Does a Landlord Have to Provide AC? What Michigan Law Says

When summer heat hits, tenants often wonder: does a landlord have to provide AC? The answer depends on where you live and what your lease says. In Michigan, landlords are not legally required to install or provide air conditioning, but there are situations where they do have to maintain it.

This guide from JMZ Management breaks down how air conditioning fits into habitability laws, what rights tenants have, and what responsibilities landlords carry, especially here in Michigan.

Understanding Habitability Standards

To understand the role of AC, you first need to know how habitability laws work. Each state has its own legal standards that define what makes a rental property livable.

In general, habitability laws require landlords to provide and maintain:

• Safe and working plumbing and electrical systems
• Proper weatherproofing (including a leak-free roof)
• Functioning heat in cold months
• Structural integrity, including solid floors and ceilings

However, cooling requirements vary by state.

Is Air Conditioning a Legal Requirement?

In most U.S. states, air conditioning is considered an amenity, not a required service. Landlords are usually not obligated to provide it unless local ordinances say otherwise.

However, a few hot-weather jurisdictions do treat AC as a requirement. For example:

• Arizona requires landlords to maintain cooling systems.
• New Orleans and some cities in Texas set legal limits on maximum indoor temperatures—usually around 82–86°F.
• In places like Oregon and Washington, laws prevent landlords from banning tenants from using window or portable AC units.

These policies reflect extreme weather concerns, but they don’t apply in most states.

What Michigan Law Says About AC

Michigan’s landlord-tenant laws  are clear about what’s required (and what’s not) when it comes to air conditioning.

AC Is Not Legally Required

In Michigan, landlords are not required to provide air conditioning. That means:

• There is no legal mandate to install AC in rental units.
• A unit without AC is still considered habitable.
• AC is not covered by Michigan’s implied warranty of habitability.

Heating Is Required—But Cooling Isn’t

Michigan law does require landlords to provide heat, typically maintaining indoor temperatures of at least 68°F in winter. That’s because heat is essential to safe and livable housing in cold-weather months.

Air conditioning, however, isn’t part of that standard, even during hot summers.

When a Landlord Must Maintain AC in Michigan

While landlords don’t have to provide AC, they do have to maintain it if it’s already included in the rental.

If the lease lists air conditioning as part of the unit (or if the unit had AC when the tenant moved in) then the landlord is responsible for repairs and maintenance.

Once the tenant provides written notice that the system isn’t working, the landlord must respond within a reasonable timeframe. If the issue isn’t resolved, the tenant may be able to:

• Withhold rent or place it in escrow
• Repair the unit and deduct the cost from rent
• Seek a court order requiring repairs
• Terminate the lease in extreme cases

These protections apply when the AC was part of the original rental agreement.

Example Situations

Let’s break it down with a few practical examples.

Scenario 1: No AC, Not in Lease

You rent a unit that never had air conditioning, and it’s not mentioned in your lease. Then a heat wave hits.

In this case, the landlord has no legal duty to install or provide AC, even if outdoor temperatures are high.

Scenario 2: AC Is Included, but It Breaks

You move into a unit with central AC, and the lease includes it. A few months later, the system stops working.

Now, the landlord must make timely repairs. If they don’t, you may be entitled to take legal action or reduce your rent.

How Michigan Compares to Other States

Michigan law is similar to most other states, where AC is treated as an optional amenity. However, warmer states are beginning to change how they classify cooling systems:

• Arizona and Texas cities require landlords to maintain indoor temperatures below certain thresholds.
• Oregon protects tenants’ right to use window AC units, even if landlords object.

These shifts reflect growing concerns over heat safety, especially as temperatures rise nationwide. But so far, Michigan’s standards remain focused on heating, not cooling.

What Landlords Should Know

If you own rental property in Michigan, here’s what you need to keep in mind:

• You don’t have to install AC unless your lease says otherwise.
• If AC is part of the lease or included at move-in, you are responsible for repairs.
• Prompt responses to repair requests help avoid legal disputes or rent withholding.
• Clearly stating what’s included in the lease can prevent misunderstandings later.

Even if it’s not legally required, maintaining an AC unit (if one exists) can improve tenant satisfaction and help reduce turnover.

Let JMZ Management Help You Manage AC Responsibilities the Right Way

Understanding habitability standards is essential for both landlords and tenants. While Michigan does not require landlords to provide AC, they must repair and maintain it if it’s part of the lease.

At JMZ Management, we help landlords navigate state laws and keep their properties running smoothly. From lease compliance to property maintenance, our experienced team supports every step of the rental process.

Have questions about your legal obligations as a landlord? Contact us today to learn how we can help.

*blog post updated 8.7.25