No, squatting in Michigan is illegal under state trespass and adverse possession laws, with penalties including eviction and criminal charges. Local sheriffs enforce removal under MCL 600.5701, while Detroit’s 2025 “Anti-Squatting Task Force” targets illegal occupancy in vacant properties. Courts require proof of continuous, hostile, and exclusive possession for adverse claims, a high bar rarely met.
Key Regulations for Squatting in Michigan
- Trespass Violation (MCL 750.552): Unauthorized occupation of property constitutes a misdemeanor, punishable by up to 90 days imprisonment and $500 fines. Landlords must file a formal complaint with local law enforcement to initiate eviction under MCL 600.5714.
- Adverse Possession (MCL 600.5801): Claims require 15+ years of continuous, open, and notorious use with tax payments. Michigan courts strictly interpret “hostile” intent, rejecting squatters’ arguments of implied permission.
- Local Ordinances: Detroit’s 2026 budget allocates $2.3M for squatter interdiction, mandating property registration with the Buildings, Safety Engineering & Environmental Department (BSEED) to flag illegal occupancy. Other municipalities enforce similar registration protocols.
Property owners must act swiftly: filing a police report within 24 hours of discovery accelerates removal under MCL 600.5716, while failure to secure vacant structures risks prolonged litigation. Courts prioritize owner documentation over squatters’ assertions of residency.