HB 4538 prohibits landlords from using software that employs algorithms to set rent prices based on hidden competitor data (like actual rent amounts or occupancy rates from other landlords). This specifically bans tools that help landlords coordinate rent increases or restrict competition in the rental market. The law applies to all landlords in Michigan and treats violations as breaches of the state's antitrust laws. It directly affects rental housing providers who might use such technology to adjust pricing strategies.
HB 4985 amends Michigan's landlord-tenant laws to establish clear "good cause" grounds for terminating a tenancy, directly affecting landlords and tenants across the state. The bill requires landlords to follow specific procedures when a tenant dies, including notifying the public administrator and attempting to contact an authorized person before reentering the property after 10 days. It also defines unlawful interference by landlords, such as changing locks without providing keys or cutting essential utilities like heat or electricity, which could lead to tenant legal claims. These changes aim to balance tenant protections with clearer eviction rules for landlords.
HB 4982 amends Michigan's landlord-tenant law (MCL 554.134) by increasing the notice period landlords must provide to tenants for nonpayment of rent from 7 days to 14 days. This change directly affects tenants who miss rent payments and landlords seeking to terminate leases for that reason. The bill modifies Section 34(2), requiring written notice that gives tenants 14 days to pay overdue rent before eviction proceedings can begin. Other termination notice periods (e.g., for lease violations or holdover) remain unchanged. The bill was introduced in September 2025 and referred to the Regulatory Reform Committee.
HB 4987 requires Michigan landlords to address tenant-reported repair issues within specific timeframes: 24 hours for urgent hazards like lack of heat, water, or bedbugs; 72 hours for appliance failures; and 10 days for other problems. Tenants must provide written notice via email, delivery, or approved electronic methods to trigger these deadlines. Landlords can extend timelines only if tenants interfere with repairs or unforeseen circumstances prevent timely action. This bill directly affects residential tenants and landlords in Michigan lease agreements, strengthening tenant rights to habitable housing under state law.
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.
HB 4994 limits fees landlords can charge tenants under Michigan's Truth in Renting Act. It directly affects renters and landlords by prohibiting undisclosed or unreasonable fees, including processing or convenience fees for utility payments provided by third parties. The bill requires all fees (other than rent) to be clearly disclosed, reasonable, and tied to actual costs the landlord incurred. Landlords may no longer charge tenants extra for paying utilities through public utilities or third-party services. This policy change aims to prevent unexpected charges while ensuring fee transparency in rental agreements.
HB 4996 requires Michigan's department to make publicly available a specific form summarizing tenant rights, as mandated by the Truth in Renting Act (1978 PA 454, MCL 554.643a). The bill directs the department to provide physical copies at its office and post the form online within 60 days of the form's creation by the state court administrative office. This affects landlords participating in the state's rent vending program and tenants who receive the form, ensuring they have clear access to their rights. The key provision is the mandated public availability of the tenant rights summary, not new restrictions on landlords or eviction protections.
HB 4995 prohibits Michigan landlords from using a prospective tenant's credit score as the sole factor in lease decisions. The bill allows landlords to accept "reusable screening reports" (consumer reports prepared within 45 days by the tenant at their own expense) without charging an application fee, and requires landlords to disclose screening criteria in writing before accepting an application. Landlords who decline to accept such reports may charge a $25 or less fee only if they provide the required written disclosures to applicants. This law directly affects landlords and prospective tenants in Michigan's rental housing market by changing tenant screening practices and reducing fees for applicants who provide recent credit reports.
This bill requires landlords to place tenant rent payments into an escrow account when a safety certificate is withheld due to unresolved housing violations. It directly affects tenants in rental properties with safety hazards and landlords who fail to correct violations after being notified. The key provision suspends rent payments during the certificate withholding period, redirecting those funds to cover necessary repairs instead of going to the landlord. Tenants are not required to pay rent during this time unless the safety issue was caused by the tenant themselves. The escrow funds must be used for repairs, and any unused portion is returned to the tenant if they move out before repairs are completed.
HB 4990 modifies Michigan's eviction laws to strengthen tenant protections. It adds new defenses against retaliatory evictions (e.g., for tenants reporting safety violations or joining tenant groups) and allows courts to deduct rent owed when landlords breach leases or safety codes (Sec. 5720, 5741). The bill also prohibits landlords from recovering late fees if they breached the lease and limits attorney fees/costs for landlords who fail to meet legal obligations (Sec. 5759). These changes directly affect tenants facing eviction and landlords initiating eviction proceedings. The bill aims to ensure evictions are not used as punishment for lawful tenant actions.
