Benton Harbor, MI Code of Ordinances Ch. 20 Art. V Landlord-Tenant Code §§ 20-88 – 20-164 § 20-105
Landlord to supply possession of dwelling unit
Operative Text
The landlord shall supply the dwelling unit bargained for at the beginning of the term and put the tenant into full possession. (Ord. of 6-9-77, § 5.01)
Under Benton Harbor, MI Code of Ordinances § 20-105, a landlord is required to actually deliver the rental unit that was agreed upon at the start of the lease term and ensure the tenant can take full possession of it. This rule addresses the basic obligation of providing access to the specific unit covered by the rental agreement, not merely a promise of future access. The provision establishes that the tenant's right to occupy begins at the commencement of the tenancy, as bargained for.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 20-105 of the Benton Harbor Landlord-Tenant Code, compliant property operators ensure that the exact dwelling unit described in the rental agreement is ready and accessible to the incoming tenant on the agreed-upon start date. This generally means resolving any holdover occupancy, completing necessary preparations, and handing over keys or access so the tenant can take full possession without delay. Operators who manage unit turnover carefully—coordinating move-out and move-in dates and confirming the unit is vacated and available—are better positioned to meet this obligation.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 20-105 of the Benton Harbor Landlord-Tenant Code gives tenants the right to receive the specific dwelling unit they agreed to rent, in a state of full possession, at the start of their lease term. If a landlord fails to deliver the unit as required—for example, because a prior occupant has not vacated—this provision may be relevant to any dispute about the tenancy's start or related costs. Tenants who believe this obligation has not been met may wish to document the situation in writing, consult a local tenant-rights organization, or explore available remedies under the Benton Harbor Code.
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 14, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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