Why Livonia Has Some of the Strictest Rental Property Rules in the State

Every city handles rental property rules a little differently. In Livonia, Michigan, there are 2 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Rental Registration

Every non-owner-occupied rental dwelling in Livonia must be on the city's rental registry and hold a current license before anyone can lease, rent or occupy it. Owners register the property's address, parcel number, unit count and a local contact agent, and new registrations trigger a compliance inspection by the building official.

Key details: Registration deadline (existing rentals): 90 days after adoption. New rentals: must register before occupancy. License term: 1 year. Out-of-area owners: must name a local agent. Enforcing office: City of Livonia Inspection Dept.

Providing inaccurate rental-registry information, or failing to register, license or update ownership and agent details as Chapter 5.42 requires, is a violation of the chapter and, like other Code of Ordinances offenses, is punishable under the citywide misdemeanor penalty in Section 1.12.010: up to a $500 fine and 90 days in jail. A license can also be refused, suspended or revoked under Section 5.42.080, with an appeal available under Section 5.42.090.

Compared to other cities, Livonia takes a harder line on rental registration. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Repairs & Habitability

Livonia enforces habitability through its Property Maintenance Code, Chapter 15.32, which adopts the ICC International Property Maintenance Code with local amendments, including a hard 68-degree daytime heat mandate for every rented dwelling and unit.

Key details: Governing chapter: Livonia Code of Ordinances Ch. 15.32. Code adopted: ICC IPMC 2012 Edition, by reference. Minimum daytime heat: 68°F, 6:30 a.m.-10:30 p.m., Sep. 1-May 31. Minimum nighttime heat: 65°F other hours. Maximum penalty: $500 fine or 90 days, or both.

Violating any provision of the property maintenance code, including the heat, garbage, screening or rodent-control amendments, is punishable by up to a $500 fine or 90 days' imprisonment, or both, at the court's discretion, under amended IPMC 106.4 (§ 15.32.090). Each day a violation continues after notice constitutes a separate offense. Vacant, unfit or structurally dangerous structures can be placarded and closed by the Director of Inspection, with the cost charged against the real estate if the owner fails to act (§ 15.32.070), and imminently dangerous structures can be ordered vacated immediately under amended IPMC 109.1 (§ 15.32.080).

This is one of the stricter rules in Livonia's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

The Bottom Line

Livonia is tougher than many cities when it comes to rental property rules. Out of the 2 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Livonia, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

These rules come from Livonia's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.