Mich. Comp. Laws § § 125.488
Scuttles, bulkheads, ladders and stairs in multiple dwellings.
Operative Text
Sec. 88. Scuttles, bulkheads, ladders and stairs. In all multiple dwellings where there are scuttles or bulkheads, they and all stairs or ladders leading thereto shall be easily accessible to all occupants of the building and shall be kept free from incumbrance and ready for use at all times. No scuttle and no bulkhead door shall at any time be locked with a key, but either may be fastened on the inside by movable bolts or hooks.
Under MCL § 125.488, multiple dwellings that have scuttles (roof hatches) or bulkheads must keep those openings—and any stairs or ladders leading to them—clear of obstructions and accessible to all building occupants at all times. The rule specifically prohibits locking scuttles or bulkhead doors with a key, though they may be secured from the inside using movable bolts or hooks. The provision is designed to ensure that occupants can reach these exits or access points quickly, particularly in emergencies.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers overseeing multiple dwellings subject to MCL § 125.488 generally ensure that all scuttles, bulkheads, and the stairs or ladders leading to them remain unobstructed and usable at all times. Compliant operators do not install keyed locks on scuttle or bulkhead doors; instead, any interior fastening is accomplished with movable bolts or hooks. Routine inspections of these access points—checking for stored items, debris, or unauthorized hardware—are a common practice among operators seeking to stay in compliance with this section.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
MCL § 125.488 gives occupants of multiple dwellings the right to unobstructed access to scuttles, bulkheads, and the stairs or ladders that lead to them. If a scuttle or bulkhead door has been fitted with a keyed lock, or if the path to one of these access points is blocked, that may constitute a violation of this provision. Tenants who encounter such conditions can document the issue and consider reporting it to the local building or housing code enforcement authority, or reach out to a tenant-rights organization for 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 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