Battle Creek, MI Rental Property Rules: Rental Registration (2026)

Chapter 842 of the Battle Creek Codified Ordinances makes a rental permit a precondition to renting any dwelling in the city. Section 842.01 says the chapter regulates the rental of any dwelling by any person, and Section 842.03 defines a dwelling as any structure, yard or part thereof used for residential purposes, whether occupied or not. Under Section 842.04(b), occupancy by anyone other than the owner of record with his or her family is renting. Lease-with-option and other conditional sales agreements also trigger the permit unless ownership passes by deed or land contract within ninety days of the agreement. Proof is a copy of the deed, land contract or memorandum of land contract recorded with the Calhoun County Register of Deeds or filed with the City Assessor.

Section 842.05 exempts three situations: a seller occupying a single-family dwelling under the sales agreement for less than ninety days after closing; adult foster care homes, homes for the aged, assisted living and other care facilities licensed and inspected by the state; and lots with more than one legal dwelling where every dwelling is occupied by members of the owner's family.

The application goes to the City Clerk (Section 842.07). The form requires the name, permanent home, business and email address, telephone numbers and date of birth of the owner and any legal agent, a corporate ID number for a corporation, the street address of each rental unit and the number of units. A legal agent includes the local agent if the owner does not reside in Calhoun County. The Clerk notifies the applicant of deficiencies within five business days, and an applicant who does not cure them within thirty days has the application deemed abandoned. The Clerk decides within seven days after the application process is complete (Section 842.10(b)).

Renewal reminders are emailed at least sixty days before expiration, and the renewal form must be filed no less than sixty days before expiration to avoid late fees. Every permittee also files an annual update form by December 10, unless an initial or renewal permit was issued that calendar year. Changes in ownership, mailing address or legal agent must reach the Clerk in writing within ten business days (Section 842.09(b)). Permits are transferable with City approval, and the new holder keeps the original expiration date. A permit expires 72 months from its effective date, or no more than 36 months out if the last inspection cited violations (Section 842.11).