Benton Harbor, MI Code of Ordinances Ch. 20 Art. V Landlord-Tenant Code §§ 20-88 – 20-164 § 20-107

(a) The landlord shall at all times during the tenancy:
(1) Comply with all applicable provisions of any state or local statue, code, regulation, or ordinance
governing the maintenance, construction, use or appearance of the dwelling unit and the property of which it is
a part;
(2) Keep all common areas of his building, grounds, facilities and appurtenances in a clean and sanitary
condition;
(3) Make all repairs and arrangements necessary to put and keep the dwelling unit and the appurtenances
thereto in as good condition as they were, or ought by law or agreement to have been, at the commencement of
tenancy;
(4) Maintain all electrical, plumbing, and other facilities supplied by him in good working order;

(5) Except in the case of a single-family residence, provide and maintain appropriate receptacles and
conveniences for the removal of ashes, rubbish and garbage, and arrange for the frequent removal of such
waste; and
(6) Except in the case of a single-family residence, or where the building I not equipped for the purpose,
supply potable water and hot water as reasonably required by the tenant and provide for adequate heat.

Where the duty imposed by clause (1) is incompatible with, or greater than, the duty imposed by any other
clause of this subsection, the landlord’s duty shall be determined by reference to clause (1).

(b) The landlord and tenant of a single-family residence may agree by a conspicuous writing independent of
the rental agreement that the tenant is to perform specified repairs, maintenance tasks, alterations or remodeling,
but only if:
(1) The particular work to be performed by the tenant is for the primary benefit of his dwelling unit, and
will be substantially consumed during the remaining tenancy ; or
(2) Adequate consideration apart from any provision of the rental agreement is exchanged for the tenant’s
promise. In no event under this subsection may the landlord treat performance of this agreement as a condition
to any provision of the rental agreement.

(c) The landlord and tenant of any other dwelling unit may agree by a conspicuous writing independent of the
rental agreement that the tenant is to perform specified repairs, maintenance tasks, alterations or remodeling, but
only if:
(1) The work is not necessary to bring a noncomplying dwelling unit into compliance with a building or
housing code, ordinance, or the like; and
(2) The agreement is supported by adequate consideration apart from the rental agreement. In no event
under this subsection may the landlord treat performance of this agreement as a condition to any provision of
the rental agreement.

(d) Where a single-family residence which is the owner’s usual residence is rented during a temporary
absence of the owner, the landlord and tenant may agree in writing that the tenant is to perform specified
repairs, maintenance tasks, alterations or remodeling. (Ord. of 6-9-77, § 5.03)