My question involves landlord-tenant law in the State of: Michigan
My apartment is Illegal, there was no inspection, except for a year prior to our move in, a long inspection list was issued but nothing was ever taken care of or fixed. These include, 3 broken windows, possible black mold in 3 areas in home with terrible plumbing. Lead paint chipping everywhere. Live electrical wires buried under door wall kick plate (that leads to 4 ft drop to the ground, with No Deck) Back door half installed but never finished. unused home made pond with stagnant water. Rodents infested. Non working toilets in basement used by landlordthe list goes on and on! And we have 3 children
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A verbal agreement between land lord and tenant was made, that tenant would help repair the home up to code within reasonable accommodations.
Verbal agreement was thrown away by land lord and refused to fix anything stating and I quote "you wanted to live like this" our response was to have a true inspection done.
A week later, 3 weeks into our First month here, we received a demand for payment. We owed $500 in security still. in which after not receiving any materials (paint, electrical sockets, light switches, plate covers) we spent $200 out of pocket to fix immediate hazards.
That is why he was upset, i asked him about reimbursing me. and that thats what security deposit is for. He was to re pay me that upon my move anyways.
Our lease had NO address for our landlord, and the city has his address as the home we are living in??? So we were not able to go threw the proper procedure to with hold rent.
We went to court for eviction, and the judge sided with the land lord stating. and this is funny. " you signed a contract or (lease) stating you were ok with the condition of the house," and that was his bottom line. Guess the land lord has been to court for a few tenants that were unhappy with the condition of the home.
Our leases, yes 2 of them were given within two weeks of each other, because the first lease our land lord had whited out an old lease, and lost the 2nd page, they have different rental payment due dates. The Land lord lost his first lease with us.
The judges final judgment included, court cost of course, a water bill, addressed to HIM at our address? which means he was in our mail box! and added to that, we had a water shut off notice, and had to pay the water bill at the city and not the court. So now we pay double?... And 2 months of rent.
From what I understand, if I appeal, most likely it will be sided with him again and cost me even more. If i request a re-trial with the same judge it will be declined.
So My question is do I have ground to Counter Sue the land lord for
1. lying to the court about the condition of this home, his false inspection report. The FACT that he is registered with the city and HOME STEAD, that he lives at our address??? lol which he was already ticketed for. The assessor office made a visit after court =)
2. The long list of Health Hazards, and code violations in this home?
3. the fact hes in our mail box
4. His illegal act of demand for payment, weeks before 1st month was due, regardless of money owed for security deposit.
5. the constant irritation with living in this Filth!!!
Thank you in advance!

