This bill establishes the "Tenants Right to Organize Act" in Michigan, granting residential tenants the legal right to form unions and collectively negotiate with landlords. It allows tenant groups to distribute literature, hold meetings in shared spaces, and organize canvassing efforts by non-tenant organizers, while prohibiting landlords from retaliating against tenants who participate in these activities. The legislation also sets specific penalties for landlords who interfere with organizing rights, including fines of up to $1,000 per violation and the requirement to pay reasonable attorney fees. By defining terms like "tenant union" and outlining permissible activities, the law aims to create a structured framework for collective bargaining within rental properties.
This bill prevents local zoning laws from stopping owners from connecting their accessory dwelling units to the same sewer system as their main home. It applies specifically to secondary living spaces that are owned by the same person and located on the same property as the primary residence. By adding a new section to the state's zoning enabling act, the legislation ensures municipalities cannot restrict this utility connection under these conditions. The change aims to simplify infrastructure setup for homeowners who build or rent out additional units on their land.
This bill amends Michigan's housing law to require landlords and building owners to provide relocation assistance to tenants living in hazardous or dangerous structures. The measure mandates that if an enforcing agency determines unsafe conditions exist due to a landlord's poor maintenance and orders the property vacated or demolished, the responsible party must pay the tenant three months of current rent. This financial aid must be issued within seven business days of the order and applies regardless of whether the tenant is up to date on rent payments. The provision ensures that this assistance is in addition to any other legal remedies available under existing housing laws.
This bill amends Michigan's Truth in Renting Act to require landlords to include a specific written notice in rental agreements regarding rent increases. The law mandates that landlords provide tenants with at least 90 days' written warning before any rent hike takes effect. Additionally, the bill updates the required text on rental contracts to ensure tenants are clearly informed of their rights under the act and instructed to seek legal help if needed. These changes directly affect landlords and tenants by standardizing how rent increase notices are communicated and ensuring they are prominently displayed in lease documents.
This bill prohibits hotels, bed and breakfasts, short-term rentals, and other lodging providers from raising prices by more than 20% during or shortly after a declared state of emergency unless they can prove the increase is due to higher costs or pre-existing contracts. It defines an emergency to include natural disasters, fires, floods, and public health threats, and sets a specific rule for what counts as an "excessively increased price" based on rates charged in the 30 days before the emergency. To enforce these rules, the act allows prosecutors to issue written demands for documents and testimony, and it grants the attorney general the power to file class-action lawsuits on behalf of affected consumers to recover damages or seek other relief.
This bill amends Michigan's zoning enabling act to prevent local governments from completely banning short-term rentals if there is a demonstrated need for them in the area. It specifically prohibits municipalities from adopting or enforcing rules that would totally prohibit short-term rentals, unless no suitable location exists within the local unit or the use is unlawful. The legislation defines "short-term rental" by referencing the existing short-term rental act and ties its effectiveness to the passage of a companion bill.
This bill requires data centers in Michigan to sign legally binding community benefit agreements before they can begin construction or operation. To get approval, data center owners must negotiate deals with local governments and utility providers that address issues like hiring local workers, managing water usage, and funding community projects. The law mandates that these agreements cover at least half of five specific topics, including infrastructure costs and home efficiency improvements, and they must be approved by both the local government and the state public service commission. Without these signed agreements, local authorities cannot issue necessary permits, and the state commission cannot approve the facility's connection to the power grid. This legislation applies to any facility designed to house equipment for storing and processing data within the state.
This bill proposes to increase Michigan's corporate income tax rate from 6.0% to 10.0% starting on October 1, 2026. It also modifies how the tax base is calculated by adding back certain interest and dividend income while removing deductions for oil and gas production expenses. Additionally, the legislation establishes a specific distribution plan for the revenue collected, directing funds to the general fund, housing initiatives, placemaking projects, and a strategic reserve.
This bill proposes a tax credit for Michigan homeowners who build or contract to build an accessory dwelling unit, such as a detached structure or converted garage, on their property. Starting in the 2026 tax year, eligible taxpayers can claim a credit equal to 20% of the construction costs, provided they submit reasonable proof of expenses to the tax department. If the credit amount is larger than the taxpayer's current tax liability, the unused portion can be carried forward to future years rather than being refunded. The legislation defines an accessory dwelling unit as a secondary living space on the same property as the main home and sets the credit effective date for tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2026.
This bill extends the Michigan First-Time Home Buyer Savings Program through December 31, 2026, by amending the existing law that established the program. It allows individuals to open special savings accounts designated for paying qualified costs related to purchasing a single-family home in Michigan. The program permits contributions from people other than the account holder and allows joint ownership if the account holders file a joint tax return. The bill includes a provision stating that it will not take effect unless a related bill, HB 5973, is also passed into law.
