Civil procedure: evictions; award for unlawful eviction; modify. Amends sec. 2918 of 1961 PA 236 (MCL 600.2918). TIE BAR WITH: HB 4985'25

HB 4991 increases damages for unlawful evictions to 3 times actual losses or $200-$2,000 per day (whichever is greater). It defines unlawful eviction as actions like changing locks without keys, cutting essential utilities (heat/water/electric), or using force to remove tenants. Landlords may legally evict only with court orders, for necessary repairs, or after following specific steps if a tenant dies (e.g., notifying next of kin and waiting 10 days). For severe violations, courts can add fines up to 10% of damages, deposited into Michigan’s housing fund. The bill applies directly to tenants and landlords in residential housing disputes.