Legislative Analysis
Phone: (517) 373-8080
REFUND DENIED RENTAL APPLICATION FEES
http://www.house.mi.gov/hfa
House Bill 4891 as introduced Analysis available at
Sponsor: Rep. Joey Andrews http://www.legislature.mi.gov
Committee: Economic Development and Small Business
Housing Subcommittee
Complete to 9-14-23
SUMMARY:
House Bill 4891 would add a new section to 1972 PA 348, known as the landlord-tenant act,
that would require landlords to refund the application fees of prospective tenants whose
applications were denied.
Under the bill, a landlord that denies a prospective tenant’s application for a rental unit would
be required to refund any application fees paid by the prospective tenant. An applicant whose
application was denied and whose application fees are not refunded could bring a civil action
against the landlord for actual damages or $1,000, whichever is greater, in addition to
reasonable attorney fees and the costs of bringing the action.
A landlord would not be required to refund a background screening fee, or that portion of the
application fee, if they provide the applicant with a copy of the background screening report.
Proposed MCL 554.607a
FISCAL IMPACT:
The bill would have no fiscal impact on the state or local governments.
Legislative Analyst: Holly Kuhn
Fiscal Analyst: Viola Bay Wild
■ This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House Fiscal Agency staff for use by House members in their
deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.
House Fiscal Agency Page 1 of 1


Statutes affected:
House Introduced Bill: 554.601, 554.616