal Aid of Western Michigan (Kalamazoo office); Michigan Legal Help; Housing Resources Inc. (HRI); Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (Kalamazoo).
What is the fair market rent in Kalamazoo County (Kalamazoo / Portage)?
HUD's FY2026 Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom unit is $1,162 per month (1-bedroom: $998).

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.