Michigan Senate Bill SB0901

Michigan 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/6/24
• Refer: 6/6/24

Caption

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

Impact

The proposed amendments will strengthen tenant protections by ensuring the enforceability of certain rights that landlords might otherwise sidestep through contractual clauses. The bill's focus on maintaining the integrity of the tenant's legal position in disputes over rental agreements is a critical aspect of its intention. For instance, it eliminates the possibility of landlords being exempt from liability due to negligence in fulfilling their duties. The result is an enhanced legal framework that aligns with contemporary civil rights standards, specifically addressing discrimination and the rights of individuals with disabilities.

Summary

Senate Bill 0901 aims to amend existing housing laws in Michigan, specifically the Truth in Renting Act. This bill seeks to prohibit specific clauses in rental agreements that undermine tenant rights, ensuring that tenants cannot be forced to waive important legal remedies or alter their rights without proper consent. Notably, the bill prohibits clauses that allow landlords to alter the terms of rental agreements after their commencement without tenant approval, reinforcing the necessity for mutual agreement in such agreements. Additionally, landlords are required to provide legal notices regarding rental agreements in a clear and prominent manner, enhancing transparency.

Contention

A significant point of contention within SB 0901 is its clause that explicitly prohibits tenants from forming or joining tenant unions, which could be seen as a suppression of collective bargaining rights among tenants. This provision has raised concerns among tenant advocacy groups who argue that unionization is a critical means for tenants to advocate for better living conditions and dialogue with landlords. Critics fear this could diminish tenants' power in negotiations over rental terms and housing conditions, sparking ongoing debates about the balance of power in landlord-tenant relationships.