Housing: landlord and tenants; rental application fee requirements; provide for. Amends title & sec. 1 of 1972 PA 348 (MCL 554.601) & adds sec. 7a.
Impact
This legislative change is designed to enhance financial transparency in the rental market and protect prospective tenants from undisclosed fees that might exploit their search for housing. It is expected to create a more equitable environment for prospective tenants, allowing them to navigate the rental process without being subjected to excessive upfront costs. The amendment specifically addresses and clarifies the definitions related to landlord and tenant relationships, thereby updating the legal framework in accordance with the current housing market practices.
Summary
House Bill 4770 aims to amend existing legislation governing the relationship between landlords and tenants in Michigan, specifically focusing on the regulation of rental application fees and related financial practices. The bill will introduce new provisions that prohibit landlords from imposing pre-tenancy fees, which are costs charged to prospective tenants prior to signing a rental agreement. Instead, landlords will be allowed to charge a rental application fee, which is capped at $50 and must be clearly disclosed in advertisements and on rental listings. Furthermore, if a landlord denies a potential tenant's application, they are required to refund the application fee within 60 days of the denial.
Contention
Despite its protective intentions, the bill may face opposition from rental property owners and real estate advocates who argue that such regulations could limit landlords' ability to recover costs associated with property management or lead to increased rental prices as landlords adjust to the changes. Concerns have been raised regarding the balance between protecting tenant rights and ensuring that landlords can operate their businesses effectively, highlighting the potential for a hostile regulatory environment that may inadvertently reduce housing availability.
Housing: landlord and tenants; acceptance of reusable screening report; provide for. Amends title & sec. 1 of 1972 PA 348 (MCL 554.601) & adds secs. 1c, 1d, 1e & 1f.
Housing: landlord and tenants; reuse of certain tenant screening reports; allow. Amends title & sec. 1 of 1972 PA 348 (MCL 554.601) & adds secs. 1c, 1d, 1e & 1f.
Housing: landlord and tenants; rental application fees; require to be refunded if the application is denied. Amends title of 1972 PA 348 (MCL 554.601 - 554.616) & adds sec. 7a.
Housing: landlord and tenants; requirement to accept and screen rental applications on a first-come first-served basis; provide for. Amends title of 1972 PA 348 (MCL 554.601 - 554.616) & adds sec. 1c.
Housing: landlord and tenants; methods of communication between landlords and tenants; update. Amends secs. 3, 9, 10, 11, 12 & 13 of 1972 PA 348 (MCL 554.603 et seq.).
Housing: landlord and tenants; ordinances that place certain limitations on landlords; prohibit. Amends sec. 1 of 1988 PA 226 (MCL 123.411) & adds sec. 1a.
Housing: landlord and tenants; notice requirements for early lease termination for certain victims of violence; expand. Amends sec. 1b of 1972 PA 348 (MCL 554.601b).
Civil rights: housing discrimination; housing discrimination based on source of income; prohibit. Amends title & sec. 1 of 1972 PA 348 (MCL 554.601). TIE BAR WITH: SB 0205'23
Housing: landlord and tenants; reuse of certain tenant screening reports; allow. Amends title & sec. 1 of 1972 PA 348 (MCL 554.601) & adds secs. 1c, 1d, 1e & 1f.
Housing: landlord and tenants; acceptance of reusable screening report; provide for. Amends title & sec. 1 of 1972 PA 348 (MCL 554.601) & adds secs. 1c, 1d, 1e & 1f.
Housing: landlord and tenants; reuse of certain tenant screening reports; allow. Amends title & sec. 1 of 1972 PA 348 (MCL 554.601) & adds secs. 1e, 1f, 1g & 1h.