First eviction - no money damages
I am a Michigan landlord, and I finally had to go forward with an eviction. We attached the Notice of Eviction to the rental property door and mailed a copy of it to the tenant. After the prescribed 7 days we received the Complaint and Summons from the court. We were told we had to have it served by a professional server. (I am not sure if that is really required). We hired a company to serve the Summons and they claim they tried three times by knocking on the door, but eventually they just left it attached to the door. Of coarse the tenant did not answer. At court the judge said that because we did not get "personal service" he would order "possession" but not "money damages". The tenant owes us almost $2000 in unpaid rent, penalties, and accrued water bill.
So did we need to hire the serving company? How do you all go about getting personal service on the summons to court? Please feel free to give more advice on this topic, and thank you to all who answer.