Bill > HB4995

This bill aims to reform landlord-tenant relationships by introducing new regulations around rental applications and tenant screening. The legislation prohibits landlords from using credit scores as the sole determining factor for lease eligibility and establishes new requirements for the rental application process. Specifically, landlords must now inform prospective tenants in writing about their screening criteria, including what information will be accessed and potential reasons for application denial. The bill introduces the concept of a "reusable screening report," which is a consumer report prepared within the last 45 days that tenants can use across multiple rental applications, and landlords cannot charge an application fee if they accept such a report. Landlords must now make application decisions within 14 days, provide written notice of any adverse actions, and give tenants an opportunity to discuss and potentially rebut negative information in their screening reports. The legislation also requires landlords to consider a prospective tenant's current ability to pay rent and screen applications in the order they are received. If a landlord violates these new provisions, tenants can potentially bring a civil action for damages up to $1,000, plus attorney fees. These changes aim to create a more transparent and fair rental application process by limiting discriminatory screening practices and providing tenants with more information and recourse.

Government Affairs

https://legislature.mi.gov/Bills/Bill?ObjectName=2025-HB-4995