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SB 21

Housing: landlord and tenants; prohibition against tenants right to repair; disallow in truth and renting act. Amends secs. 3 & 4 of 1978 PA 454 (MCL 554.633 & 554.634). TIE BAR WITH: SB 19'25, SB 20'25

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Sarah Anthony

SB 21 eliminates Michigan tenants' right to repair rental units themselves and deduct costs from rent when landlords neglect maintenance obligations.

PLACED ON ORDER OF THIRD READING
#housing:landlordandtenants #housing:other
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Bill Summary · SB 21

Legislative bill overview

SB 21 amends Michigan's Tenant Rights Act (1978 PA 454) to prohibit tenants from exercising "repair and deduct" rights—the ability to make necessary repairs themselves and deduct costs from rent when landlords fail to do so. The bill specifically removes language from sections 3 and 4 of the existing statute that currently allow this practice, and is tied to companion bills SB 19 and SB 20.

Why is this important

The repair-and-deduct provision is a key tenant protection that addresses uninhabitable or dangerous conditions (like broken heating, plumbing, or safety hazards) when landlords are unresponsive. Removing this right eliminates a low-cost enforcement mechanism for tenants and could leave them dependent entirely on filing complaints with housing authorities or pursuing costly legal action. This affects housing quality standards and tenant leverage in disputes.

Potential points of contention

  • Tenant vulnerability: Removing repair-and-deduct eliminates a practical remedy for urgent habitability issues, potentially forcing tenants to live in unsafe conditions longer while seeking legal remedies
  • Landlord burden vs. tenant protection balance: Landlords argue the provision is abused or creates disputes over repair quality; tenants argue it's essential when landlords ignore maintenance requests
  • Enforcement gaps: Without this self-help remedy, the bill relies on complaints to housing authorities—a slower process that may be less effective for urgent situations requiring immediate repairs

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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