New Michigan Law Requires Tenants Receive Notice of Serious Hazards Within Apartment Buildings

A new Michigan law requires that a municipality’s enforcing agency notify the owner and occupants of an apartment building when there’s a serious violation involving the property. The new law goes into effect on Feb. 13, 2024.

Michigan House Bill 4273, recently signed into law by Governor Gretchen Whitmer, provides that if a serious and immediate hazard is found within any part of the premises of a multiple dwelling (apartment building), a municipality’s enforcing agency is required to notify the owner and tenants in writing of the violation.

The notice must include the nature of the inspection, the date of the inspection, the name of the inspector, the nature of the violation, and a deadline to correct the violation.

In addition, the law requires that the enforcing agency notify the Department of Health and Human Services within 48 hours if a serious and imminent hazard is found.

What is a serious and imminent hazard?

Serious and imminent hazards would mean a dangerous condition in the premises that, if it is not immediately corrected by the owner, could reasonably be expected to cause death or bodily harm to the occupants of the premises.

Why was the law amended?

The current law allows for discretion in providing notice to tenants. This has led to situations where notice was provided only hours before a building was condemned and tenants were forced to move out.

Help is available

The municipal and landlord-tenant attorneys at O’Reilly Rancilio are available to assist inspectors and property owners with issues related to the law. To speak with an attorney, please call 586-726-1000 or visit our website.