Battle Creek, MI Rental Property Rules: Repairs & Habitability (2026)

Section 1450.01 adopts the International Property Maintenance Code, 2015 edition, as the City's Property Maintenance Code to ensure structures are safe, sanitary and fit for occupation and use. Section 1450.03 then amends it. Under amended PMC 502.1, every dwelling unit contains its own bathtub or shower, lavatory, water closet and kitchen sink in sanitary, safe working condition, and every occupied dwelling unit contains a stove, an oven and a refrigerator maintained in good repair. A kitchen sink cannot substitute for the required lavatory.

Amended PMC 602.3 puts heat on the owner and operator of any building who rents, leases or lets dwelling units on terms, expressed or implied, to furnish heat: the minimum is 68°F (20°C) in all habitable rooms, bathrooms and toilet rooms. Amended PMC 305.6.1 prohibits hasp locks and padlocks in any areas occupied by residents. Exterior property rules include weeds or plant growth in excess of Nine inches under PMC 302.4.

Timing is set in Chapter 1462. A heat violation under PMC 602.3 must be corrected at least 24 hours but not more than 72 hours after notice is given or served under § 1462.14(a)(1). Filing an appeal does not stay the deadline for orders involving maintenance of utilities and required facilities and services, per § 1462.10(i).

Worst-case housing is handled by § 1462.20: the Administrator can declare a dwelling, dwelling unit or structure unsafe or unfit for occupancy when it meets the standards in PMC Section 108. Under § 1462.23, no person can occupy a dwelling posted "condemned" unless the Administrator has signed a Letter of Permission, which is limited to repairing the conditions, demolition, or a properly filed appeal that stays an order to vacate.