Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Michigan

Landlord Obligations

I am currently renting out my condo

in Detroit which was built in the 50s.

It passed all inspections when I

purchased, but the current renters

had an outlet tested in the living

room and said that it wasn't properly

grounded. They had their ''friend

electrician'' come out there and he

said that it wasn't up to current code.

I agree that it isn't up to current

code, but since it is an old building it

was grandfathered in to pass

inspection. The renters are saying

that it is my responsibility to fix it for

them. I don't think I have any

responsibility because it still passes

inspection. They are just worried

about protecting their electronics,

which a good surge protector would

cover. I offered to buy them 1 good

surge protector to be nice, but they

said they need 5 of them (one for

each outlet). That is overkill in my

book. I don't think I have any

obligation to get them anything if

everything is able to pass inspection.

Is this correct?


Asked on 7/01/08, 9:55 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Audra Arndt Audra A. Arndt & Associates, PLLC

Re: Landlord Obligations

Part of it depends on the terms of your lease agreement regarding who is responsible for what in the house. However, a landlord has a general obligation to provide a safe and habitable home. Seeing as this expense is minimal, I would suggest buying the surge protectors, for your tenants' safety, and for your own protection so you don't have to deal with an electrical fire. The plugs will be your property, so the tenants must leave them when they vacate the property.

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Answered on 7/02/08, 9:43 pm
Renee Walsh LawRefs Nonprofit

Re: Landlord Obligations

For a great article on landlord responsibilities, please visit my website at www.lawrefs.com and search under landlord/tenant law. The interpretation of the facts and law will depend on what is reasonable as determined by a judge or jury. In my book, one surge protector is all that would be needed.

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Answered on 7/07/08, 4:53 pm


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