Rental Property Rules in Warren, MI

If you live in Warren or are thinking about moving there, rental property rules are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Warren has 2 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of rental property rules, and some of them might surprise you.

Repairs & Habitability

Warren can condemn and post any dwelling unit or rooming unit, rented or owner-occupied, as unfit for human habitation. The code official or health officer applies five specific defect categories, from fire damage to inadequate light, air, sanitation or egress.

Key details: Governing section: City Code Sec. 9-156. Condemning officials: Code official or health officer. Vacate order posting: 10 days before effective. Hearing request deadline: 10 days after notice served. Hearing held within: 10 days of petition.

A dwelling condemned under Sec. 9-156 gets posted with a condemnation placard that only the code official, health officer or designated representative may remove, and reoccupying it before written clearance is a code violation. Owners or occupants who miss the ten-day window to request a hearing under Sec. 9-161 forfeit their chance to contest the condemnation before the hearing officer.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Warren actively enforces its repairs & habitability requirements.

Rental Registration

Warren requires every landlord to obtain a rental license from the Rental Inspections Division before renting, leasing, or occupying any rental dwelling or unit. Licenses run two years, are not transferable, and terminate automatically when the property changes hands.

Key details: Licensing agency: Rental Inspections Division. License term: 2 years, non-transferable. Terminates: Automatically on ownership transfer. First fine tier: Up to $10,000 civil infraction. Repeat violation: Misdemeanor, up to 90 days jail.

Renting or occupying an unlicensed dwelling is a municipal civil infraction under Sec. 28-32(a), carrying a fine up to $10,000 per violation plus costs up to $500. A second or later violation of the license requirement in Sec. 28-13(a) escalates to a misdemeanor under Sec. 28-32(c), punishable by up to 90 days in jail, a $500 fine, or both, with each day of noncompliance a separate offense under Sec. 28-25(6).

The Bottom Line

Warren's rental property rules rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Warren is broadly strict or permissive.

This guide is based on Warren's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.