Mich. Comp. Laws § § 600.5759
Costs.
Operative Text
Sec. 5759. (1) In proceedings under this chapter, costs may be allowed in the same amounts as are provided by law in other civil actions in the same court, except that the costs provided by section 2441 shall not apply. The court may also allow as taxable costs an amount not exceeding the following: (a) For a motion that results in dismissal or judgment, $75.00. (b) For a judgment taken by default or consent, $75.00. (c) For the trial of a claim for possession only, $150.00. (d) For the trial of a claim for a money judgment only, $150.00. (e) For a trial including both a claim for possession and a claim for a money judgment, $150.00. (2) In determining taxable costs in tenancy cases, the judge shall take into consideration whether the jury or judge found that a portion of the rent allegedly due to the plaintiff was excused by reason of the plaintiff's breach of the lease or breach of his or her statutory covenants.
Michigan Compiled Laws § 600.5759 governs how courts may award costs in summary proceedings—the type of court cases used for evictions and related landlord-tenant disputes. Courts can award the same general civil-action costs as in other cases, but with specific caps on additional taxable costs: up to $75 for motions resulting in dismissal or judgment or for default/consent judgments, and up to $150 for trials involving possession claims, money judgment claims, or both. When a judge or jury finds that some rent was excused because the landlord breached the lease or a statutory duty, the court must factor that finding into its cost calculation.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers pursuing summary proceedings under MCL § 600.5701 et seq. should be aware that any additional taxable costs a court awards are capped at the amounts specified in § 600.5759—generally $75 for motions or default judgments and $150 for trials. Compliant operators typically keep accurate records of lease terms and maintenance obligations, since a court finding that the landlord breached the lease or statutory covenants can reduce the costs awarded. Understanding these limits helps operators set realistic expectations about cost recovery when initiating possession or money-judgment proceedings.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under MCL § 600.5759, tenants in summary proceedings have a meaningful protection: if a judge or jury finds that some portion of the rent claimed by the landlord was excused because the landlord failed to meet lease or statutory obligations, that finding must be considered when the court calculates taxable costs. This means raising a landlord's breach of the lease or statutory covenants as a defense can affect not just the rent owed but also the costs assessed against a tenant. Tenants who believe their landlord has failed to meet legal obligations may wish to consult a tenant-rights organization or legal aid office to understand how this provision could apply to their proceedings.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 13, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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