Housing Code Requirements
Complied by the City of Ann Arbor Housing Bureau
You should be aware of the following Housing code requirements. Other requirements may exist, as this list DOES NOT include all the code specifications. Copies of the code are available for a nominal fee at the Building Department at City Hall or for free online.
- Smoke detectors shall provide coverage for each sleeping area and for any cellar stair.
- Clothes dryers must be vented to the outside with metal vent pipe.
- Chimney penetrations from water heater and furnace vents shall be properly sealed.
- Water heaters shall have a properly installed temperature/pressure relief valve.
- Water meters shall have an electical bonding jumper around them.
- Building heating systems need cleaning, checking and servicing by a licensed mechanical contractor a minimum of once each five years. Provide documentation to the Housing Bureau.
- In Multiple Unit Buildings, no storage is allowed in furnace or boiler rooms.
- Properly sized "S" type fuses shall be installed in all fuse panels. For wiring, if the existing wiring is an approved 2 wire system, electric outlets shall remain 2 prong, or be properly grounded if converted to 3 prong outlets (permit normally required), or have properly installed GFCI(s).
- Exterior entrance lighting: serving 1 to 3 units may be manually or automatically controlled; more than 3 units must be automatically controlled.
- All required exit stairs must have a minimum 6'0" headroom. Consult Sections 8:504(4)(b)(7,8) for corrections that would allow lower heights.
- Approved handrails shall be installed on all stairways.
- Required fire doors shall have approved hardware so they self close and latch.
- Windows and doors shall be operable and free of damage.
- Window screens, in good repair, shall be installed from May 1 to September 30.
- All exterior unit doors must have a chainlock, slidebolt or other locking device which can be operated only from the interior. This is in addition to the required deadbolt.
- Wide-angle viewers (peepholes) must be installed in all principal entrance doors without windows or side lights. Deadbolt locks are required and need a minimum 1" throw (5/8" if installed before 2/24/83.)
- Double hung windows at ground level or otherwise reasonably accessible from grade shall be equipped with vent locks or steel pin locks. The pin locks are to be installed on one side, on a slightly downward angle, with one extra hole drilled approximately 6" above the closed sash position for ventilation.
- Sliding windows and doors at ground level or otherwise reasonably accessible from the grade shall be equipped with either a 5/8" diameter rod to fit in the track or a slide type lock.
- Holes in partitions, ceilings and floors must be sealed with material capable of providing a one hour fire rated assembly.
- Bathroom and kitchen floors shall be of impervious material.
- Make sure that all bedrooms have windows that are large enough for you to escape from in the case of an emergency.
- Attics on the third floor may require a fire escape.
Access must be provided to the attic for inspection of this area (a ladder may be required.)
Revised: 1/4/05
