Form DC 100a – Demand for Possession Nonpayment of Rent

Jurisdiction: Country: United States | Province or State: Michigan

What is a Form DC 100a – Demand for Possession Nonpayment of Rent?

Form DC 100a is Michigan’s official 7-day notice for unpaid rent. You use it to tell a tenant to pay past-due rent or move out. It is the first step in a nonpayment eviction case. It is not a court filing. It is a statutory demand you serve on the person in possession.

You complete and serve the form before you file an eviction. If the tenant pays in full within seven days, the matter ends. If they do not, you can file a case in district court. The court will expect to see a copy of this completed demand and proof that you served it.

Who typically uses this form?

Residential landlords, property managers, and mobile home park owners use it. Commercial landlords can also use it for nonpayment. Tenants do not fill it out, but they should understand it. It tells them exactly what they must pay and by when.

You need this form when rent is overdue, and you want to act. It establishes a clear deadline and amount. It gives the tenant a final chance to pay or move. It preserves your right to start an eviction if they do neither.

Typical usage scenarios

It includes late or missed monthly rent. For example, rent due on the first remains unpaid mid-month. You decide to trigger a 7-day demand. Another example is a partial payment that leaves a balance. You can demand the remaining rent. You may also use it if a tenant on a payment plan falls behind again. The form is not for other problems, like lease violations or ending a tenancy. Those require different notices.

This form focuses on rent. It cites the total rent due and the period it covers. It gives the tenant a clear 7-day window. It also includes a certificate of service. That section records how and when you served the notice. Proper service is important. It affects enforceability if you later file in court.

Keep in mind one key point. This form is a demand, not an eviction order. It does not remove the tenant. It gives them a legal deadline to fix the problem. If the problem remains, you may then file a court case for possession.

When Would You Use a Form DC 100a – Demand for Possession Nonpayment of Rent?

You use this form when rent is unpaid, and you want to move toward eviction. The rent must be due under the lease or rental agreement. You should use it as soon as you decide to take formal action. Many landlords wait a short grace period set in the lease. Once that period ends, the DC 100a is appropriate.

Consider a few practical examples. You manage a duplex. The upstairs tenant misses the full rent for the month. You confirm the ledger and any credits. You serve a DC 100a demanding the full rent due for that month. Or, you manage a small office space. The business tenant pays half the rent and stops responding. You serve a DC 100a for the unpaid balance of rent. In both examples, you are demanding rent, not other charges.

If the tenant pays all rent due within seven days, you stop. You do not file an eviction. If they pay part, you decide the next steps. You can accept partial payment and still proceed with the balance. But you should be careful. A written agreement helps set expectations. If they neither pay nor move by the deadline, you file a court case.

Typical users include landlords of single-family homes, apartments, and mobile homes. Property managers use it on behalf of owners. Commercial landlords can use it for business tenants. Tenants do not prepare it. But they should read it closely. It will list the exact amount the landlord says they owe. It will state the 7-day deadline to pay or move.

You do not use this form for non-rent issues. For example, no-pet violations, noise, or property damage require a different notice. Ending a month-to-month tenancy also needs a different notice. If the property is in a subsidized housing program, special rules may apply. Those tenancies can require longer notice or extra content. If you are unsure, pause and review your lease and program rules before serving.

Use this form even if you plan to work out payment terms. It sets a clear legal deadline. It prevents delay if an agreement fails. It also avoids confusion about the amount due and the period it covers. You can still settle if full payment arrives. You can always choose not to file if the tenant catches up.

Legal Characteristics of the Form DC 100a – Demand for Possession Nonpayment of Rent

This form is legally required before filing a nonpayment eviction in Michigan. It is a statutory demand. It starts the 7-day clock. It creates a clear record of your request and the tenant’s deadline. It is not a court order and does not itself evict the tenant. It is a condition you must meet to proceed with a court case.

