Benton Harbor, MI Code of Ordinances Ch. 20 Art. VI Annual Registration of Habitable Rental Properties §§ 20-165 – 20-204 § 20-170
Issuance of certificate of Rental Compliance
Operative Text
If after the initial inspection conducted pursuant to this ordinance, the single unit dwelling, multiple unit dwelling, boarding or lodging house is found to be in compliance with the rules, regulations, laws and technical housing codes of the City of Benton Harbor and the State of Michigan, the department of Public Safety, Division of Building Inspections shall issue an electronic Certificate of Rental Compliance for the unit(s) in the name of the owner or designated responsible party. One paper copy shall be provided to the owner or designated representative upon request.
Under Benton Harbor, MI Code of Ordinances § 20-170, once a rental property—whether a single-unit dwelling, multi-unit dwelling, boarding house, or lodging house—passes its initial inspection and is found to meet all applicable city and state housing standards, the Department of Public Safety, Division of Building Inspections issues an electronic Certificate of Rental Compliance for the unit or units involved. The certificate is issued in the name of the property owner or their designated responsible party. A paper copy of the certificate is available to the owner or designated representative upon request.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 20-170, compliant rental property operators in Benton Harbor can expect to receive an electronic Certificate of Rental Compliance from the Division of Building Inspections once their property clears the initial inspection required by the ordinance. Operators who prefer a physical record generally request a paper copy at that time, as one copy is available upon request. Keeping the certificate accessible and ensuring it reflects the correct owner or designated responsible party name are practices consistent with maintaining compliance under this registration framework.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section § 20-170 of Benton Harbor's rental registration ordinance establishes that a Certificate of Rental Compliance is issued only after a property has been inspected and confirmed to meet city and state housing standards. Tenants can use the existence—or absence—of this certificate as a reference point when evaluating whether their unit has been formally approved for habitation under the city's registration program. Those with questions about whether a specific property holds a valid certificate may contact the Benton Harbor Department of Public Safety, Division of Building Inspections, or reach out to a local tenant-rights organization for general guidance on available options.
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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