SB 22 requires Michigan landlords to return security deposit refunds via electronic transfer (such as direct deposit or mobile payment) instead of checks when deducting for damages. Landlords must send the refund electronically within 10 days after mailing a damage notice to the tenant, which must include a 7-day response deadline. This affects all landlords and tenants in Michigan rental agreements involving security deposits. The law maintains existing requirements for 30-day damage notices and itemized claims but changes how refunds are delivered.
SB 373 prohibits landlords from charging tenants extra fees for using specific payment methods (like credit cards or checks) in rental agreements. It requires leases to include at least one payment option without additional charges. The bill directly affects tenants by preventing unfair fees and landlords by restricting lease terms. Key provisions ban clauses that waive tenant rights related to security deposits, habitability, or discrimination, and require written notice for certain rent increases. This amendment to Michigan's Truth in Renting Act (MCL 554.633) focuses on making rental agreements fairer through concrete, enforceable limits on fees and unfair terms.
This bill prohibits large institutional investors from buying single-family homes in Michigan to prevent corporate ownership of residential properties. It defines these investors as for-profit entities managing or owning over 100 homes statewide with at least $375 million in assets, while allowing exceptions for new construction projects or those that renovate homes with significant improvements. The law applies to various acquisition methods, including mergers and foreclosures, and sets a civil penalty of up to $25,000 per home for any violations.
HB 5570 would allow single exit stairways in small multi-family buildings (up to 4 floors above ground or 3 floors with an occupiable roof) under strict safety conditions. It applies to buildings with no more than 4 units per floor and 4,000 square feet per floor. Required safety features include fire alarms, smoke detectors in common areas (like hallways and laundry rooms), and sprinklers meeting NFPA standards. This change would affect housing developers building qualifying new or renovated apartment buildings.
HB 5571 allows single interior exit stairways in multi-family apartment buildings with 4-6 levels (or 3-5 levels with an occupiable roof), directly affecting developers and builders of such structures. The bill requires buildings to have no more than 4 units per level, limit floor area to 4,000 sq ft per level, and ensure exit access travel is ≤125 feet from any point. Key safety provisions include mandatory smoke detectors in common areas (like hallways and laundry rooms), manual fire alarms, automatic smoke detection systems, and sprinklers meeting NFPA standards. It also mandates that the building’s fire department must be accredited by the Commission on Fire Accreditation International and hold a Class 1-2 public protection rating. The bill is contingent on HB 5570 passing into law.
HB 4540 amends Michigan's Housing and Community Development Fund to expand eligible uses of the funds. It allows the state housing authority to provide grants, loans, or assistance for housing projects targeting low-, very low-, and middle-income households, including new construction, rehabilitation, foreclosure prevention, and predatory lending relief. The bill specifically adds support for "individual development accounts" (for savings programs) and community development projects like blight elimination. It affects housing providers, nonprofits, and residents in targeted income groups by clarifying how existing state funds can be allocated to address housing needs.
HB 4539 amends Michigan's housing law to clarify definitions and strengthen funding rules for affordable housing projects. It defines key terms like "extremely low-income" (≤30% of area median income) and "downtown area" (50+ years of commercial use with mixed buildings), directly affecting low- and middle-income households in these zones. The bill requires 30% of funds to support projects for extremely low-income households (including homeless and supportive housing) and mandates that 20% of units in all funded projects serve households earning ≤60% of area median income. It also requires the housing authority to create a public input process for its biennial funding plan, prioritizing areas with high poverty, disability needs, and housing distress.
HB 5497 prohibits Michigan mortgage lenders from denying loan applications or altering terms (like interest rates or down payments) based on neighborhood racial/ethnic characteristics or building age - except for physical condition assessments. It sets minimum mortgage loan amounts ($10,000) and home improvement loan amounts ($5,000), with annual adjustments using the Consumer Price Index starting in 2028. Lenders must provide written reasons for denials and individually evaluate each application based on risk factors. The bill directly affects banks, credit unions, and mortgage lenders operating in Michigan, aiming to prevent discriminatory lending practices under the state’s mortgage law.
HB 4080 reinstates a program deferring property tax special assessments for eligible Michigan homestead owners. It applies to assessments due before October 1, 2020, or on/before October 1, 2022, for primary residences owned by qualifying individuals (including those who are totally and permanently disabled). The bill allows owners to defer payments until death, sale, or transfer of the property, with up to four annual partial payments (minimum $500 or 5% of the balance) and interest accruing on unpaid amounts. Full payment becomes due upon sale, transfer, or death, and the bill requires the state to notify owners of these terms. This amendment to Michigan’s 1976 property tax law (MCL 211.761-762) is contingent on HB 4079 passing.
HB 4079 adjusts the income limit for homeowners aged 65 or older, or those totally and permanently disabled, who qualify for a property tax deferment on special assessments. Currently set at $34,900 as of October 2022, the bill replaces this fixed amount with an annual adjustment based on the Detroit-area Consumer Price Index (CPI), meaning the limit will rise or fall each year with local inflation. The state treasurer will calculate the new limit annually using the prior year's CPI data, rounding to the nearest dollar. This change directly affects eligible homeowners seeking to defer special assessments on their primary residences without immediate payment.
