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.
HB 4846 creates a new, faster process for property owners to remove squatters (unlawful occupants) from residential properties without a court hearing. Owners or their agents must submit a verified complaint to the sheriff detailing that the occupant is not a tenant, family member, or owner and has been asked to leave. The sheriff then serves an immediate notice to vacate, removes occupants (possibly arresting them for trespass), and allows owners to change locks with sheriff assistance (at owner cost). Wrongfully removed occupants can sue for triple the fair market rent of the dwelling, plus attorney fees, with courts prioritizing these cases. This procedure does not replace standard eviction processes for lease violations.
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.
SB 373 prohibits landlords from charging tenants extra fees for using specific payment methods (like credit cards or checks) in rental agreements. It requires leases to include at least one payment option without additional charges. The bill directly affects tenants by preventing unfair fees and landlords by restricting lease terms. Key provisions ban clauses that waive tenant rights related to security deposits, habitability, or discrimination, and require written notice for certain rent increases. This amendment to Michigan's Truth in Renting Act (MCL 554.633) focuses on making rental agreements fairer through concrete, enforceable limits on fees and unfair terms.
SB 374 changes Michigan's eviction court record rules to help tenants by making it easier to seal or remove their records. It requires courts to seal eviction records until a judgment for possession is entered and allows sealing after judgment if the tenant vacated before the case, received emergency rental assistance, or owed less than $900 in rent. The bill automatically removes (expunges) records three years after a judgment becomes final and restricts access to sealed records - only allowing limited release for scholarly, educational, or legal purposes with court approval. This directly affects tenants in eviction cases and landlords who might otherwise use sealed records to deny housing.
