The bill amends the existing law regulating landlord-tenant relationships in Michigan, specifically addressing the rights of tenants who face domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking. It establishes that a tenant who has a reasonable apprehension of present danger to themselves or their child must be released from their rental agreement obligations upon providing written notice and documentation of their situation. The bill specifies that this notice can be submitted through various methods, including certified mail, email, or personal delivery, and must include a statement affirming the tenant's apprehension of danger. Additionally, it outlines the types of documentation that can be provided to support the tenant's claim, such as protection orders or police reports.

The bill also clarifies that the release from rental obligations does not apply to prepaid amounts, such as first and last month's rent, and that the tenant's obligation to pay rent ends only after they vacate the premises. It further stipulates that if multiple tenants are involved in a rental agreement, the release of one tenant does not affect the obligations of the others. The amendments include changes to the language used throughout the section, such as replacing "his or her" with "the tenant's" for clarity and consistency. Overall, the bill aims to enhance protections for tenants facing threats of violence while ensuring that landlords are informed of their rights and responsibilities.

Statutes affected:
House Introduced Bill: 554.601