Michigan Bedbug Disclosure Rules for Apartment Renters

If you are renting an apartment in Michigan, knowing about bedbug disclosure laws can help you protect your health and rights as a tenant. Michigan has specific rules about landlord disclosure and responsibilities regarding bedbug infestations. This guide explains what information landlords must provide, which forms are used, and how renters can respond if they suspect bedbugs in their home.

Michigan Bedbug Disclosure Requirements

In Michigan, while there is no statewide law that requires landlords to provide a specific bedbug disclosure form before you move in, landlords are still responsible for providing a habitable rental unit. This means your rental home must be free from infestations that threaten your health or safety, including bedbugs.

• Landlords must maintain their buildings in a sanitary and habitable condition under Michigan law.
• Landlords are required to address bedbug infestations when notified by tenants.
• Some cities (like Detroit) may have local ordinances about pest disclosures or required notices, so check with your local city housing office.

If you suspect a bedbug problem, it's important to notify your landlord in writing as soon as possible. Michigan’s main rental law, the Truth in Renting Act, and state health regulations give renters important protections against infestations.^[1][2]

Required Forms and Notices for Bedbug Issues

While there is no statewide, standardized Michigan Bedbug Disclosure Form, tenants and landlords may use general forms to report or address bedbug concerns:

• Notice to Repair or Correct Condition: Tenants use this general notice to formally alert the landlord about a bedbug problem. The Sample Letter for Requesting Repairs provided by Michigan Legal Help can be used for this purpose.
• Notice to Quit – Health Hazard (DC 100c): If the infestation is severe and not resolved, this landlord form is used for ending tenancies where health and safety are threatened. Not commonly served for minor bedbug issues, but can be relevant in extreme cases.

How these forms are used:

• Notice to Repair Example: If you see bedbugs, fill out a repair request letter (see these sample letters), stating the problem and requesting timely pest treatment from your landlord.
• Notice to Quit Example: If a landlord wishes to terminate a lease because an apartment is uninhabitable due to unresolved infestation, they would serve a DC 100c: Notice to Quit for Health Hazard.

Your Rights and Responsibilities as a Tenant

Michigan renters have the right to live in pest-free housing. If you report bedbugs, your landlord must:

• Respond promptly to your written notification of infestation
• Arrange for pest inspection and treatment as needed
• Not retaliate against you for reporting a health hazard

If your landlord does not address the issue in a reasonable time, you may contact your local public health department or consider other remedies under the state’s Truth in Renting Act.^[2][3]

What To Do if You Discover Bedbugs

Act quickly and communicate in writing with your landlord. Involve your local city housing office or the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services if your landlord does not act.

How Bedbug Issues Are Handled in Tribunal

Michigan’s official board handling landlord-tenant disputes, including habitability and health issues, is the Michigan District Court. Tenants may bring claims there if a landlord fails to provide habitable housing, including severe infestations.

• The court may order repairs, compensation, or other remedies.
• Be prepared to show written notices and documentation of bedbug problems.

To learn more about your rights and resources, visit the MDARD bed bug resource page or the Michigan District Court website.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do Michigan landlords have to disclose bedbugs before I move in?
   There is no statewide law requiring advance disclosure, but landlords must provide habitable, pest-free units and address reports of bedbugs promptly.
2. What should I do if I find bedbugs in my new apartment?
   Notify your landlord in writing immediately. Request professional treatment and keep records of all communications.
3. Can a landlord evict me because I reported bedbugs?
   No. Retaliation for reporting a health and safety issue is illegal under Michigan law. If you think you are facing eviction as retaliation, contact the Michigan District Court or a local tenant resource.
4. Are there official forms for bedbug complaints in Michigan?
   There is no dedicated state bedbug complaint form. Use a general repair request or notice letter for reporting.
5. Who handles disputes about bedbugs in Michigan rentals?
   The Michigan District Court is where housing and habitability disputes are resolved.

Conclusion: Your Key Takeaways

• Michigan law requires landlords to keep rental units habitable and safe from infestations, even if a specific bedbug disclosure form is not mandated by the state.
• Report suspected bedbugs in writing and request timely treatment. Local ordinances may provide additional protections.
• If problems aren’t fixed, the Michigan District Court can resolve disputes.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development – Bed Bug Information
• Michigan Legal Help – Sample Letters and Tenant Tools
• Michigan District Courts – Landlord Tenant Division
• Michigan Department of Health & Human Services
• Check if your city has local rental ordinances or call your local public health department for urgent infestation issues.

---

1. Michigan Truth in Renting Act, Act 348 of 1978
2. Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development – Bed Bug FAQ
3. Michigan District Court – Landlord Tenant Information

Categories

Renter Rights & Legal Protections Lease Agreements & Renewals Rent, Fees & Security Deposits Moving In: Inspections & Disclosures Moving Out & Ending a Lease Maintenance, Repairs & Habitability Health & Safety Standards Evictions & Lease Violations Roommates, Subletting & Shared Housing Discrimination & Fair Housing Laws Accessibility & Disability Accommodations Utilities, Services & Billing Affordable Housing & Rental Assistance Rent Control & Rent Stabilization Privacy Rights & Landlord Entry Security, Locks & Emergency Protections Dispute Resolution & Legal Aid Retaliation & Harassment Protections Mobile Home & Manufactured Housing Rights Special Housing Types & Situations