In Michigan, an aggressive campaign to expand renters rights across the state is building momentum under the leadership of State Representative Emily Dievendorf (D-Lansing), majority vice chair of the state house’s Housing Committee. Representative Dievendorf has sponsored and co-sponsored housing-related legislative proposals that would dramatically impact operations for housing providers across the state. What began as an effort to establish housing provider-funded relocation assistance has expanded to include:
- HB No. 4947 would repeal the 1988 prohibition on local government's ability to regulate rents.
- HB No. 4273 would require notice of condemnation or other special hazardous conditions to residents;
- HB No. 4878 would bar the use of criminal records checks except in very limited circumstances.
- HB No. 4818 would bar the use of credit scores for resident screening reviews.
- HB No. 4062 bars housing providers from considering an applicant’s source of income (in practice, means housing providers must accept Section 8 vouchers) including right to for violations.
Representative Dievendorf intends to promote other policies throughout the fall, including residents’ right of repair, just cause eviction, advanced notification of rent increases, residents’ right to organize as well as restricting a housing provider’s rights as a creditor.
Housing advocates have organized and supported Representative Dievendorf’s efforts with a 300-person demonstration at the state capitol in Lansing that previews the interest that these issues will draw over the coming months.
The National Apartment Association (NAA) will continue to support our affiliate partners in Michigan as they work to defeat these proposals and instead advocate for sustainable, responsible housing solutions.
To learn more about Renters Bill of Rights legislation, please contact Joe Riter- NAA’s Senior Manager, Public Policy at [email protected].