Michigan 2025-2026 Regular Session

Michigan House Bill HB4985

Introduced
9/18/25  

Caption

Housing: landlord and tenants; termination of tenancy; establish grounds of good cause. TIE BAR WITH: HB 4982'25

Impact

The proposed amendments significantly impact existing laws governing eviction procedures and tenant protections in Michigan. By clearly defining just cause for tenancy termination, the bill aims to prevent arbitrary evictions and promote fair treatment for tenants. Furthermore, it introduces provisions for tenants to recover damages under certain circumstances if they face unlawful interference with their possessory interests. This could strengthen tenant rights and provide additional avenues for recourse when landlords engage in abusive practices.

Summary

House Bill 4985 aims to amend the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, primarily focusing on the conditions under which tenancy in mobile home parks can be terminated. The bill establishes specific grounds for what constitutes 'just cause' for eviction, including failure to comply with lease obligations, violations of state laws or local ordinances, and other detrimental actions by the tenant. This new framework seeks to provide clear guidelines for landlords and tenants regarding rights and responsibilities within the rental market, particularly concerning mobile homes.

Conclusion

Overall, HB 4985 represents an important step towards clarifying legal standards in landlord-tenant relationships concerning mobile homes. It strives to align the interests of landlords and tenants by establishing a balanced framework that encourages fair practice while protecting vulnerable occupants from the risk of unjust eviction.

Contention

There may be points of contention surrounding the interpretation of 'just cause' as defined by the bill. Critics argue that the criteria could lead to confusion and different interpretations in enforcement, potentially disadvantaging either party in landlord-tenant disputes. Specifically, the conditions that allow landlords to terminate tenancies might be seen by some as too lenient, while tenants' advocates may point out that ambiguity in the definitions could be exploited to effect unjust evictions.

Companion Bills

MI HB4982

Same As Housing: landlord and tenants; notice period to terminate a tenancy for nonpayment of rent; increase.

Previously Filed As

MI HB5756

Housing: landlord and tenants; termination of tenancy; establish grounds of good cause. Amends secs. 3238, 5714, 5735, 5744, 5775 & 5779 of 1961 PA 236 (MCL 600.3238 et seq.).

MI HB5765

Civil procedure: evictions; award for unlawful eviction; modify. Amends sec. 2918 of 1961 PA 236 (MCL 600.2918).

MI SB0661

Housing: landlord and tenants; limitations on fees charged to tenants; provide for. Amends secs. 2 & 3 of 1978 PA 454 (MCL 554.632 & 554.633).

MI HB5766

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.).

MI HB5753

Housing: landlord and tenants; notice period to terminate a tenancy for nonpayment of rent; increase. Amends sec. 34 of 1846 RS 66 (MCL 554.134).

MI HB5767

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).

MI SB0901

Housing: landlord and tenants; prohibition against tenants forming a union; disallow in truth in renting act. Amends secs. 3 & 4 of 1978 PA 454 (MCL 554.633 & 554.634). TIE BAR WITH: SB 0900'24, SB 0902'24, SB 0903'24

MI HB5564

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.

MI HB5754

Civil procedure: evictions; redemption time period for tenancy; modify. Amends sec. 5744 of 1961 PA 236 (MCL 600.5744).

MI SB0883

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.

Similar Bills

MI HB5756

Housing: landlord and tenants; termination of tenancy; establish grounds of good cause. Amends secs. 3238, 5714, 5735, 5744, 5775 & 5779 of 1961 PA 236 (MCL 600.3238 et seq.).

CT HB05571

An Act Concerning Banking And Consumer Protections.

CT HB05567

An Act Concerning Alternatives To Foreclosures, The Foreclosure Mediation Program, And The Mortgagor In Good Standing Statutes.

CT HB05514

An Act Concerning An Optional Method Of Foreclosure.

CA SB18

Keep Californians Housed Act.

CT HB06996

An Act Extending The Ezequiel Santiago Foreclosure Mediation Program Until June 30, 2023.

CT SB00891

An Act Concerning The Ezequiel Santiago Foreclosure Mediation Program And Other Alternatives To Foreclosure.

CA AB2867

Recovery of artwork and personal property lost due to persecution.