Mich. Comp. Laws § § 125.482a
Class “A” multiple dwelling; smoke alarm; requirements; violation as misdemeanor; penalty; definitions.
Operative Text
Sec. 82a. (1) Each dwelling unit contained within a class "A" multiple dwelling shall be equipped with a single-station or multiple-station smoke alarm that complies with the standards set forth in the state construction code promulgated under section 4c of the Stille-DeRossett-Hale single state construction code act, 1972 PA 230, MCL 125.1504c. (2) A class "A" multiple dwelling constructed before November 6, 1974 has 1 year after the effective date of the rules promulgated under section 4c of the Stille-DeRossett-Hale single state construction code act, 1972 PA 230, MCL 125.1504c, to comply with subsection (1). (3) An existing building that is converted to a class "A" multiple dwelling shall comply with the requirements that may be imposed by the Stille-DeRossett-Hale single state construction code act, 1972 PA 230, MCL 125.1501 to 125.1531. (4) A person owning a class "A" multiple dwelling shall comply with this section. (5) A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not more than $500.00 or imprisonment of not more than 90 days, or both. (6) As used in this section: (a) "Dwelling unit" means a single unit providing complete independent living facilities for 1 or more persons, including permanent provisions for cooking, living, sanitation, and sleeping. (b) "Smoke alarm" means a single-station or multiple-station alarm responsive to smoke and not connected to a system. (c) "Single-station smoke alarm" means an assembly incorporating a detector, the control equipment, and the alarm sounding device into 1 unit, operated from a power supply either in the unit or obtained at the point of installation. (d) "Multiple-station smoke alarm" means 2 or more single-station alarm devices that are capable of interconnection such that actuation of 1 causes all integral or separate audible alarms to operate.
MCL § 125.482a requires that every dwelling unit in a class 'A' multiple dwelling (a multi-unit residential building) be equipped with a smoke alarm meeting state construction code standards. Buildings constructed before November 6, 1974 were given a transitional compliance window, and buildings converted to class 'A' multiple dwellings must meet applicable construction code requirements. Violating this section is a criminal misdemeanor, carrying a fine of up to $500, up to 90 days of imprisonment, or both.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under MCL § 125.482a, owners of class 'A' multiple dwellings are responsible for ensuring that each dwelling unit contains a compliant single-station or multiple-station smoke alarm meeting Michigan state construction code standards. Compliant operators typically document the installation and condition of smoke alarms in each unit, address any deficiencies promptly, and keep records of maintenance and inspections. Because a violation of § 125.482a constitutes a misdemeanor, property owners generally treat smoke alarm compliance as a non-negotiable operational baseline rather than a routine maintenance item.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
MCL § 125.482a gives tenants in class 'A' multiple dwellings the right to live in a unit equipped with a code-compliant smoke alarm, with the legal obligation placed squarely on the building owner. If a smoke alarm is missing, non-functional, or does not appear to meet state construction code standards, tenants may consider reporting the condition to local code enforcement or housing authorities, who have authority to investigate violations of § 125.482a. Tenant-rights organizations in Michigan can help residents understand available options, including how a landlord's failure to comply might be relevant in other housing-related proceedings.
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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