Bill > SB0020

This bill amends the Truth in Renting Act by modifying provisions related to tenant remedies when a rental agreement contains prohibited or missing provisions. The bill clarifies and updates language around how tenants can address violations in rental agreements, including the ability to void the agreement, terminate the tenancy, seek injunctions, and recover damages. Specifically, tenants can now seek $250 or $500 in damages (depending on the violation), or actual damages, whichever is greater. The bill allows tenants to take action without prior notice in certain circumstances, such as when a provision has been previously found by a court to violate the law or when the landlord knowingly included an illegal provision. The bill also stipulates that only one judgment of $250 can be awarded for a particular provision, even with multiple plaintiffs, though actual damages can still be recovered. Importantly, the bill has a tie bar, meaning it will only take effect if two related Senate Bills (SB 0021 and SB 0019) are also enacted into law. The modifications aim to provide clearer protections and remedies for tenants in cases of rental agreement violations.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://legislature.mi.gov/Bills/Bill?ObjectName=2025-SB-0020