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.
HB 4863 requires landlords in Michigan mobile home parks to provide tenants with a minimum of 180 days' notice before eviction. The bill amends Michigan law (MCL 554.134) to establish this 180-day notice period for all evictions in mobile home parks, replacing any shorter prior notice requirements. This change does not alter the existing "just cause" requirement for evictions but specifically mandates the extended notice period. The policy directly affects mobile home park residents and landlords by giving tenants more time to secure new housing.
SB 21 amends Michigan's Truth in Renting Act to prohibit rental agreements from including clauses that waive tenants' legal right to repair and deduct costs for uninhabitable conditions (e.g., lack of heat or plumbing) from rent. It directly affects tenants and landlords by ensuring tenants can legally withhold rent or make repairs themselves if landlords fail to maintain habitable premises. The bill specifically adds Section 3(1)(o) to ban such waivers and requires landlords to include a clear notice about tenant rights in rental agreements (Section 4(1)(b)). These changes strengthen tenant protections under existing housing law without altering other rental terms.
SB 375 amends Michigan's Truth in Renting Act to clarify that "rent" includes essential services like heat, water, electricity, and pest control provided by landlords. It prohibits landlords from charging unreasonable fees, such as late fees exceeding $30 or 3% of rent, fees for non-renewal notices beyond one month, or fees for third-party services. The bill also requires rental agreements to include specific terms like tenant/landlord names, property description, rent amount, and payment schedule. These changes directly affect Michigan tenants and landlords by increasing transparency and preventing unfair financial burdens.
