Mich. Comp. Laws § § 125.527
Inspection; warrants for nonemergency situation; no warrant required in emergency.
Operative Text
Sec. 127. (1) In a nonemergency situation where the owner or occupant demands a warrant for inspection of the premises, the enforcing agency shall obtain a warrant from a court of competent jurisdiction. The enforcing agency shall prepare the warrant, stating the address of the building to be inspected, the nature of the inspection, as defined in this or other applicable acts, and the reasons for the inspection. It shall be appropriate and sufficient to set forth the basis for inspection (e.g. complaint, area or recurrent violation basis) established in this section, in other applicable acts or in rules or regulations. The warrant shall also state that it is issued pursuant to this section, and that it is for the purposes set forth in this and other acts which require that inspections be conducted. (2) If the court finds that the warrant is in proper form and in accord with this section, it shall be issued forthwith. (3) In the event of an emergency no warrant shall be required.
Michigan law under MCL § 125.527 establishes two distinct tracks for housing inspections. When a property owner or occupant refuses entry and demands a warrant in a non-emergency situation, the enforcing agency must obtain one from a court, with the warrant specifying the address, the nature and reasons for the inspection, and the legal basis for it. In a genuine emergency, however, no warrant is required before an inspection may proceed.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under MCL § 125.527, property owners and occupants have the right to demand a warrant before allowing a non-emergency inspection, and a compliant enforcing agency will obtain one that identifies the building, the scope of the inspection, and its legal basis. Operators who manage properties subject to housing code enforcement generally keep records of any inspection notices or warrant requests they receive. In an emergency situation, the same statute permits inspectors to enter without a warrant, so operators are generally aware that emergency conditions can trigger immediate access.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
MCL § 125.527 gives occupants the explicit right to demand a warrant before a non-emergency housing inspection takes place, meaning an enforcing agency cannot simply enter over an occupant's objection without first going to court. Tenants who believe an inspection was conducted improperly — for example, without a warrant when one was demanded — may have grounds to raise that issue with the relevant enforcing agency or in a legal proceeding. Tenant-rights organizations can help occupants understand how this provision interacts with their broader rights under Michigan housing law.
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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