Ann Arbor, MI Rental Inspections: Tenant Complaint Process (2026)
Key Facts
- Inspection deadline
- 10 working days
- Record kept
- date, time, complainant name/address
- Owner notified
- when violation alleged
- Bad-faith complaint cost
- 2x inspection fee
Summary
Any complaint about a Housing Code violation in Ann Arbor gets a written record and must trigger a Building Official inspection within 10 working days, with the owner notified if violations turn up.
The Building Official shall maintain a written record of each complaint concerning a violation of the code. This record shall include the date and time the complaint was filed and the name and address of the person making the complaint. An inspection of premises for which complaints have been received will be made within 10 working days. In the course of carrying out the inspection, the inspector shall cite any violations noticed, and any additional complaints made by the resident shall be inspected.(b)If a complaint is filed with the Building Official, concerning an alleged violation in a building, the Planning and Development Services Unit shall notify the owner of said complaint.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 26 Update 4).
Full Breakdown
The Building Official keeps a written record of every complaint, logging the date and time filed and the complainant's name and address. The premises must be inspected within 10 working days, and the inspector cites any violations noticed plus any additional issues the resident raises during the visit. If a complaint alleges a violation, the Planning and Development Services Unit notifies the owner, and the § 8:513 notice-of-violation process applies once problems are confirmed.
Violations & Fines
If no violation is found and the complaint wasn't harassment, no inspection fee is charged. A complaint filed solely to harass, with no violation present, is billed twice the ordinary inspection cost and can carry civil liability.
Frequently Asked Questions
How fast will Ann Arbor inspect after I file a complaint?
Will my landlord find out I complained?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Ann Arbor
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