Benton Harbor, MI Code of Ordinances Ch. 20 Art. V Landlord-Tenant Code §§ 20-88 – 20-164 § 20-88
Legislative finding
Operative Text
It is hereby found that there exist and may in the future exist, within the City of Benton Harbor premises, dwellings, dwelling units, rooming units, or parts thereof, which by reason of their structure, equipment, sanitation, maintenance, use, or occupancy affect or are likely to affect adversely the public health (including the physical, mental and social well-being of persons and families), safety, and general welfare. To correct and prevent the existence of such adverse conditions, and to achieve and maintain such levels of residential environmental quality as will protect and promote public health, safety, and general welfare, it is further found that the establishment and enforcement of minimum housing standards are required. (Ord. of 6-9-77, § 1.01)
Benton Harbor, MI Code of Ordinances Ch. 20 Art. V §§ 20-88 – 20-164 establishes the city's rationale for regulating residential housing conditions. The provision recognizes that substandard dwellings — whether due to structural problems, poor sanitation, inadequate maintenance, or unsafe occupancy — can harm the physical, mental, and social well-being of residents and the broader community. On the basis of that finding, the city determined that setting and enforcing minimum housing standards is necessary to protect public health, safety, and general welfare.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Benton Harbor's legislative finding under Ch. 20 Art. V §§ 20-88 – 20-164 signals that the entire Landlord-Tenant Code rests on a public-health and safety rationale, meaning compliance with minimum housing standards is the baseline expectation for all residential rental properties in the city. Operators who maintain properties in sound structural condition, with functioning equipment, adequate sanitation, and appropriate occupancy levels, are generally acting in alignment with the purposes this code was designed to serve. Understanding this foundational intent can help property managers contextualize the specific requirements that follow throughout the ordinance.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
The legislative finding in Benton Harbor Ch. 20 Art. V §§ 20-88 – 20-164 affirms that tenants have a recognized interest in living in housing that meets minimum standards for health, safety, and general welfare. This provision forms the legal and policy foundation for the protections that follow in the Landlord-Tenant Code, and tenants may reference it when seeking to understand the purpose behind specific code requirements. Tenants who believe their housing falls short of these standards may consider contacting the city's code enforcement office, consulting a local tenant-rights organization, or exploring other enforcement paths available under the ordinance.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 14, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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