Student Legal Services is a full-service law office within the division of Student Life. Our services are available to currently enrolled students at the University of Michigan.
CONGRATULATIONS!
Congratulations to all the Graduates as well as those who just finished a full year at the University of Michigan! Many of you will leave Ann Arbor to return home, take on internships, summer jobs or travel. Some of you are here for the summer. Wherever you may be, we are open and available to assist with legal questions.
For all appointment requests please use our Request an Appointment link. Once we have verified your eligibility, we will respond back as soon as we are able.
ELIGIBILITY NOTE: You must be a currently enrolled student at the University of Michigan - Ann Arbor, the University of Michigan - Dearborn, or the University of Michigan - Flint, in order to qualify for and receive our services.
Confidentiality
All communications with our attorneys are confidential. We will not discuss your case with your parents, friends, spouses, or the University of Michigan, without your written consent.
HOT TIPS FOR THE COLD WEATHER
As Ann Arbor and the rest of Michigan settles in for another week of extreme cold temperatures, here are some important reminders, especially if you live in off-campus rental housing. We always see some heating related issues coming to our office this time of year.
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The Ann Arbor Housing Code requires a minimum inside temperature of 68°F.
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Space heaters should be only be used following manufacturer's instructions. Do not use space heaters with extension cords; they should only be plugged in directly to a grounded (GFCI) outlet. Do not run them continuously. Do not leave them unattended. Ann Arbor Fire Chief's advice on space heaters.
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Do not use your oven to heat your home or apartment. Besides being a fire hazard, the CDC warns against carbon monoxide poisoning. The same goes for using any combustion fueled device such as a propone heater or grill indoors.
And here is a recent message to the UM Campus Community from the UM Fire Marshal, Andrew Box:
"As temperatures plummet, we know everyone is doing their best to stay warm and comfortable. However, extreme cold can lead individuals to seek creative - sometimes risky - alternative heating methods. We care about your safety both on and off-campus and want to prevent the risk of fire, carbon monoxide exposure and serious injury during these cold months.
What to Avoid: High-Risk Heating Practices
- Never use ovens, stovetops, grills, or open flames to heat indoor spaces.
- Do not operate charcoal grills, propane heaters, or any fuel-burning devices indoors, or in enclosed/poorly-ventilated areas.
- Do not use candles as a primary heat source.
- Avoid overloading outlets or power strips with space heaters or high-demand appliances.
How to Use Space Heaters Safely
- Use only electric space heaters that are UL-listed with automatic shutoff and tip-over protection.
- Keep heaters at least three feet away from bedding, furniture, curtains, or any combustible materials.
- Plug heaters directly into wall outlets - never use extension cords or power strips.
- Turn off and unplug heaters when leaving the room or before sleep, unless your heater is specifically rated for continuous use.
- Never leave space heaters unattended.
Guard Against Carbon Monoxide
- Use only fuel-burning devices that are UL-listed for indoor use - and make sure they are properly vented.
- Check that your carbon monoxide and smoke alarms are working and not blocked.
- Move to fresh air immediately if a carbon monoxide alarm activates, and call emergency services.
General Reminders for Safety
- Keep exits and pathways clear at all times.
- Report any unsafe heating equipment or building conditions right away.
- Follow all housing policies and fire code requirements related to heating devices.
Important Information for Off-Campus Residents
If you live off campus in the City of Ann Arbor, and a landlord or property manager instructs you to use an oven, stovetop, grill, or anything with an open flame to heat indoor spaces: Please report this immediately. Unsafe heating advice increases your risk and is against regulations.
You can contact the City of Ann Arbor Building, Rental, and Fire Departments directly or submit a complaint about heating or other tenant issues using the How to File a Complaint with the City of Ann Arbor website.
A Cold Winter Increases Fire Risk!
Please stay alert and follow trusted safety guidelines to protect yourself, your neighbors, and our emergency responders. Take a moment to view this Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Winter Fire Safety video.
Stay warm, stay informed, and stay safe!
Learn more about Fire Prevention at U-M Environment, Health & Safety (EHS) Fire Safety Services and reach out to [email protected] if you have questions or concerns."
Latest Scams
Keep an eye out for imposter scams, or scams where the scammer is pretending to be someone or some entity like the government or a private business. There have been an increasing number of scams arriving by email and text purporting to be a private business warning you of a scam or security breach.
New Ann Arbor City Ordinance Bans Pre-tenancy Fees
On January 6th, the Ann Arbor City Council approved a new ordinance that prohibits pre-rental fees and caps the amount a landlord can charge for an application fee.
https://www.michigandaily.com/news/ann-arbor/city-council-passes-ordinance-banning-pre-tenancy-fees/
The new ordinance, went into effect on January 16th, as Ann Arbor City Code, Chapter 105 (Housing Code), Sec. 8:32.
Leasing Scams!
There has been an uptick in leasing scams. Please be careful before signing a lease, a sublease, or sending any rent, deposits, or other fees in relation to a lease. If you are unsure about the validity of a proposed lease, please contact us before signing the lease or sending any funds.
https://safecomputing.umich.edu/protect-yourself/phishing-scams/common-scams/housing
FAKE JOB AND INTERNSHIPS WARNING!
The University of Michigan, as well as schools around the country are seeing an increase in fake job and internships targeted at students. Scammers, posing as faculty and staff, are contacting students with impersonated email credentials and making offers for jobs and internships that do not exist.
https://safecomputing.umich.edu/protect-yourself/phishing-scams/common-scams/job-offer-scams
If you receive any email offer claiming to come from UM faculty, staff or administration, do not respond or provide any personal information. Instead, report it to the UM Internet Technology Services (ITS) at https://its.umich.edu/help.
Contact Us
Call us during our office hours for more information. No legal advice will be given over the telephone or via e-mail.
Mailing Address:
University of Michigan -
Student Legal Services
Division of Student Life
715 N. University Ave., Suite 202
Ann Arbor, MI 48104-1605
General Information Only (we do not give legal advice over the Phone or via Email. Please do not send documents via FAX or Email. To make an appointment use the Request an Appointment link above):
Telephone: 734.763.9920
Fax: 734.936.0844
Email: [email protected]
Office Hours:
Monday - Friday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Closed for Lunch: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
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Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is of a general nature and is not intended to be used as legal advice. Please make an appointment with Student Legal Services to discuss your legal matters.