Michigan House Bill HB4947

Michigan 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 9/7/23
• Refer: 9/7/23

Caption

Housing: affordable; rent control policies; allow local governments to establish. Repeals 1988 PA 226 (MCL 123.411).

Impact

The repeal of Public Act 226 would significantly change the landscape of housing regulation in the state. Local governments would gain the authority to implement rent control measures, allowing them to better manage the housing market and potentially mitigate issues such as rent increases that could lead to displacement of residents. This shift could result in more equitable housing conditions in various communities, directly impacting residents facing economic hardships.

Summary

House Bill 4947 seeks to repeal a provision from 1988, specifically Public Act 226, which limited the powers of local governmental units regarding the leasing of private residential property. By repealing this act, the bill aims to empower local governments to establish their own regulations concerning rent control policies and other aspects of residential leasing. The intent is to provide municipalities with greater flexibility to address housing affordability issues according to their unique community needs and circumstances.

Contention

While supporters argue that granting local governments more control will enhance their ability to tackle housing crises effectively, there may be pushback from property owners and real estate interests who may view this as an encroachment on private property rights. Concerns may arise regarding the potential for overregulation and its impact on the housing market, including the potential decrease in investment from developers. Thus, the discussion around HB4947 may generate divergence in opinion between those advocating for increased local authority and those advocating for more limited government intervention in property leasing.