Mich. Comp. Laws § § 125.473
Catch-basins.
Operative Text
Sec. 73. Catch-basins. In the case of dwellings where, because of lack of city water supply or sewers, sinks with running water are not provided inside the dwellings, 1 or more catch-basins or some other approved convenience for the disposal of waste water, as may be necessary in the opinion of the health officer or such other appropriate public official as the mayor may designate, shall be provided in the yard or court, level with the surface thereof and at a point easy of access to the occupants of such dwelling.
Section 125.473 of Michigan's Housing Law addresses waste-water disposal in dwellings that lack a municipal water supply or sewer connection and therefore cannot have indoor sinks with running water. In those situations, the law requires that one or more catch-basins—or another waste-water disposal method approved by the relevant health or public official—be installed in the yard or court. These facilities must be flush with the ground surface and placed where occupants can reach them without difficulty.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under MCL § 125.473, operators of dwellings without city water or sewer service are generally expected to provide adequate outdoor waste-water disposal, such as catch-basins or another method approved by the local health officer or designated public official. Compliant operators typically ensure these facilities are installed at ground level in a yard or court and positioned so that all occupants have convenient access. Coordinating with the local health authority before installation helps confirm that the chosen method meets the approval standard the statute requires.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
MCL § 125.473 establishes that occupants of dwellings without indoor running water have a right to accessible, approved outdoor waste-water disposal facilities in the yard or court. If a catch-basin or equivalent convenience is absent, improperly located, or not at ground level, tenants may have grounds to raise a housing-code violation with the local health officer or other designated public official. Tenant-rights organizations and legal aid offices can help residents understand what options exist for reporting non-compliance under this provision.
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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