Landlord and Tenant Lawyers in Westland

Find the right Tenant attorney in Westland, MI

Tenant Law in Michigan

Relations between tenants and landlords in Westland, Michigan can sometimes be touchy. The fact is that it's not easy to be a landlord or a tenant, especially because landlords and tenants often don't understand the legal rights and responsibilities that apply to them.

Both parties to a landlord/tenant relationship are governed by an extensive body of laws and regulations, defining their legal rights and obligations.

Landlord's Rights in Westland, MI

First and foremost, landlords have a right to timely payment of rent from their tenants, at the agreed-upon rate. This, of course, imposes on tenants a duty to pay their rent in full, in a timely manner.

Also, landlords have a right to be compensated for damage a tenant causes to a rented unit, either intentionally or negligently. Landlords have a right to deduct repair costs from tenants' security deposits, unless the damage was caused by normal wear and tear, for which tenants are not liable.

Tenant's Rights in Westland, MI

Tenants, most basically, have a right to a habitable apartment. After all, this is what they're paying for. Westland, Michigan landlords are obligated to see that the units they rent to tenants are fit to be lived in by people. Many different defects might render an apartment uninhabitable, such as serious infestations and other problems with sanitation, lack of running water or electricity, or failure to provide adequate protection from the outside elements.

Tenants also have a right to ensure that the common areas of their apartment building are reasonably safe. Landlords are required to make sure that the common areas of their buildings meet Westland, Michigan's building codes, and that there are no conditions that create unnecessary safety hazards. They are required to make, at their own expense, the necessary repairs.

In the United States, and most likely under the laws of Michigan, it is unlawful for renters or sellers of real estate to discriminate on the basis of race, gender, national origin, color, or religion. Doing so can subject a landlord to harsh civil penalties. Also, they cannot discriminate based on physical disabilities, either. Tenants with physical disabilities, who are otherwise qualified to rent an apartment (they are able to pay, have good credit, etc.) are entitled to make reasonable modifications to the apartment to make it more accessible to them, and the landlord generally can't bar a tenant from doing this, as long as the modifications are not too extensive, and are reversible. The landlord can, however, require the tenant to remove the modifications, at the tenant's expense, when they move out.

And finally, most state laws prevent landlords from arbitrarily evicting tenants. If the lease agreement is for a set period of time, the landlord generally can't evict the tenant until the lease expires, without a good reason. Valid causes for eviction include unpaid rent, illegal activities on the property, damage to the building caused by the tenant, and excessive noise.

Can a Westland, Michigan Landlord/Tenant Lawyer Help?

Landlords and tenants usually prefer to avoid getting into fights with one another, for evident reasons. A harmonious relationship is profitable for everyone involved. To that end, the advice of a good Westland, Michigan landlord/tenant attorney can help defuse arguments before they become too serious.

Talk to a Real Estate Law Attorney now!

Life in Westland

Westland, Michigan is located in Wayne County just about 16 miles away from the city of Detroit. It has a budding population of over 86,000 residents. The city had its humble beginnings in the 18th century as a prime location for mill industries.

Currently, Westland is an ideal location for persons seeking employment and residential opportunities. Its location near Detroit makes it an excellent place for commuters to live and engage in retail and commercial activity. For example, the Westland Shopping Center is located in the city. The Shopping Center has over 100 stores that shoppers can choose from. As an "All-American City", Westland also has an abundance of recreational and dining opportunities throughout the city.

Westland is presently invested in preserving its historical roots. Recently in 2009 the city received a grant through the Neighborhood Stabilization Program. The grant was in the amount of over million and will be used for restoring historic districts.

Many Westland, Michigan lawyers belong to several bar associations, including the Detroit Metropolitan Bar Association. Membership in multiple bars allows lawyers in Westland to serve their community with a more thorough legal perspective. Most Westland claims are heard in the 18th District Court of Michigan, which was recently renovated to promote more efficient court operations.

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