# Michigan Renters: Who Pays for Repairs? (Landlord vs Tenant) | Who Pays the Repair?

> MCL Section 554.139 implies a covenant that Michigan landlords keep rentals in reasonable repair, unless the tenant caused the damage.

**Who pays:** landlord

In Michigan, every lease implies a covenant that the landlord will keep the premises fit and in reasonable repair under MCL Section 554.139, unless the disrepair was caused by the tenant's own willful or irresponsible conduct.

**Boundary:** Michigan law implies a covenant in every residential lease that the landlord will keep the premises in reasonable repair and comply with health and safety laws, under MCL Section 554.139.

**Exceptions:** The implied covenant does not apply when the disrepair or health/safety-law violation was caused by the tenant's own willful or irresponsible conduct or lack of conduct (MCL Section 554.139).

## Sources
- [MCL Section 554.139 - "Lease or license of residential premises; covenants; modifications; liberal construction, inspection"](https://www.legislature.mi.gov/Laws/MCL?objectName=mcl-554-139) — "To keep the premises in reasonable repair during the term of the lease or license, and to comply with the applicable health and safety laws of the state and of the local unit of government where the premises are located, except when the disrepair or violation of the applicable health or safety laws has been caused by the tenants wilful or irresponsible conduct or lack of conduct." (accessed 2026-09-29)
- [MCL 554.139 - Covenants as to premises; covenants; modifications; liberal construction, inspection](https://www.legislature.mi.gov/Laws/MCL?objectName=mcl-554-139) — "(1) In every lease or license of residential premises, the lessor or licensor covenants: (a) That the premises and all common areas are fit for the use intended by the parties." (accessed 2026-09-29)

_Last verified 2026-09-29. Source: Who Pays the Repair? — https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/michigan-landlord-tenant-repair-responsibility/ — every claim checked against a primary source before publication (see /methodology/)._