What makes it enforceable is proper completion and proper service. You must identify the tenant and the property. You must state the total rent due and the period it covers. You must give the required 7-day demand. You must serve it using an approved method. You must keep proof of service. If any of this is missing or wrong, a court can dismiss your case.

Service matters. Personal delivery to the tenant is strong proof. First-class mail is also allowed. Posting a notice on the door alone is risky for this demand. If you use mail, allow extra time to avoid disputes. The 7-day clock starts when you serve, but mailing adds uncertainty. Many landlords wait a few extra days after mailing before filing. Do not serve by text or email unless the tenant has clearly agreed to electronic service.

The demand must be for rent. Not all other charges count as rent. You can include only amounts your lease defines as rent. Late fees or utilities are a gray area in many courts. To avoid delay, list rent separately. If you want to claim other charges, itemize them. Keep the rent figure clear and distinct. The court will focus on rent to support a non-payment case.

This form gives the tenant a right to cure. If they pay all rent due within seven days, you cannot proceed on nonpayment. If they pay the full rent after you serve the demand but before you file, your claim ends. If they pay part, you can continue for the balance. But partial acceptance can complicate your case. Consider a written plan or a new demand for the remaining balance.

Fair housing and anti-retaliation rules still apply. You cannot use this form to punish a tenant for a protected act. Examples include reporting code issues or joining a tenant group. You also cannot discriminate based on protected characteristics. If the tenancy involves special programs or subsidies, extra notice requirements can apply. Review those rules before serving.

Keep good records. Accurate rent ledgers, the signed demand, and proof of service support your case. If you file in court, you must attach the demand. The court will examine dates and amounts. Clean, consistent documents help you move quickly to judgment if needed.

How to Fill Out a Form DC 100a – Demand for Possession Nonpayment of Rent

Set yourself up before you write. Gather the lease, addenda, and your rent ledger. Confirm the monthly rent and the unpaid periods. Apply all payments and credits. Confirm any late fees or charges and whether your lease treats them as rent. Decide whether to include them or list them separately.

Then complete the form step by step.

1) Identify the tenant and any other adult occupants.

• Write the full names of all lease signers in the “To” line. Include any other adults in possession if known.
• If a name is misspelled on the lease, use the correct spelling and note “also known as” if needed.
• If there are multiple units on the property, confirm you have the correct unit.

2) Identify the rental property.

• Enter the full street address. Include unit number, city, state, and zip code.
• Make sure this matches the lease and the mailbox. Ambiguity can cause service issues.

3) State the reason and amount due.

• Check or mark “Nonpayment of Rent.”
• List the monthly rent amount per the lease.
• Specify the period the unpaid rent covers. For example, “Rent for August 1–31, 2025.”
• If more than one month is due, break out each month on your ledger. On the form, show the total rent due.
• Keep rent separate from other charges. If you include other charges, itemize them below the rent line or on an attached page. Note that the demand is for rent.

4) Calculate the total due.

• Start with unpaid rent for each period.
• Subtract any payments and credits received.
• If your lease and the law allow late fees as rent, list them clearly. If not, keep them off the rent total.
• Write the final total due. Double-check your math. Round to the nearest cent.

5) Insert the 7-day demand language.

• The form includes standard wording that the tenant has seven days to pay or move.
• Do not alter the deadline. The seven days are statutory for nonpayment.

6) Provide landlord or agent information.

• Enter your legal name or the property owner’s entity name.
• If you are an agent or property manager, state your role.
• Provide a reliable phone number and mailing address.
• Sign and date the demand. Print your name clearly under your signature.

7) Complete the certificate of service.

• This section is critical. It proves when and how you served the tenant.
• Choose the service method:
• Personal delivery to the tenant. Note the date and time.
• First-class mail to the tenant at the rental address. Note the mailing date.
• Electronic service only if the tenant agreed in writing to receive notices that way. Note when and how you sent it.
• Posting alone is not enough for this form. If you post, also mail a copy the same day. Still, expect challenges if you rely on posting.
• The person who served the notice signs the certificate. That can be you or a reliable agent.

