Housing (Landlords)

SB 254 requires utility providers (like water or sewage services) to approve tenant requests to transfer utility accounts when moving into a rental property. It amends Michigan law to mandate that providers must accept requests from tenants under Section 1f(1) of 1972 PA 348 (which defines "lessee" as a tenant). This directly affects renters who want to continue utility service under their name when leasing a new property, rather than the previous owner or landlord. The bill does not change utility rates or create new fees, only streamlining the transfer process for tenants.

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.