Mich. Comp. Laws § § 125.491
Plumbing fixtures.
Operative Text
Sec. 91. Plumbing fixtures. In all dwellings, plumbing fixtures shall be so arranged and maintained as to prevent the wetting of the supporting or surrounding framework which may cause an insanitary condition. The space beneath such fixtures shall be accessible and shall not be so enclosed as to prevent ventilation sufficient to maintain dry and sanitary conditions. The floor and wall surfaces beneath and adjacent to all plumbing fixtures shall be maintained in a sound and sanitary condition. The health officer, or such other appropriate public official as the mayor may designate, may order plumbing fixtures to be supported by metal brackets, and the space beneath left entirely open, when it is indicated that the woodwork has become damp and insanitary and cannot be properly maintained. Defective and insanitary plumbing fixtures, which cannot be repaired, shall be replaced by approved fixtures.
Section 91 of MCL § 125.491 establishes standards for how plumbing fixtures must be arranged and maintained in dwellings. Fixtures must be positioned and kept in a way that prevents water from soaking into surrounding or supporting structures, and the space beneath them must remain open enough to allow adequate ventilation and stay dry and sanitary. Floor and wall surfaces near fixtures must be kept sound and sanitary, and any fixture that is defective or unsanitary beyond repair must be replaced with an approved unit. A designated health officer or other authorized public official has the authority to order metal bracket supports and fully open under-fixture spaces when dampness or unsanitary conditions are found.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under MCL § 125.491, Section 91, compliant property operators generally ensure that plumbing fixtures are installed and maintained so that water does not reach surrounding woodwork or structural framing. Operators typically keep the space beneath fixtures unenclosed and well-ventilated, and maintain adjacent floor and wall surfaces in sound, sanitary condition. When a health officer or designated official orders metal bracket supports or open under-fixture spaces due to dampness, compliant operators follow that directive, and fixtures that cannot be repaired are replaced with approved alternatives.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
MCL § 125.491, Section 91 gives tenants a basis to raise concerns when plumbing fixtures in their dwelling are leaking into surrounding structures, when under-fixture spaces are improperly enclosed, or when floor and wall surfaces near fixtures are deteriorating or unsanitary. Tenants may report such conditions to the local health officer or other designated public official, who has authority under this provision to inspect and order corrective action. Tenant-rights organizations and local housing agencies can provide information about how to document conditions and what complaint or enforcement pathways may be available.
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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