Michigan Senate Advances Bills Empowering Renters with Rapid Repair Rights

Michigan lawmakers are advancing a Tenant Empowerment Package that includes Senate Bills 19 and 20, which would require landlords to address hazardous repairs within 48 hours, with mold and pest issues to be fixed within 72 hours, and other repairs within seven days. If landlords fail to meet these deadlines, tenants could withhold rent by placing payments in escrow or make repairs themselves and deduct the costs from their rent after providing proper estimates and notices. The bills also include a provision for landlords to give 90 days' notice of rent increases and allow security deposits to be returned electronically. The legislation aims to address Michigan's housing crisis by ensuring safe and affordable rental conditions, as many homes are aging and in need of repairs. While affordable housing advocates support the measures, property management groups have opposed them, and the bills have passed a Senate committee mostly along party lines. The package now awaits further votes in the full Senate and the House.