Michigan 2025-2026 Regular Session

Michigan House Bill HB4993

Introduced

9/18/25

Refer

9/18/25

Caption

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.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

MI HB4992

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 HB4770

Housing: landlord and tenants; rental application fee requirements; provide for. Amends title & sec. 1 of 1972 PA 348 (MCL 554.601) & adds sec. 7a.

MI SB0372

Housing: landlord and tenants; reuse of certain tenant screening reports; allow. Amends title & sec. 1 of 1972 PA 348 (MCL 554.601) & adds secs. 1e, 1f, 1g & 1h.

MI SB0022

Housing: landlord and tenants; return of security deposit by electronic transfer; allow. Amends sec. 9 of 1972 PA 348 (MCL 554.609).

MI HB5170

Housing: landlord and tenants; right for water bill to be in tenant's name; provide for. Amends 1972 PA 348 (MCL 554.601 - 554.616) by adding sec. 1f.

MI SB0253

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.

MI SB0795

Housing: landlord and tenants; reporting of rental payments to credit bureaus; provide for. Amends 1972 PA 348 (MCL 554.601 - 554.616) by adding sec. 1e.

MI HB5064

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.

MI HB4995

Housing: landlord and tenants; prohibition of the use of prospective tenants' credit scores as a sole deciding factor for lease eligibility and allowance for landlords to accept reusable screening reports; provide for. Amends title & sec. 1 of 1972 PA 348 (MCL 554.601) & adds secs. 1e, 1f, 1g & 1h.

MI HB4985

Housing: landlord and tenants; termination of tenancy; establish grounds of good cause. Amends secs. 2918, 3238, 5714, 5735, 5744, 5775 & 5779 of 1961 PA 236 (MCL 600.2918 et seq.). TIE BAR WITH: HB 4982'25