Rent Assistance in Michigan

Last checked: November 2026. Benefits Explorer is a directory. We do not provide rent money or decide who gets help, and each program makes its own decisions.

CERA, Michigan's pandemic rent program, no longer takes new applications. Today the two main routes are State Emergency Relief, applied for through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, and the Housing Assessment and Resource Agency (HARA) assigned to each county.

Michigan has a court feature that many renters miss. If you apply for rental assistance before your first court date or within 5 days after it, Michigan Legal Help says you can file form DC 539 to pause the eviction case for 14 days, and extend it to 28 days in total.

Where to Start in Michigan

State Emergency Relief (SER)

A state program for emergencies, including help to prevent an eviction. Apply to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, preferably online through MI Bridges, or in person at your local office if you need help right away. You will need proof of rent such as a lease. Michigan Legal Help says the process takes around 10 days, and you typically get 10 days to provide documents. If SER is denied, the Counsel and Advocacy Law Line at 1-888-783-8190 can advise you.

Visit website · Call or check the website to confirm it is open

Housing Assessment and Resource Agencies (HARA)

Each Michigan county has a HARA, the local door for homeless and housing services. Michigan Legal Help advises contacting yours to learn which rental assistance you may qualify for and to get help applying. The Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) publishes a HARA contact list, and the coalition page linked here points to it.

Visit website · Phone: 2-1-1 · Call or check the website to confirm it is open

Michigan 211

The Michigan Coalition Against Homelessness tells anyone homeless or at risk to call 2-1-1 for local resources, including eviction diversion and shelters.

Visit website · Phone: 2-1-1 · Accepting applications when last checked

Local Rent Help in Michigan

Detroit Housing Resource HelpLine (City of Detroit)

The city's line for eviction questions, also listed as its Eviction Hotline. The city's rental and eviction page lists no open rent payment program, so ask what is available now and how to reach a free lawyer.

Visit website · Phone: 866-313-2520 · Call or check the website to confirm it is open

Detroit Right to Counsel (City of Detroit, 36th District Court)

Free lawyers for tenant households facing eviction with gross income up to twice the federal poverty level. Attend your hearing and tell the judge you want to speak with a free lawyer. At in-person hearings, go to room 417 at the courthouse, where lawyers check eligibility. This pays for a lawyer and not for rent.

Visit website · Phone: 866-313-2520 · Accepting applications when last checked

CAM Detroit (City of Detroit)

The city lists this number for emergency shelter if you have no safe place to sleep tonight.

Visit website · Phone: 313-305-0311 · Accepting applications when last checked

Wayne Metro Community Action Agency (Wayne County)

Runs more than 80 programs across Wayne County. Its home page does not say whether housing help is open, so call to ask about rent and housing programs. The HUD housing programs line is 734-284-6999, with possible long waits.

Visit website · Phone: 313-388-9799 · Call or check the website to confirm it is open

Facing Eviction in Michigan?

Before filing over unpaid rent, a landlord must give a written Demand for Possession with the amount owed and seven days to pay or move. The case is then filed in district court. If the landlord wins, you typically get 10 days to pay the judgment or move, and paying the full amount by the deadline lets you stay. After that the landlord can ask for an Order of Eviction, and only a sheriff, deputy or court officer may carry it out. Read the official guidance

Free or low-cost legal help: Michigan Legal Help. A statewide self-help legal site with eviction guides and forms, plus a Guide to Legal Help for finding a lawyer. The Counsel and Advocacy Law Line takes calls Monday to Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Visit website · Phone: 1-888-783-8190

This page is general information, not legal advice. Don't ignore a notice or court papers, because eviction deadlines can be short.

Michigan Programs That Have Closed

You may still see these programs online. Check before you spend time on an application.

  • COVID Emergency Rental Assistance (CERA): The state's pandemic rent and utility program. The City of Detroit states that CERA is closed to new applications through both the MSHDA portal and the Wayne County program, and that its funds cannot be used for rent due after September 30, 2022.

More Help in Michigan

Want other options? See our full rent assistance guide, including how to spot a scam, or see your options. That form is not an application for rent assistance. If you submit it, Benefits Explorer and its partners may contact you.

Michigan Rent Assistance Questions

Is CERA still open in Michigan?

No. The City of Detroit's page says CERA is closed to new applications. Existing applicants can check status at ceraapp.michigan.gov. For new requests, look to State Emergency Relief or your county's HARA.

Can a rental assistance application pause my eviction case?

It can. Apply before your first court date or within 5 days after it, then file form DC 539 with proof and serve your landlord. Michigan Legal Help says the case pauses for 14 days, and a status update form filed in that time adds 14 more.

How long does State Emergency Relief take?

Michigan Legal Help says around 10 days. Your expense documents must be less than 30 days old, so gather them early. If you need help immediately, you can apply in person at your local office.

Who helps with eviction in Detroit?

Call the Housing Resource HelpLine at 866-313-2520. Tenants with income up to twice the poverty level can get a free Right to Counsel lawyer at the 36th District Court by asking the judge at the hearing.

Rent Assistance in Nearby States

Most programs only help people who live in their state. If you are moving or live near a state line, you can also check:

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