The Rental Housing Division regulates rental licensing in East Lansing, including issuance of licenses, rental license renewals and required inspections for licensing. The Rental Housing Division also receives and follows up on any complaints regarding property maintenance code violations, over occupancy and renting without a license.

Owning and Managing Rental Property

• Applying for Initial Rental License
• Renewing Rental Licenses
• Classification of Rental Licenses (PDF)
• Rental Inspection Guidelines (PDF) (what inspectors look for when conducting annual inspection)
• Rental License Tips
• Lease Addendum (document required with all leases in the City)
• Spring Home Maintenance

Applications & Fees

• Rental Housing License Application - INITIAL (PDF)
• Rental Housing License Application - RENEWAL (PDF)
• New Owner Rental Unit License Application (PDF)
• House Sitting Form (PDF)
• Housing Licensing and Inspection Fee Schedule

Filing a Complaint

• To File a Complaint

Rental and Property Maintenance Ordinances

• Ordinances and Policy Resolutions

Properties that Can Not Be Licensed for Rental

• Deed Restricted Properties 
• Residential Rental Restriction Overlay Districts
• Residential Rental Restriction Overlay Map

Additional Resources

• Legal Services for Property Owners and Tenant/s
• Off-Campus Housing Listing
• Suggestions for Loft Construction
• MSU College of Law Rental Housing Clinic
• Tenant and Landlord Resource Guide
• Fair Housing Information