Mich. Comp. Laws § § 125.529
Certificate of compliance; issuance; inspection.
Operative Text
Sec. 129. (1) Units in multiple dwellings or rooming houses shall not be occupied unless a certificate of compliance has been issued by the enforcing agency. The certificates shall be issued only upon an inspection of the premises by the enforcing agency, except as provided in section 131. The certificate shall be issued within 15 days after written application therefor if the dwelling at the date of the application is entitled thereto. (2) A violation of this act shall not prevent the issuance of a certificate, but the enforcing agency shall not issue a certificate when the existing conditions constitute a hazard to the health or safety of those who may occupy the premises. (3) Inspections shall be made prior to first occupancy of multiple dwellings and rooming houses, if the construction or alteration is completed and first occupancy will occur after the effective date of this article. Where first occupancy will occur before the effective date of this article, inspection shall be made within 1 year after the effective date of this article. Upon a finding that there is no condition that would constitute a hazard to the health and safety of the occupants, and that the premises are otherwise fit for occupancy, the certificate shall be issued. If the finding is of a condition that would constitute a hazard to health or safety, no certificate shall be issued, and an order to comply with the act shall be issued immediately and served upon the owner in accordance with section 132. On reinspection and proof of compliance, the order shall be rescinded and a certificate issued.
Michigan law under MCL § 125.529 (Sec. 129) requires that units in multiple dwellings and rooming houses obtain a certificate of compliance from the enforcing agency before anyone may occupy them. This certificate can only be issued after an on-site inspection confirms that no conditions exist that would pose a health or safety hazard to occupants. While minor code violations do not automatically block issuance, a hazardous condition will prevent the certificate from being granted until the owner demonstrates compliance through a reinspection.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under MCL § 125.529 (Sec. 129), compliant operators ensure that a certificate of compliance is obtained from the enforcing agency before any unit in a multiple dwelling or rooming house is first occupied. A written application triggers a 15-day window in which the agency must issue the certificate if the property qualifies, so operators generally submit applications promptly and well ahead of planned occupancy dates. When an order to comply is issued due to a hazardous condition, operators address the identified issues and request reinspection so the order can be rescinded and the certificate issued.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
MCL § 125.529 (Sec. 129) establishes that tenants have a right to occupy units that have been inspected and certified as free of health and safety hazards by the enforcing agency. If a tenant believes a unit is being occupied without a valid certificate of compliance, or that a hazardous condition was overlooked during inspection, they may contact the local enforcing agency to inquire about the property's certification status or file a complaint. Tenant-rights organizations can help residents understand what options may be available, including whether the absence of a certificate is relevant to their housing situation.
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 In
Rules and statutes that cite this regulation