InstaBidsWhat must a Michigan landlord keep in repair?
Use the Michigan covenant text below to review the repair issue alongside the lease. Keep the reported condition and proposed work in writing, and read the complete section before deciding how its modification and inspection language applies to the tenancy.
Source: MCL 554.139 (Michigan Legislature), read 23 October 2026.
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- Describe it onceBy chat, or through your own AI assistant, and add photos.
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Key facts
- Michigan Legislature: "(1) In every lease or license of residential premises, the lessor or licensor covenants: (a) That the premises and all common areas are fit for the use intended by the parties. (b) To keep the premises in reasonable repair during the term of the lease or license, and to comply with the applicable health and safety laws of the state and of the local unit of government where the premises are located, except when the disrepair or violation of the applicable health or safety laws has been caused by the tenants wilful or irresponsible conduct or lack of conduct."
Source: MCL 554.139 (Michigan Legislature), read 23 October 2026.
- Michigan Legislature: "(2) The parties to the lease or license may modify the obligations imposed by this section where the lease or license has a current term of at least 1 year."
Source: MCL 554.139 (Michigan Legislature), read 23 October 2026.
- Michigan Legislature: "(3) The provisions of this section shall be liberally construed, and the privilege of a prospective lessee or licensee to inspect the premises before concluding a lease or license shall not defeat his right to have the benefit of the covenants established herein."
Source: MCL 554.139 (Michigan Legislature), read 23 October 2026.
What covenants appear in the Michigan repair section?
The official text is quoted below in full for this part of the section.
Michigan Legislature, read 23 October 2026: "(1) In every lease or license of residential premises, the lessor or licensor covenants: (a) That the premises and all common areas are fit for the use intended by the parties. (b) To keep the premises in reasonable repair during the term of the lease or license, and to comply with the applicable health and safety laws of the state and of the local unit of government where the premises are located, except when the disrepair or violation of the applicable health or safety laws has been caused by the tenants wilful or irresponsible conduct or lack of conduct."
Source: MCL 554.139 (Michigan Legislature), read 23 October 2026.
What does the section say about modifying obligations?
The official text is quoted below in full for this part of the section.
Michigan Legislature, read 23 October 2026: "(2) The parties to the lease or license may modify the obligations imposed by this section where the lease or license has a current term of at least 1 year."
Source: MCL 554.139 (Michigan Legislature), read 23 October 2026.
What does the section say about a prior inspection?
The official text is quoted below in full for this part of the section.
Michigan Legislature, read 23 October 2026: "(3) The provisions of this section shall be liberally construed, and the privilege of a prospective lessee or licensee to inspect the premises before concluding a lease or license shall not defeat his right to have the benefit of the covenants established herein."
Source: MCL 554.139 (Michigan Legislature), read 23 October 2026.
How can you request a written rental repair bid?
Describe the condition separately from your interpretation of the lease. This is practical reasoning, not legal advice and not a finding from any agency.
- Record the affected fixture or room and the symptoms reported.
- Attach relevant photographs without tenant contact details.
- Request a written diagnosis and proposed repair scope.
- Keep the contractor response and completion record with the repair request.
Who sees your contact details when you post on InstaBids?
Contact details stay hidden until the homeowner picks a contractor and they confirm the connection.
Source: InstaBids process and privacy, live-page excerpts, read 23 October 2026.
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