Report a Landlord in Michigan
Unsanitary housing, discrimination, or security-deposit fraud? This guide shows Michigan renters exactly where—and how—to file a compelling complaint while staying protected from retaliation.
Unsanitary housing, discrimination, or security-deposit fraud? This guide shows Michigan renters exactly where—and how—to file a compelling complaint while staying protected from retaliation.
Every Michigan city, township, or charter village operates a building or housing department empowered to cite landlords for safety and habitability breaches—think broken furnaces, exposed wiring, or missing smoke alarms. Filing a complaint inspection request usually triggers a visit within 3–10 business days, after which the inspector issues a written notice of violation and a repair deadline. Ask for a copy and keep it for small-claims leverage.
| City | Phone | |
|---|---|---|
| Detroit | (313) 224-2733 | rental@detroitmi.gov |
| Grand Rapids | (616) 456-3053 | code@grcity.us |
| Warren | (586) 574-4500 | inspect@cityofwarren.org |
| Sterling Heights | (586) 446-2360 | building@sterling-heights.net |
| Ann Arbor | (734) 794-6000 | housing@a2gov.org |
| Lansing | (517) 483-4361 | inspections@lansingmi.gov |
| Livonia | (734) 466-2580 | building@livonia.gov |
| Troy | (248) 524-3344 | code@troymi.gov |
| Westland | (734) 713-3733 | inspect@cityofwestland.com |
| Farmington Hills | (248) 871-2450 | building@fhgov.com |
For smaller towns, see our city-specific rental codes page to locate the right office.
Key takeaway: A formal code complaint creates an official paper trail—vital evidence if repairs stall or rent escrow becomes necessary.
When unsafe conditions involve mold, sewage backups, vermin, or lead, your County Health Department supersedes local code. Inspectors can issue abatement orders compelling landlords to sanitize, remediate, or relocate tenants temporarily. Written complaints—submitted online or via fax—speed processing and create a timestamped record, which Michigan courts respect when deciding rent abatements. Typical response time is 3–5 business days, but emergencies like raw sewage receive same-day attention.
Before filing, send your landlord a certified letter outlining the hazard; many health officials require proof you notified the property owner. Sample letters reside in our Emergency Repairs guide.
Key takeaway: Health departments wield enforcement teeth—use them for biohazard or infestation issues that ordinary inspectors can’t address.
Michigan’s Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act and the federal Fair Housing Act protect renters from bias based on race, religion, disability, familial status, gender identity, and more. Victims can “dual-file” with both the Michigan Department of Civil Rights (MDCR) and HUD within one streamlined form—each agency shares findings to avoid duplicate interviews. Deadlines differ: MDCR allows 180 days from the incident while HUD permits one year.
Upload screenshots of discriminatory ads, rejection emails, or text messages. Our Fair Housing guide and the companion self-screening quiz help confirm protected-class coverage.
Key takeaway: File within 180 days to keep state remedies alive, and attach concrete proof—agencies dismiss “he-said-she-said” claims.
Security-deposit scams, illegal utility shutoffs, and price-gouging fall under the Michigan Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division. File online, attach receipts, and request mediation if you seek a quick refund without court. While the AG cannot litigate private cases, a stern AG letter often convinces landlords to settle. For monetary relief under $7 000, blend this with our small-claims strategy to maximize pressure.
Key takeaway: The AG’s consumer team offers free leverage—pair it with mediation or small claims for faster cash recovery.
Michigan law presumes a landlord’s adverse action—like a sudden eviction notice or rent hike—within 45 days of your complaint is retaliatory (MCL 600.5720 & 5775). Winning renters can secure actual damages or three-month rent equivalents, plus attorney fees. Keep dated copies of inspection requests and complaint receipts to prove the timeline. Our full retaliation guide explains defenses if your landlord strikes back.
Key takeaway: Retaliation laws flip the burden—document early so sudden lease changes become your evidence, not empty claims.
Strong complaints hinge on clear proof. Build a Tenant Log: note dates, times, witnesses, and save every text or email. Photos should include a common object (coin, ruler) for scale and be labeled “kitchen_ceiling_leak_2025-05-12.jpg”.
| Item | How to Capture | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Broken heater | Video showing thermostat & temp | Proves habitability breach |
| Mold growth | Photo + humidity meter reading | Health risk for Health Dept. |
| Utility shutoff | Utility bill & shutoff tag | AG & small-claims evidence |
Key takeaway: Organize evidence chronologically—courts and agencies reward meticulous documentation.
An effective complaint reads like a mini-legal brief: Introduction (who you are), Facts (what happened), Statutes or Codes (rules violated), and Requested Remedy (repairs, refund, damages). Use formal tone for agencies, conversational tone when emailing a local inspector—both are fine if details are crisp.
Key takeaway: Structure beats length—agencies respond faster to concise, well-cited requests.
Complaint processing times vary. City code offices usually re-inspect within 10–30 days; county health departments can issue abatement orders in 3–7 days. MDCR may take 45–90 days for an initial determination, HUD up to 100 days, and the Attorney General replies within two weeks for consumer mediation.
City code: notice > re-inspect (10–30 days)
Health Dept.: complaint > site visit (≤7 days)
MDCR: intake > interview (≈60 days)
HUD: acknowledgment > investigation (90–100 days)
AG Consumer: confirmation > response (14 days)
Key takeaway: Mark calendar reminders—agencies work slowly; timely follow-ups keep your case alive.
If violations persist, escalate: request a re-inspection, place rent in escrow while repairs remain undone (see rent-escrow guide), or sue in small claims for damages. For complex retaliation or discrimination suits, hire counsel via our attorney directory. Judges can award triple damages for illegal lockouts plus attorney fees under MCL 600.2918.
Key takeaway: Formal complaints are just step one—know your escalation ladder to enforce compliance.
Need tailored advice? Browse our tenant-friendly lawyers in the Michigan Attorney Directory.