Mich. Comp. Laws § § 125.479
Prohibited uses.
Operative Text
Sec. 79. Prohibited uses. No horse, cow, calf, swine, sheep, goat, chickens, geese or ducks shall be kept in any dwelling or part thereof. Nor shall any such animal be kept on the same lot or premises with a dwelling except under such conditions as may be prescribed by the health officer. No such animal, except a horse, shall under any circumstances be kept on the same lot or premises with a multiple dwelling. No dwelling or the lot or premises thereof shall be used for the storage or handling of rags or junk.
Under MCL § 125.479, certain livestock and poultry — including horses, cattle, swine, sheep, goats, chickens, geese, and ducks — are prohibited from being kept inside any dwelling. These animals may only be kept on the same lot or premises as a single-family dwelling if conditions set by the local health officer are met, and no such animals except horses may share a lot with a multiple dwelling under any circumstances. Additionally, the provision bars any dwelling or its associated lot from being used to store or handle rags or junk.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Operators of residential properties subject to MCL § 125.479 generally ensure that no livestock or poultry are housed within any dwelling unit and that the lot or premises is not used for rag or junk storage. For single-family properties, any arrangement involving animals on the lot would require prior approval and compliance with conditions set by the local health officer. Managers of multiple dwellings take particular note that only horses — and no other listed animals — could potentially be permitted on the lot, and even then only under health officer authorization.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
MCL § 125.479 establishes that tenants living in multiple dwellings have a right to premises free from the presence of livestock such as swine, goats, chickens, and similar animals on the lot, as well as free from junk or rag storage on the property. If a tenant believes these conditions are being violated, general enforcement paths may include reporting the concern to the local health officer or municipal code enforcement authority, who hold oversight responsibilities under this provision. Tenant-rights organizations can help residents understand what documentation or steps are commonly associated with raising such a concern.
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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