Full question:
I live in a rented house in Michigan. It is infested with mold and mildew caused by faulty pipes. I have been getting it treated repeatedly because my landlord refuses to help. Doesn’t the landlord have the responsibility to keep the house in good and habitable condition?
- Category: Landlord Tenant
- Subcategory: Repairs
- Date:
- State: Michigan
Answer:
Yes. Michigan law provides that the landlords should keep the premises habitable and in a condition that is fit for living. These terms cannot be waived by the landlord at any point of time.The Michigan Compiled Laws section 39 §554.139 states:
“(a) That the premises and all common areas are fit for the use intended by the parties.
(b) To keep the premises in reasonable repair during the term of the lease or license, and to comply with the applicable health and safety laws of the state and of the local unit of government where the premises are located, except when the disrepair or violation of the applicable health or safety laws has been caused by the tenants willful or irresponsible conduct or lack of conduct.
(2) The parties to the lease or license may modify the obligations imposed by this section where the lease or license has a current term of at least 1 year.
(3) The provisions of this section shall be liberally construed, and the privilege of a prospective lessee or licensee to inspect the premises before concluding a lease or license shall not defeat his right to have the benefit of the covenants established herein.”
Therefore, the landlord is responsible y for keeping the premises clean. The landlord should conduct reasonable repair during the term of the lease and also comply with the health and safety laws.
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.
