This bill amends the existing landlord-tenant law in Michigan by adding a new section that allows tenants in metered or sub-metered rental units to request that their water bill be transferred to their name. Upon receiving such a request, landlords are required to approve it and transfer the water bill within 120 days, ensuring that the costs of the water bill are not included in the tenant's rental payment. The bill also prohibits landlords from discriminating or retaliating against tenants who make this request, outlining specific actions that would constitute discrimination or retaliation.

Additionally, the bill mandates that any rental agreements entered into, renewed, or renegotiated after the effective date of this amendment must include the new requirements regarding water bill transfers. It establishes that the attorney general can initiate civil actions for violations of this section, and it allows tenants to seek damages and attorney fees if their rights under this section are violated. The bill clarifies that it will not conflict with federal laws regulating subsidized housing and that any local ordinances conflicting with this section will be unenforceable.

Statutes affected:
House Introduced Bill: 554.601, 554.616