Housing (Renters)

This bill requires Michigan's State Housing Development Authority to make a standard form summarizing tenant rights (mandated under the Truth in Renting Act) available within 60 days of its creation. The form must be accessible in the Authority's office and on its website. It directly affects renters by ensuring they can easily find their rights information without needing to contact the court. The bill does not change tenant rights but streamlines access to an existing, court-created form.

SB 515 requires landlords of certain rental units in Michigan to install carbon monoxide detectors. It amends Michigan's housing code (MCL 554.601-554.616) by adding a new section mandating this safety device in specified properties. The bill directly affects residential landlords who manage qualifying units, such as multi-family dwellings or older buildings where carbon monoxide risks are higher. This policy change aims to enhance occupant safety by ensuring detectors are present in targeted rental housing. The bill passed the state legislature on October 23, 2025, and is now pending further legislative steps.

HB 5170 would require landlords in Michigan to transfer water bills to tenants' names upon request for metered or sub-metered rental units. Landlords must approve such requests within 120 days, ensure water costs are not included in rent payments, and cannot retaliate against tenants for making this request (e.g., by raising rent or denying lease renewals). The bill applies only to new or renewed leases after its effective date and prohibits local laws conflicting with these provisions. It directly affects tenants in covered rental units and landlords managing those properties.

SB 253 requires landlords to provide tenants in single-metered rental units (not part of multifamily properties) with the option to have water and sewer bills sent directly to both the tenant and landlord. It prohibits landlords from retaliating against tenants who make this request, including eviction, rent increases, or denying lease renewals. The law applies only to new or renewed leases after its effective date and does not override federal housing laws. Tenants in these units gain direct access to their utility billing information, while landlords must comply with the new notification requirement.

HB 5272 proposes to create a new property tax credit for disabled veterans and surviving spouses (widows/widowers) of disabled veterans who rent or lease a home in Michigan. It amends Michigan’s income tax law to add this credit and specifically exclude it from the state’s income tax cap. This would directly benefit qualifying renters who are disabled veterans or surviving spouses, providing them with a tax reduction they currently cannot access under existing rules. The bill does not change other tax credits or the overall tax structure.