Michigan Renters: Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Detector Laws

As a Michigan renter, knowing your rights and your landlord’s duties about smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors is key to ensuring your home is safe. Michigan law requires landlords to provide and maintain working detectors in all rental units. Here’s what you need to know about compliance, important steps if you notice a problem, and how to get help if your landlord isn’t meeting their obligations.

Smoke Detectors: Michigan Rental Laws

Michigan's housing laws require all rental units to have working smoke detectors. The landlord is responsible for:

• Installing smoke detectors in accordance with the Michigan Residential Code (official code summary).
• Ensuring detectors are installed on each story of the dwelling, including basements and sleeping areas.
• Maintaining and replacing smoke detectors as needed.

Tenants are typically responsible for notifying the landlord if a detector isn’t working, and in some cases changing standard batteries. If you’re unsure, check your lease for details about battery replacement.

Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Michigan Rules

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas that can be deadly. Michigan law (per MCL 125.1504f) requires CO detectors in newly constructed residential buildings and in certain rental properties if there’s a fuel-burning appliance or attached garage. Landlords are obligated to:

• Install CO detectors in rental units with any fuel-burning appliance or attached garage.
• Install detectors according to the manufacturer’s instructions—usually outside each sleeping area.

If your unit fits these requirements but doesn’t have a CO detector, your landlord may be out of compliance with Michigan law.

Maintenance and Replacement

Your landlord must keep detectors in working order. If your smoke or carbon monoxide detector beeps, is missing, or is damaged, inform your landlord in writing immediately.

• If your landlord does not address the safety concern promptly, you may have legal grounds to file a complaint.
• It's important to keep copies of all correspondence with your landlord about detector issues.

How to Report Smoke or Carbon Monoxide Detector Issues

If your landlord fails to install or repair detectors, you can take several steps:

• Notify your landlord in writing, keeping a dated copy for your records.
• If there is no response, you may file a complaint with your local building inspection department or health department.
• You may also reach out to the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) - Bureau of Construction Codes.
• As a last resort, consider contacting the local district court's landlord-tenant division for further support.

The tribunal handling residential tenancy matters in Michigan is typically the Michigan District Court – Landlord/Tenant Division. They process disputes regarding maintenance and habitability, including safety issues with detectors.

Relevant Forms for Renters

• Notice to Repair (Demand for Repairs) – Form DC 100k
  When to use: If your landlord fails to install or fix smoke or CO detectors, you can complete and send this form as a formal written request for repairs.
  How to use: Fill out the Notice to Repair (DC 100k), keep a copy, and deliver (ideally by mail or in-person with proof) to your landlord. This ensures official notice of the issue.

Michigan's key landlord-tenant legislation is the Truth in Renting Act (Public Act 348 of 1972). This law sets general rights and duties for landlords and tenants, including standards for rental habitability and safety.¹

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are landlords in Michigan required to install both smoke and carbon monoxide detectors?
   Yes. Landlords must install working smoke detectors in all rentals and carbon monoxide detectors where a fuel-burning appliance or attached garage is present.
2. Who is responsible for changing detector batteries?
   This can vary by lease, but landlords must maintain functioning detectors. Tenants may be responsible for routine battery changes—check your rental agreement.
3. What if my landlord does not fix a broken smoke or CO detector?
   Send a written request using the Notice to Repair Form (DC 100k). If they still don’t act, contact local building or health authorities, or seek help from the district court's landlord-tenant division.
4. Which agency enforces Michigan housing safety standards?
   The Bureau of Construction Codes (LARA) and your local district court enforce rental safety standards, including detector laws.
5. Is there a penalty if the landlord doesn’t comply?
   Yes. Failure to provide and maintain detectors may result in fines, code violations, or legal actions against the landlord.

Key Takeaways for Michigan Renters

• Landlords in Michigan are responsible for installing and maintaining smoke and (where applicable) carbon monoxide detectors in all rentals.
• Tenants should immediately report missing or broken detectors in writing and keep records of all communications.
• If your landlord does not act, you have legal options through Michigan courts or housing authorities.

Ensuring proper detectors are in place helps protect you and your family. Prompt written action is the best way to address any issues.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Bureau of Construction Codes – Contact Information for reporting code violations or landlord non-compliance.
• Michigan District Court – Landlord/Tenant Division for filing complaints or seeking dispute resolution.
• Notice to Repair Form (DC 100k) for formal repair requests to landlords.
• Michigan Truth in Renting Act for your foundational legal rights as a renter.
• Michigan Department of Health & Human Services for public health support and emergency resources.

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1. See: Michigan Truth in Renting Act (PA 348 of 1972); Michigan Residential Code; MCL 125.1504f

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