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).
Impact
The bill directly impacts rental agreements in Michigan by providing tenants facing imminent danger with a formal mechanism to exit their contracts without financial repercussions. This change aims to provide a safer living environment for vulnerable individuals, thereby influencing the landlord's obligations and the overall balance of power in tenant-landlord relationships. As a result, landlords are required to adapt their leasing processes to accommodate these statutory rights.
Summary
House Bill 4993 seeks to amend the existing landlord-tenant laws under the 1972 PA 348 to broaden the scope of protections for tenants who are victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking. The bill stipulates that such tenants who have a reasonable apprehension of present danger will be able to terminate their rental agreements without penalty, provided they submit a formal notice along with appropriate documentation. This documentation can include court orders or police reports that substantiate their claims of present danger.
Contention
Notably, the bill may encounter opposition from landlords concerned about the potential for abuse of the provisions allowing for lease terminations. Critics may argue that the lack of stringent verification could lead to frivolous claims that undermine tenant obligations and impact rental income. Additionally, the logistics of ensuring proper notice and documentation will require careful attention from both parties, potentially complicating typical rental operations.
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).
Housing: landlord and tenants; form containing summary of tenant's rights; require state court administrative office to provide. Amends 1978 PA 454 (MCL 554.631 - 554.641) by adding sec. 4a.
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; 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; 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.).
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).
Housing: landlord and tenants; form containing summary of tenant's rights; require state court administrative office to provide. Amends 1978 PA 454 (MCL 554.631 - 554.641) by adding sec. 4a.