Renters Could Withhold Rent Under New Michigan Law

Renters in Michigan could soon have the legal right to withhold rent if landlords don’t fix serious problems quickly. New bills introduced in the state legislature would require landlords to make critical repairs within 48 hours or risk losing rental payments until the work is done.

Under the proposed legislation, renters would be allowed to address broken appliances or poor living conditions on their own if their landlord fails to act.

What the Bills Would Require

Senate Bills 19 and 20, introduced by Sen. Sarah Anthony of Lansing, are part of the Tenant Empowerment Package. The legislation would require landlords to respond to repair requests within 48 hours. If the issue poses a hazard and repairs aren’t started in that time, tenants could withhold rent or hire someone to make the repair and deduct the cost from their rent.

“We’re here because we all know and we hear about Michigan’s housing crisis, and we’re hitting a critical point,” Anthony told Michigan Advance. “And whether you live in a rural township, a city, or neighborhood, families across our state are struggling to find and keep safe, affordable, and quality places to live.”

Why Lawmakers Say Change Is Needed

Current Michigan law uses vague language, requiring landlords to make repairs within a “reasonable” time. According to the Detroit Free Press, the Tenant Empowerment Package would create clear timelines for when repairs must begin.

How the Law Would Work for Renters

Under the new legislation, tenants who choose to handle repairs themselves would be required to obtain at least three written estimates from licensed contractors at no cost and give the property owner 24 hours to review the bids before initiating any work.

Who’s Opposing the Legislation

The Rental Property Owners Association (RPOA) of Michigan and Michigan Realtors have voiced opposition to the bills.

To become law, the bills would need to pass both the Senate and the House of Representatives and be signed by the governor.

Our Top 16 Songs That Mention Michigan in the Lyrics

Right off the top of your head, you can think of two or three songs that mention Michigan or Michigan cities in the Lyrics, right?

But we decided to dig a little deeper and came up with 16 songs that mention the Mitten State. Surprisingly, Michigan-born artists like Stevie Wonder and Madonna don't make the list, but Bob Seger has a whopping three songs that make mention of his home state.

Let us know if there are any essential Michigan songs that need to be included.

Gallery Credit: George McIntyre

Take a Peek Inside Eminem's Oakland County Mansion

At one time, this mansion was known as the Kmart Mansion because it was owned by the CEO of Kmart before it was purchased by Eminem in 2003. The rapper lived in this house in Oakland County as recently as 2017 and has since purchased another beautiful home in Clinton Township.

The furniture inside the 17,500 sq. foot crib isn't Eminem's, but the outside pictures are reported to be older photos, so yes, we are led to believe the cars did belong to Mr. Mathers.

Gallery Credit: George McIntyre