Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Michigan

Changing Complex Rules

I live in Michigan and my Lanlord just issued a statement that the complex will no longer remove snow from our front and back stoops or from ''within our privacy fence areas.'' My landlord claims that this revers to the sidewalk surrounding the privacy fence. I disagree and they are attempting to fine me. Is it leagal for them to pass this responisbility to the tennant? If so, am I entitled to a rent reduction? And is the language in the memo that is quoted ambiguous enough to legally support my claim that I am not responsible for the sidewalk surrounding the privacy fence area?


Asked on 1/22/05, 6:43 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Rochelle Guznack Law Offices of Rochelle E. Guznack, PLLC

Re: Changing Complex Rules

You did not provide enough information for me to give you a conclusive answer. However, in general, landlord/tenant obligations are set forth in a written lease. If you have a written lease, you need to find the section that refers to maintenance and upkeep of the premises. If you have a verbal lease, it would be difficult to determine what you and your landlord agreed to, except by past acts. It sounds like "area within" refers to the area inside the privacy fence area but not outside that area, but I really cannot tell without knowing what the layout is (where, exactly, the sidewalk is).

Good luck

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Answered on 1/23/05, 8:18 am


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