SB 22 requires Michigan landlords to return security deposit refunds via electronic transfer (such as direct deposit or mobile payment) instead of checks when deducting for damages. Landlords must send the refund electronically within 10 days after mailing a damage notice to the tenant, which must include a 7-day response deadline. This affects all landlords and tenants in Michigan rental agreements involving security deposits. The law maintains existing requirements for 30-day damage notices and itemized claims but changes how refunds are delivered.
HB 4983 modifies Michigan's eviction timeline by extending the waiting period before a landlord can remove a tenant after a court judgment. It increases the standard waiting period from 10 to 14 days for most evictions, and adds a longer 90-day or 6-month waiting period (depending on payment progress) when evicting tenants who failed to pay for a home purchase contract. The bill also clarifies that tenants can stop eviction by paying the owed amount plus costs within the waiting period. This directly affects tenants facing eviction and landlords seeking possession under the Revised Judicature Act.
HB 4984 changes how eviction court records are handled in Michigan. For most eviction cases, court records remain private until a judge rules in favor of the landlord, then become public for two years before automatically returning to private status. However, if the eviction was based on serious issues like drug activity, health hazards, violence, or illegal entry, records stay public for three years. The bill also strictly limits sharing private records - allowing access only for research or journalism with court approval, while protecting tenant names and personal details. This directly affects tenants by increasing privacy around eviction history, particularly for non-serious cases.
HB 4992 updates Michigan's landlord-tenant law to clarify communication requirements for security deposits. It requires tenants to provide updated contact information (mailing address, email, or phone) within 4 days after moving out, and landlords must send an itemized damage notice with repair costs within 15 days of move-out. Landlords must use methods tenants previously agreed to (like email or text) to send these notices, and tenants must respond within 7 days to dispute charges - failure to respond forfeits the right to dispute. If landlords miss the 15-day deadline, they must immediately refund the full security deposit. This directly affects all Michigan landlords and tenants in rental agreements involving security deposits.
Senate Bill 282, titled the "Tenants Right to Organize Act," establishes specific rights for tenants in Michigan to form and operate tenant unions. This bill allows tenants to self-organize, meet, distribute information, and confer with their landlords through chosen representatives regarding rental conditions and changes. It also permits tenant organizers to assist in these efforts, including canvassing within rental properties under certain conditions. The bill prohibits landlords from interfering with these organizing activities or retaliating against tenants who exercise these rights, with violations potentially leading to civil fines and other legal remedies.
HB 4009 repeals a 1988 state law (MCL 123.411) that previously prevented local governments in Michigan from establishing rent control policies for residential properties. This bill directly affects cities and counties, giving them the authority to create their own rent control programs if they choose. The key mechanism is simply removing the existing legal barrier, allowing local governments to develop and implement rent control measures without state restrictions. The repeal takes effect 90 days after the bill becomes law.
This bill amends Michigan law (MCL 554.139) to clarify and strengthen tenant rights regarding repairs when landlords fail to maintain habitable housing. It directly affects residential tenants and landlords by allowing tenants to hire contractors to fix serious maintenance issues after providing the landlord with written notice and a reasonable time to act. The key provision establishes a clear process: if a landlord doesn't address a repair within the specified timeframe, tenants may deduct the cost of the repair (up to a set limit) from their rent. This creates a standardized, non-litigation method for resolving maintenance disputes under existing tenant protection laws.
SB 20 amends Michigan's Truth in Renting Act to strengthen tenant remedies when landlords include illegal terms or omit required terms in rental agreements. If a landlord violates the law (e.g., includes a banned clause or skips a required term), tenants can sue for $250 or actual damages (for minor violations) or $500 or actual damages (for missing required terms). Tenants may seek higher damages if the landlord knowingly included an illegal term, but must provide written proof of the landlord’s "actual knowledge." The bill also prevents multiple lawsuits over the same issue by requiring tenants to join cases involving identical violations. This directly affects renters facing unfair rental terms and landlords who fail to comply with rental law requirements.
HB 4770 bans landlords from charging pre-tenancy fees (such as holding fees, pet fees, or application deposits) before a tenant signs a lease. It allows landlords to charge a maximum $50 rental application fee for background checks, requires this fee amount to be disclosed upfront, and mandates full refunds within 60 days if an application is denied. The bill directly affects landlords and prospective tenants in Michigan rental housing by restricting certain fees and adding transparency. Violations could result in civil fines up to $1,000 for repeat offenses, with courts able to order landlords to pay tenant attorney fees.
SB 372 allows landlords to reuse tenant screening reports prepared by prospective tenants within the previous 45 days, reducing costs for renters. Landlords who accept these reusable reports cannot charge a rental application fee, while those who decline may charge up to $25 only if they first disclose all screening criteria in writing. The bill requires landlords advertising rentals to state whether they accept reusable screening reports. It directly affects prospective tenants (who pay less for applications) and landlords (who must adjust their screening processes and fee structures). The bill amends Michigan's Landlord and Tenant Act to streamline screening and limit fees.
