Full question:
My wife and I’ll be shifting to Michigan in a couple of months, along with our children aged 5 and 9 years. I’m concerned about the lease agreement which I may have to enter in Michigan. I would like to know whether the landlord in Michigan has a duty to keep the home and premises livable?
- Category: Landlord Tenant
- Date:
- State: Michigan
Answer:
In Michigan, landlords are required to keep rental properties in a condition that is fit for use and in reasonable repair during the lease term. This duty also extends to common areas included in the lease (MCL 554.139). However, if the lease term is longer than one year, this duty can be modified by mutual agreement. It's important to note that Michigan law includes an implied duty for landlords to prevent unreasonable health risks to occupants, which cannot be waived or modified.
If you plan to rent a home built before 1978, the landlord must provide a pamphlet titled "Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home," as mandated by federal law (Section 1018 of Title X). Additionally, check your local housing code for any extra protections that may apply.
This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.