Lead Paint Hazards in Michigan Rentals: Renter Rights & Safety

If you rent a home or apartment in Michigan built before 1978, you may face hidden dangers from lead-based paint. Lead exposure can be especially harmful to children, causing serious health issues. Michigan law and federal rules require your landlord to take steps to reduce lead risks—and you have rights that can help protect your family’s well-being.

What Are Lead-Based Paint Hazards?

Lead-based paint was used widely in homes built before 1978. When this paint deteriorates (peels, chips, or creates dust), it can poison people—especially young children and pregnant women. Lead poisoning can cause learning disabilities, developmental delays, and other lifelong health problems.

Landlord Requirements: Disclosures and Safety

In Michigan, landlords must follow federal rules through the EPA’s Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Rule and Michigan's lead abatement laws.

• Notification: Landlords must provide renters with the EPA’s Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home pamphlet before the lease is signed.
• Disclosure: If the property was built before 1978, you must be told about any known lead-based paint hazards.
• Including a Lead Disclosure Form: The landlord must include a signed Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Form (Form: EPA 747-K-99-001) with your lease.

If your rental unit is not safe or the landlord has not disclosed lead hazards, you have the right to seek action.

What to Do If You Suspect a Lead Hazard

• Request your landlord provide the lead disclosure and the EPA pamphlet if you did not receive them.
• If you see paint chips, dust, or water damage in a pre-1978 rental, ask for repairs in writing and keep copies.
• Consider asking your child’s doctor about a blood lead test.

Reporting Lead Violations in Michigan

If your landlord is not following lead safety rules or refusing needed repairs, you can:

• Notify your local health department for inspections or intervention.
• File a complaint with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Lead Safe Program.
• Contact the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) for additional housing safety guidance.

Serious violations may also be taken to district court, as Michigan does not have a dedicated landlord-tenant tribunal; district courts handle these disputes under the Michigan Truth in Renting Act and Revised Judicature Act^[1][2].

Official Forms Renters May Need

• Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Form (EPA 747-K-99-001): Used during lease signing for any property built before 1978. Make sure your lease includes this form: download from MDHHS.
• Tenant Complaint Form: While there is no single state-wide form, most county health departments use a basic complaint form for hazardous conditions; check your local health office for the correct document.

For example, if you notice peeling paint and your landlord has not addressed the issue after a written request, submit a complaint form to your county health department along with photos and a copy of your written request.

Your Key Protections Under Michigan Law

The Michigan Truth in Renting Act ensures landlords must provide a safe rental unit and follow all lead hazard rules. If your landlord fails to do this, you have the right to request repairs and seek remedies, including withholding rent only with legal advice or court approval.

Need More Information?

• Read the EPA's full lead disclosure requirements
• Learn about Michigan tenant rights from the official LARA Tenant Resources
• For child testing and family resources, visit the MDHHS Lead Prevention page

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What should I do if my child may have been exposed to lead in my rental?
   Contact your child's healthcare provider for a blood test right away. You can also call the Michigan MDHHS Lead Safe Program for advice and next steps.
2. Does my landlord have to remove lead paint from my apartment?
   Landlords must repair deteriorating paint and address hazards, but total removal or "abatement" is not always required unless ordered by health authorities or under specific risk situations.
3. Can I refuse to move in if there is lead-based paint?
   You can choose not to sign a lease if you learn about lead hazards. If you already signed and discover unaddressed hazards, request prompt remediation in writing and contact local authorities if necessary.
4. Which Michigan agency oversees rental lead safety?
   The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) oversees lead safety and provides renter resources statewide.
5. What is the Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Form?
   This official document is signed during lease signing; it ensures renters are informed of known lead hazards. It is required by law for rentals built before 1978.

Key Takeaways for Michigan Renters

• Landlords must disclose known lead hazards and provide safety information for any pre-1978 rental.
• If hazards are not addressed, you can contact local health authorities or MDHHS—and use official complaint forms.
• Keep records, ask questions, and know your rights to protect your family’s health.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Michigan MDHHS Lead Safe Program—support, complaint forms, guidance
• Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA)—landlord-tenant rights info
• Contact your local county health department for home inspections and hazard response
• For legal process and disputes, see Michigan District Courts

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1. Michigan Truth in Renting Act
2. Revised Judicature Act

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