Housing: landlord and tenants; cross-reference to the revised statutes of 1846; remove. Amends sec. 6 of 1978 PA 454 (MCL 554.636). TIE BAR WITH: HB 4987'25

HB 4988 amends Michigan's Truth in Renting Act to strengthen tenant remedies when landlords violate rental agreement rules. It allows tenants to sue for $250 (or actual damages) if a lease contains prohibited terms (Section 3 violation) or lacks required terms (Section 4 requirement), with higher $500 penalties for the latter. Key provisions include permitting immediate lawsuits if landlords had "actual knowledge" of violations (requiring written proof), clarifying joint lawsuits to prevent multiple $250 claims, and exempting landlords from penalties if violations stem from later court interpretations of existing laws. This directly affects renters facing illegal lease terms and landlords who may face lawsuits or fines.