A bill to amend 1978 PA 454, entitled “Truth in renting act,” by amending sections 3 and 4 (MCL 554.633 and 554.634), section 3 as amended by 1998 PA 72.
Senate Bill No. 901 proposes amendments to the "Truth in Renting Act" (1978 PA 454) specifically targeting sections 3 and 4. The bill aims to ensure rental agreements do not contain provisions that could undermine tenants' rights or discriminate against them. Key prohibitions include clauses that:
Waive or alter remedies for uninhabitable living conditions. Waive rights related to security deposits. Discriminate against individuals in violation of civil rights acts. Allow for confessions of judgment or exculpate lessors from liability. Waive the right to a trial by jury or impose excessive legal costs. Acquire security interests in tenant property to assure payment. Accelerate rental payments without proper notice. Waive rights in eviction proceedings or release the duty to mitigate damages. Permit lessors to alter agreements without tenant consent.
The bill also outlines permissible adjustments to rental agreements, such as those for compliance with laws or operational cost increases, provided a 30-day notice is given. It explicitly prohibits clauses that:
Violate the Michigan Consumer Protection Act. Require tenants to give a power of attorney. Prohibit tenant unions. Waive the right to repair and deduct.
Rental agreements must include the lessor's contact information, a notice about the Truth in Renting Act, and specific lease renewal notice periods for rent increases. The enactment of S.B. 0901 is tied to the passage of related bills (SB 0900'24, SB 0902'24, SB 0903'24) in the 102nd Legislature.
Co-sponsored by Sens.
Referred to the Committee on Housing and Human Services
