Mich. Comp. Laws § § 125.487
Fire escape maintenance.
Operative Text
Sec. 87. Maintenance of fire escapes. All fire escapes shall be kept in a safe and sound condition and shall be properly painted and repaired to maintain this condition. No incumbrance or obstruction shall be placed or maintained on any part of any fire escape or in any means of access to a fire escape.
Under MCL § 125.401 et seq. § 125.487, all fire escapes on residential buildings must be kept structurally safe and sound, properly painted, and in good repair at all times. Additionally, nothing may be placed or left on any fire escape or in any pathway leading to a fire escape that would block or hinder its use. The rule applies both to the fire escape itself and to the routes that provide access to it.
Plain English — not legal advice.
MCL § 125.401 et seq. § 125.487 places the responsibility for fire escape upkeep squarely on property operators. Compliant operators conduct regular inspections to confirm that fire escapes are structurally sound, free of rust or deterioration, and properly painted, scheduling repairs promptly when deficiencies are found. They also ensure that hallways, doors, windows, and other access points leading to fire escapes remain clear of stored items, equipment, or any other obstructions at all times.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
MCL § 125.401 et seq. § 125.487 establishes a clear standard that fire escapes and their access routes must be kept safe, sound, painted, and unobstructed. Tenants who observe a deteriorating fire escape or a blocked access route may document the condition in writing and notify their landlord or building manager. General enforcement paths can include reporting the condition to the local building or housing code enforcement office, or consulting a tenant-rights organization to understand available options under Michigan law.
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 13, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
Effective Timeline
References Out
No outbound references recorded yet for this provision.
References In
Rules and statutes that cite this regulation