The 36th District Court has announced landlord-tenant cases will resume to in-person beginning today to address the influx of cases on the landlord-tenant docket. Those slated to appear in court should check the notice they received from the court regarding their appearance and contact the court if they have any questions.
All Detroit residents who have received an eviction notice are eligible for free legal help by attorneys contracted by the Office of Eviction Defense, created by the Right to Counsel Ordinance passed by Detroit City Council.
The Office of Eviction Defense expects there to be some wrinkles during this shift. Detroiters need to know attorneys will be in the courtrooms and available in the hallways and nearby attorney-client meeting rooms to meet with those facing eviction, but they must show up to all hearings.
If you have an upcoming hearing scheduled, be sure to refer to your Notice to Appear for information on when and where to appear. If you originally received a notice for virtual hearings that have been changed to in-person, call the 36th District Court to clarify any uncertainty beforehand at (313) 965-2200.
Visitors should keep the following in mind in preparation for their in-person hearings:
- The courthouse opens at 8 a.m.
- Arrive early to pass through security and find your assigned courtroom
- Cell phones are allowed in the courtroom but many items are prohibited, such as cords/chargers, food, beverages, and weapons.
- NOTE: If tenants fail to appear, a default judgment and ultimately an eviction order could be issued in their absence.
To look up your court hearing details, click here.