8) Make and keep copies.

• Keep a copy of the completed notice and the signed certificate of service.
• Keep proof of mailing, such as a certificate of mailing or a mail log.
• Keep contemporaneous notes. For example: “Hand-delivered at 5:15 p.m., tenant accepted.”

9) Deliver an optional itemization or ledger.

• You can attach a one-page rent ledger showing the periods and payments.
• This helps prevent confusion and supports your demand.
• Do not attach unrelated documents. Keep the packet simple and focused on rent.

10) Calendar the deadline and next steps.

• Count seven days from the service date. If you mailed the notice, allow a few extra days for mail time.
• If the tenant pays all rent due within seven days, stop. Issue a receipt and update your ledger.
• If the tenant pays part, decide whether to proceed for the balance. A written plan can help avoid confusion.
• If there is no payment and no move-out by the deadline, prepare your court filing. Attach a copy of the demand and proof of service.

Practical tips while you fill it out

• Use exact dates and amounts. Avoid ranges like “Summer 2025.”
• Do not add future rent that is not yet due.
• Do not include security deposit issues. Those are separate.
• Keep the demand short and factual. Avoid commentary.
• If more than one tenant is listed on the lease, serve each one. If you mail, mail to each named tenant at the property.
• If the tenant lists an alternate address in the lease for notices, mail there as well.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Using the wrong notice for the problem. DC 100a is for nonpayment only.
• Stating the wrong amount. This can delay or derail your case.
• Serving only by posting. Posting is not a reliable service method for this demand.
• Forgetting to sign the certificate of service. Courts look for signed proof.
• Filing in court before the seven days run. Wait out the full period. If mailed, pad the time to avoid disputes.

Real-world example of completion

• You manage Unit 3B at 123 Main Street. Monthly rent is $1,200, due on the first. The tenant did not pay the August rent. They also paid $600 late for July, leaving $600 due from July.
• Your ledger shows: July rent $1,200; paid $600 on July 20; balance $600. August rent $1,200; paid $0; balance $1,200. Total rent due: $1,800.
• On August 10, you complete DC 100a. You list both the unpaid periods and the total due of $1,800. You sign and date the form.
• At 5:30 p.m., you hand the notice to the tenant. You complete the certificate of service and sign it. You make copies and file your proof.
• You have August 17 as the 7-day deadline. On August 12, the tenant pays $1,200. You update the ledger. $600 remains due. You can either accept a plan or proceed for the balance. You choose to serve a new demand for $600 to keep things clean.

If you have a property manager or attorney, coordinate roles. Make sure only one person serves and signs the certificate. Keep a single version of the ledger to avoid confusion. If you manage many units, use a checklist so you stay consistent.

Final reminders

• This form opens a 7-day window to cure nonpayment. It does not evict anyone by itself.
• Pay attention to service. It is your foundation for any future court case.
• Keep rent separate from other charges unless your lease is clear. Courts move faster when the rent claim is clean.
• Treat the timeline with care. Allow extra days if you serve by mail. Do not rush to file and risk dismissal.

By following these steps, you complete the DC 100a correctly and preserve your options. You give the tenant a fair chance to pay. If they do not, you are ready to move forward in court with a solid record.

