Bill > SB0019

This bill amends Michigan's residential lease law to strengthen tenant rights by establishing more specific repair and maintenance obligations for landlords. The bill requires landlords (lessors) to keep residential premises in reasonable repair, comply with health and safety laws, and respond to repair requests within specific timeframes depending on the urgency of the issue. For imminent hazards, landlords must start repairs within 48 hours; for mold issues, within 72 hours; and for other non-critical repairs, within 7 days. If a landlord fails to commence repairs within these timeframes, tenants gain the right to either withhold rent (placing it in an escrow account) or make repairs themselves and deduct the costs from rent. To use the repair-and-deduct option, tenants must obtain at least three written repair estimates from licensed professionals, notify the landlord, and provide documentation of repairs. The bill explicitly prohibits landlords from retaliating against tenants who exercise these rights and requires that new or renewed rental agreements include these repair provisions. The bill is tied to two other Senate bills and will only take effect if those bills are also enacted into law.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://legislature.mi.gov/Bills/Bill?ObjectName=2025-SB-0019