A court summons means that your landlord has filed an eviction case against you in court and that you have been summoned to appear for a scheduled hearing.  

The summons should state the time and date of your court hearing and indicate whether your hearing will take place in person or on Zoom. 

• First hearings are virtual on Zoom. Visit https://www.36thdistrictcourt.org/home and click "Join Zoom Hearing" to join your virtual hearing.

• Second and subsequent hearings are in-person at the 36th District Courthouse 421 Madison St. Detroit, MI 48226. The courthouse opens at 8:00 AM. 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. 

• Look up your case here by searching your name and/or case number (located on your court summons). 

• If you have questions about the date or location of your hearing, call the 36th District Court to clarify any uncertainty beforehand at (313) 965-2200. 

It is very important to attend your court hearing. Judges rule in favor of landlords "by default" if a tenant does not attend their court hearing. Currently, the first hearing in eviction court is a pre-trial hearing, meaning the judge is unlikely to issue a judgment that day. But it is still important to attend in order to access legal aid and other resources that may prevent your eviction or a judgment on your housing record.