Mich. Comp. Laws § § 125.471
Repairs and drainage.
Operative Text
Sec. 71. Repairs and drainage. Every dwelling and all the parts thereof including plumbing, heating, ventilating and electrical wiring shall be kept in good repair by the owner. The roof shall be so maintained as not to leak and the rain water shall be drained and conveyed therefrom through proper conduits into the sewerage system in accordance with plumbing regulations so as to avoid dampness in the walls and ceilings and insanitary conditions.
Michigan law under MCL § 125.471 requires that every dwelling—including its plumbing, heating, ventilation, and electrical wiring—be maintained in good repair by the property owner. The roof must be kept watertight, and rainwater must be channeled through proper conduits into the sewerage system in compliance with plumbing regulations. The purpose of these requirements is to prevent dampness in walls and ceilings and to avoid unsanitary living conditions.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under MCL § 125.471, property owners bear the affirmative responsibility to keep all structural and mechanical systems—plumbing, heating, ventilation, and electrical wiring—in good working order at all times. Compliant operators routinely inspect roofing and drainage systems to ensure rainwater is properly directed into the sewerage system through code-compliant conduits, preventing moisture intrusion. Maintaining documentation of inspections and repairs is a practice commonly associated with demonstrating ongoing compliance with this provision.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
MCL § 125.471 establishes that tenants have a right to occupy a dwelling whose owner keeps all systems—including plumbing, heating, ventilation, and electrical wiring—in good repair, with a roof that does not leak and proper rainwater drainage. If these conditions are not met, tenants may have options such as filing a complaint with a local housing or building code enforcement office, raising the violation as a defense in relevant legal proceedings, or contacting a tenant-rights organization for general guidance. Documenting the condition of the dwelling with photographs and written communications to the landlord can be an important step when conditions under this provision appear to be unmet.
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 13, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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