Housing: landlord and tenants; right for water and sewer bill to be in tenant's name; provide for. Amends 1972 PA 348 (MCL 554.601 - 554.616) by adding sec. 1f.
The introduction of this bill will have a significant impact on state laws related to tenant protections. Specifically, it mandates that landlords cannot retaliate against tenants who make such requests regarding water billing. This includes prohibitions against actions like terminating water access, lease non-renewals, wrongful evictions, or unjustified rent increases based on a tenant exercising their rights under this bill. As such, SB 253 aims to create a more equitable environment for tenants, ensuring they have a voice in utility management and billing transparency.
Senate Bill 253 seeks to amend the existing 1972 Public Act 348, which governs the relationships between landlords and tenants in Michigan. The amendment introduces a new section that allows tenants in metered or sub-metered rental units that are not classified as multifamily properties to request their water and sewer bills be sent directly to both themselves and their landlord. This provision aims to enhance transparency regarding utility costs associated with rental properties, thereby empowering tenants with better access to information concerning their living conditions.
There are potential points of contention surrounding this bill, particularly regarding its implementation and enforcement. Landlords may express concerns over the added obligation to provide water bill transparency and fear that it could lead to increased administrative burdens. Conversely, tenant advocacy groups may argue that additional safeguards are necessary to ensure all tenants can freely exercise these rights without fear of retaliation. Additionally, the amendment asserts that if there’s any conflict with federal regulations governing subsidized housing, federal law will prevail, which brings into question how this bill interacts with existing housing assistance frameworks.