Mich. Comp. Laws § § 125.538
Dangerous building prohibited.
Operative Text
Sec. 138. It is unlawful for any owner or agent thereof to keep or maintain any dwelling or part thereof which is a dangerous building as defined in section 139.
Under MCL § 125.538, Michigan law prohibits the existence of a dwelling—or any portion of one—that qualifies as a 'dangerous building' as that term is defined in the companion provision, section 139. The rule places the legal responsibility for avoiding this condition squarely on the property owner or their authorized agent. Any dwelling that meets the statutory definition of dangerous is considered unlawful to keep or maintain, regardless of whether tenants are actively occupying it.
Plain English — not legal advice.
MCL § 125.538 means that property owners and their agents bear direct legal responsibility for ensuring no dwelling they control rises to the level of a 'dangerous building' under section 139's definition. Compliant operators generally conduct regular inspections, address structural or safety deficiencies promptly, and keep documentation of maintenance and repair activity. Staying familiar with the specific conditions enumerated in section 139 helps operators identify and remediate problems before a dwelling crosses the statutory threshold.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
MCL § 125.538 establishes that tenants have a right to occupy dwellings that do not meet the legal definition of a dangerous building under section 139. If a tenant believes their home may qualify as a dangerous building, general enforcement paths include notifying the local housing or building inspection department, which typically has authority to inspect and order corrective action. Tenant-rights organizations in Michigan can also help residents understand what conditions may trigger this provision and what options are generally available to them.
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