Identifying Ordinance Violations:
Rentals and Owner-Occupied Homes
The owner of each house or dwelling unit must provide: A water system running to all sinks, toilets, baths, and showers, all in good working order and without leaks, with supplies of hot water of at least 120 (degrees) Fahrenheit. Water supply must be connected to City water or a City-approved source. A sewage disposal system running from all sinks, toilets, basins, bath, and showers, which is in good repair and free from leaks. Bath facilities (toilet, sink, and bath or shower) in an enclosed room that has no other primary use. Rooming housing have separate requirements. Safe, properly installed electrical systems in good repair. Safe, properly and permanently installed heating system that provides enough heat to maintain a temperature of at least 68 (degrees) Fahrenheit in every bathroom and habitable room. The heating system must be inspected by a licensed service contractor at least every four years. Locks and keys to secure the building and apartments. Deadbolt locks are required on all apartment doors that can be accessed from the outside or front a common hall. Secure, intact and locking windows. Kitchen facilities except in rooming units or hotels. Well-repaired screens on windows during the months of May through October. Peephole door viewer. Emergency exits. Functioning lighting in all common hallways. Removal of all loose paint and paint chips. (Some older homes still have lead-based paint, which can hurt or kill children if they put a paint chip in their mouths. Until this is repaired do not allow children near loose paint or paint chips.) Proper natural light and ventilation or mechanical ventilation in all habitable rooms.
Landlords are required to provide all of the above; tenants are required to maintain these things. If your landlord has failed to provide these basic necessities, speak to him or her first. In your rental unit is not brought up in a relatively short time, report the landlord to the Neighborhood Improvement Department at (616) 456-3053, or to report a complaint online click here. You may also contact the Urban League at (616) 245-2207. Health and Safety Requirements People who live in a dwelling unit are primarily responsible for maintaining the following standards: Interior and exterior cleanliness and sanitation. Trash and garbage removal. Trash is picked up weekly by the City and may not be left out more than one day in advance of pickup. Cleanliness and sanitation of indoor and outdoor storage. Unblocked windows and doors to permit safe entry and exit, particularly from bedrooms in cases of emergency. No uncaged rodents or birds. No cockroaches, fleas, lice, bedbugs or vermin. Clean up after domestic animals (cats, dogs, etc.).
Unoccupied or Vacant Buildings l Property Maintenance l Litter l Abandoned Possessions
Disabled or Unused Vehicles l Exterior Maintenance
Rentals and Owner-Occupied Homes l Animals l Zoning Restrictions |