Legal Terms You Might Encounter

• Demand for Possession means a written notice telling the tenant to either pay or move out. Form DC 100a is the notice in Michigan for nonpayment of rent. You use it before you file an eviction case.
• Nonpayment of Rent is the reason for this form. It means rent is due under the lease and was not paid. The notice only covers unpaid rent and agreed charges tied to rent, not unrelated disputes.
• Amount Due is the total you claim as unpaid. You list the base rent, plus any agreed late fees or utilities that the lease treats like rent. Your ledger should match the figure on the form.
• Notice Period is the waiting time after service before you can file an eviction case. For Form DC 100a, the notice period is short. You must wait the full period after proper service before filing.
• Possession refers to the legal right to occupy the rental. “Demand for Possession” asks the tenant to surrender that right if they do not pay. If the tenant pays on time, they keep possession.
• Cure means the tenant fixes the problem identified in the notice. For this form, cure usually means paying the amount due within the deadline. If the tenant cures, the nonpayment issue ends.
• Premises describes the rental property. On the form, you must give the full address and unit number. The premises detail must be precise so the tenant knows what the notice covers.
• Service is how you deliver the form to the tenant. The method and date of service determine when the notice period starts. The Proof of Service section on the form records what you did.
• Proof of Service is the signed statement by the person who served the notice. It shows how and when you served it, and on whom. You keep it and later use it if you file a case.
• Agent is someone acting for the landlord. An agent may sign the notice and serve it. If you sign as an agent, print your name and contact information clearly on the form.

FAQs

Do you file Form DC 100a with the court?

No. You serve it on the tenant first. It is a required step before you file an eviction case for nonpayment. If the tenant does not pay within the notice period, you can then start the case. You will attach a copy of the notice and proof of service to your filing.

How many days’ notice do you need to give?

This form provides a short notice period. The clock starts the day after the service. Count calendar days. If the last day falls on a day courts or mail service are closed, use the next business day. Do not file before the full period ends.

How do you serve the notice?

Use a method allowed on the form. Typical methods include personal delivery, delivery to an adult household member, or mailing. Posting at the premises is used in limited situations. Complete the Proof of Service to document the method and date. Keep copies.

Can you email or text the notice?

Do not rely on email or text alone. Use one of the service methods listed on the form. You can also email a courtesy copy, but it does not replace proper service. The Proof of Service must reflect an accepted method.

Can you include late fees or utilities in the amount due?

List the base rent first. You may include late fees or utilities only if the lease allows them and treats them as rent or charges that become rent if unpaid. Keep the math clean. Do not add charges not authorized by the lease.

What happens if the tenant pays within the notice period?

Accept full payment and issue a receipt. The nonpayment issue is cured. You should not file for eviction for nonpayment for that period. Update your ledger. If only a partial payment is offered, clarify in writing whether you will accept and what happens next.

Does each tenant need to be served?

Yes. Serve each adult tenant named on the lease and any adult occupant you intend to include. If there are multiple tenants, serve each one. Document who was served and how. Keep copies for each recipient.

What if the tenant already moved out?

If the unit is vacant, possession is no longer at issue. You can decide whether to pursue the unpaid balance in a separate money claim. Close out the tenancy, address the security deposit, and update your records. Keep the notice and ledger in your file.

Checklist: Before, During, and After the Form DC 100a

Before signing: Information and documents you need

• Lease or rental agreement. Confirm rent amount, due date, and fee terms.
• Rent ledger. Show all charges, payments, credits, and the current balance.
• Property details. Verify the full address, unit number, and legal description if used.
• Tenant roster. List all adult tenants and adult occupants at the premises.
• Security deposit record. Note the deposit amount and current balance.
• Notices or payment plans. Gather prior notices or written agreements with the tenant.
• Your contact details. Use a reliable phone number and mailing address.
• Service options. Decide who will serve and which method you will use.
• Calendar. Identify the earliest date you can file, counting from service.

During signing: Sections to verify

• Premises. Check the address and unit number for accuracy.
• Tenant names. Spell each name as it appears on the lease, if possible.
• Amount due. Confirm base rent and any approved charges. Double-check the math.
• Period covered. Be clear about what month(s) and charges you claim.
• Payment instructions. Include where and how the tenant can pay you.
• Landlord or agent name. Print clearly and add contact information.
• Signature and date. Sign and date the notice on the day you prepare it.
• Do not pre-complete the Proof of Service. The server completes it after service.

