A bill to amend 1961 PA 236, entitled “Revised judicature act of 1961,” by amending section 2918 (MCL 600.2918), as amended by 2019 PA 41.
This bill addresses the rights of individuals who are unlawfully ejected from or kept out of their property, providing them with the right to recover triple their actual damages, $2,000, or $200 per day for ongoing violations, whichever is greater. Additionally, it allows for the recovery of exemplary damages. The bill also outlines the rights of tenants against unlawful interference by property owners, detailing what constitutes unlawful interference and the exceptions to these rules. It sets forth procedures for property owners to follow in the event of a tenant's death and specifies conditions under which an owner's actions are not considered unlawful interference. Furthermore, the bill includes provisions for exemplary damages and civil fines in cases of egregious conduct, stating that these provisions cannot be waived. Legal actions to regain possession must be initiated within 90 days, and actions for damages within 1 year. The term "owner" is defined to include owners, lessors, licensors, and their agents.
Co-sponsored by Reps.
Referred to the Committee on Economic Development and Small Business
