My elevator is out and I can’t use the stairs—what can I do?

If you have a disability, submit a written reasonable accommodation request to your landlord. If ignored, file a complaint with the Michigan Department of Civil Rights.

How long can my landlord take to fix a broken elevator?

Michigan law requires 'reasonable' repair times. If delays affect your health or safety, document everything and seek help if the landlord does not respond.

Can I withhold rent during an elevator outage?

Withholding rent is risky in Michigan. Instead, request repairs or accommodations in writing and seek legal advice if necessary.

Is my landlord discriminating if they refuse elevator repair for my disability?

Refusing reasonable accommodation for a disability may be discrimination. File a complaint with the Michigan Department of Civil Rights if needed.

Which government office handles elevator-related complaints?

For disability discrimination, contact the Michigan Department of Civil Rights. For safety violations, contact your local housing authority.

Michigan Renters’ Rights When Elevators Break Down

Accessibility & Disability Accommodations Michigan published: June 21, 2025

Living in a multi-story apartment building in Michigan comes with certain expectations—especially if you rely on elevators for mobility. Elevator outages are more than an inconvenience; for renters with disabilities, they can create serious accessibility problems. Understanding your rights under Michigan law ensures you know what your landlord must do and how to seek help if elevator repairs lag or accommodations are denied.

Understanding Your Rights in Michigan High-Rises

Michigan landlords must provide and maintain basic services that make rental homes safe and livable. Elevators are a critical part of this "habitability" when you live in a high-rise. Both state law and federal protections require landlords to keep elevators in good working order and to make reasonable accommodations for disabled tenants.^[1]

What Laws Protect Michigan Renters?

Michigan’s Landlord and Tenant Relationships Act ensures rental premises, including common areas like elevators, are maintained in reasonable repair.^[2]
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the federal Fair Housing Act require landlords to offer reasonable accommodations for tenants with disabilities.^[3]

If an elevator goes out of service, landlords must act quickly to fix it. Extended outages, especially for disabled renters who cannot use stairs, may violate your right to reasonable accommodations.

What Is "Reasonable Accommodation" During an Elevator Outage?

If you have a disability that makes stairs impossible or difficult, your landlord must make a genuine effort to help while the elevator is down. Reasonable accommodations may include:

Arranging temporary, accessible housing in the building or nearby
Offering relocation to a ground-floor unit if available
Providing extra assistance with deliveries, groceries, or mobility support

Your request should be reasonable, and your landlord should respond promptly. If your request is denied or ignored, you have options to take further action.

What Can I Do If Elevator Repairs Are Delayed?

Start by writing a request for repair or accommodation to your landlord or building management. Under Michigan law, written communication is often required to trigger official complaint processes.

Official Forms and How to Use Them

Request for Reasonable Accommodation Under the Fair Housing Act: While there isn't a statewide official Michigan form, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) provides a simple template that you can send to your landlord. Download the HUD reasonable accommodation sample letter. Use this if you need the landlord to make specific arrangements during an elevator outage as a person with a disability.
MUTUAL AGREEMENT CONCERNING REPAIRS (Form 6, Michigan Supreme Court): If you and your landlord agree on repairs, you can document it using Form DC 110. Access Michigan DC 110 mutual agreement form. This is practical if you reach a solution about timelines for elevator repair or alternative accommodations.
Complaint Form: Michigan Department of Civil Rights: File this if you believe you have been discriminated against based on disability. Access the MDCR complaint form. Example: If your landlord refuses to accommodate your disability during the outage.

How to File a Complaint or Take Action

If the elevator outage is putting your health or safety at risk, or if accommodations are denied, consider these steps:

Send a written repair request to your landlord and keep a copy.
Submit a reasonable accommodation request with documentation if you are disabled and need support.
If there’s no response, you may file a discrimination complaint with the Michigan Department of Civil Rights.
For ongoing repair issues, you can also contact your local housing code enforcement office.

If you feel your landlord is not making needed repairs on elevator outages, document every communication. Having a clear paper trail is essential should you need to escalate your issue.

The Official Tribunal for Tenancy Disputes in Michigan

Most landlord-tenant disputes—including those about repairs and accommodations—are handled by the Michigan District Courts. These courts can order landlords to address repair and accessibility problems as part of their residential tenancy jurisdiction.^[4]

FAQ: Elevator Outages and Michigan Renter Rights

My elevator is out and I can’t use the stairs—what can I do?
If you have a disability that limits mobility, promptly submit a written request for reasonable accommodation to your landlord. If you are ignored, you may file a complaint with the Michigan Department of Civil Rights.
How long can my landlord take to fix a broken elevator?
Michigan law requires "reasonable" repair times. While the law does not specify exact hours or days, urgent health and accessibility needs should be prioritized. Document all delays and responses.
Can I withhold rent during an elevator outage?
Withholding rent can be risky in Michigan. Legal experts recommend seeking repairs or accommodations, and using mutual agreement forms before considering withholding rent. Always consult the district court or legal aid for guidance.
Is my landlord discriminating if they refuse elevator repair for my disability?
If your disability makes the elevator essential and your landlord fails to provide a reasonable accommodation, that may be discrimination under Michigan and federal law. File a complaint if needed.
Which government office handles elevator-related complaints?
For housing discrimination related to disability, use the Michigan Department of Civil Rights. Building safety code violations go to your city or county housing authority.

Key Takeaways for Michigan High-Rise Renters

Landlords must keep elevators in good repair; accessibility is required under Michigan law.
If you need a reasonable accommodation, request it in writing and document your communications.
The Michigan District Court is the main body for tenant-landlord disputes; discrimination issues go to the Department of Civil Rights.

Act quickly if elevator outages affect your access or safety—knowing your rights empowers effective action.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

Michigan Department of Civil Rights – For disability discrimination or accommodation complaints.
Michigan District Courts – For filing housing disputes, repair orders, or habitability concerns.
Michigan Attorney General's Landlord/Tenant Information – Guides on landlord-tenant rights and responsibilities.
HUD Fair Housing Complaint Process – Federal accommodations and accessibility protections.