After signing: Filing, notifying, and storing

• Make copies. Prepare a set for each tenant, a set for posting if needed, and a file copy.
• Serve the tenant. Use an allowed method. Be consistent with the method you picked.
• Complete the Proof of Service. The person who served signs with the date and method.
• Calculate the deadline. Mark the last day of the notice period on your calendar.
• Accept payment. If full payment arrives on time, issue a receipt and update the ledger.
• If no full payment, prepare your court filing. Attach the notice and Proof of Service.
• Store records. Keep the original signed notice, Proof of Service, and ledger together.
• Track communications. Save texts, emails, and notes from calls about payment.
• Protect privacy. Store documents in a secure, limited-access location.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Listing the wrong amount due

• Problem: Including charges not allowed by the lease or adding math errors.
• Consequence: The tenant challenges the amount, and your case may be delayed.
• Tip: Don’t forget to reconcile your ledger and include only authorized charges.

Using an improper service method or missing Proof of Service

• Problem: You cannot show when and how the notice was delivered.
• Consequence: The court may dismiss your case or make you re-serve and restart.
• Tip: Don’t forget to complete and sign the Proof of Service right after service.

Filing before the notice period ends

• Problem: You miscount the days or file too soon.
• Consequence: Dismissal or adjournment, extra fees, and lost time.
• Tip: Don’t forget to count calendar days and adjust if the last day is a closure day.

Misidentifying the premises or tenant

• Problem: The address or tenant names are incomplete or wrong.
• Consequence: The notice may be invalid and must be reissued.
• Tip: Don’t forget to verify the lease, unit number, and legal names.

Accepting partial payment without clear terms

• Problem: The tenant pays part, and you do not set expectations for the balance.
• Consequence: Confusion about whether you will proceed or must re-notice.
• Tip: Don’t forget to confirm in writing how partial payments affect the notice.

What to Do After Filling Out the Form

Serve the notice correctly

• Choose a permitted service method and follow it exactly.
• Serve each adult tenant and any adult occupant you intend to include.
• If you use mailing, allow mailing time when planning your file date.
• After service, the server completes and signs the Proof of Service.

Set and track the deadline

• Start counting the day after the service.
• Mark the last day of the notice period on your calendar.
• Do not file before the last day expires.

Handle payments during the notice period

• Full payment: Accept it, give a receipt, and update the ledger. The issue is cured.
• Partial payment: Decide whether to accept. If you accept, confirm in writing what remains due and how it affects next steps. Keep all receipts.
• Returned payments: If a payment fails, document it and notify the tenant.

If the tenant does not pay by the deadline

• Prepare your eviction filing for nonpayment of rent.
• Attach a copy of the signed notice and the completed Proof of Service.
• Bring or submit your rent ledger and the lease if required.
• Continue to accept payment according to your policy and document any payments.

Correcting errors

• Found a material mistake after service, such as the wrong amount or address?
• Issue a corrected notice and re-serve it. The notice period restarts.
• Keep both the original and corrected notices in your file, with explanations.

Distributing and storing copies

• Keep the original signed notice and Proof of Service in your records.
• Give a copy to each tenant served and keep a file copy.
• If you file a case, include the notice and Proof of Service with your papers.
• Store documents securely for your retention period.

Managing communications

• Use one contact channel when possible to avoid mixed messages.
• Confirm key points in writing, such as payment agreements or promises to vacate.
• Keep a timeline of calls, texts, and emails related to the notice.

If the tenant moves out

• Document the move-out date and collect keys.
• Inspect the unit and record its condition.
• Handle the security deposit according to the lease and timelines.
• Close out the ledger and decide on the next steps for any unpaid balance.

If circumstances change

• If new rent becomes due after you serve the notice, record it on your ledger.
• You can claim additional amounts in your court filing consistent with the rules.
• If you reach a payment plan, put it in writing and stay consistent with it.

Final review before filing a case

• Do you have the signed notice and Proof of Service?
• Does your ledger match the amount you will claim?
• Did you wait the full notice period?
• Are the tenant names and the premises address correct?
• Are you prepared to present how you calculated the amount due?