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SB 253

Housing: landlord and tenants; right for water and sewer bill to be in tenant's name; provide for. Amends 1972 PA 348 (MCL 554.601 - 554.616) by adding sec. 1f.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Rosemary Bayer and 8 co-sponsors

Senate Bill 253 empowers tenants to receive their water and sewer bills directly, ensuring transparency and protecting them from landlord retaliation.

REFERRED TO COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
#housing:landlordandtenants #watersupply:systemsandutilities
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Bill Summary · SB 253

Summary of Senate Bill 253

Bill Number: SB 253
Title: Housing: landlord and tenants; right for water and sewer bill to be in tenant's name; provide for.
Status: Referred to Committee of the Whole
Introduced: April 23, 2025
Classification: Bill
Subject: Housing: landlord and tenants, Water supply: systems and utilities

Purpose and Intent

Senate Bill 253 aims to enhance tenant rights regarding the management of water and sewer bills in rental properties. The bill allows tenants in certain rental units to request that their water and sewer bills be sent directly to them, alongside the landlord. This legislative measure seeks to improve transparency and accountability in rental agreements, particularly concerning utility payments.

Key Provisions

  1. Tenant Rights:

    • Tenants residing in metered or sub-metered rental units (not classified as multifamily rental properties) can request that their water and sewer provider send a copy of the bill to both the landlord and the tenant.

  2. Landlord Obligations:

    • Landlords are prohibited from interfering with, discriminating against, or retaliating against tenants who make such requests. This includes actions like:
      • Shutting off the tenant's water access.
      • Refusing to renew the tenant's lease.
      • Unlawfully evicting the tenant.
      • Increasing rent solely due to the tenant exercising their rights under this bill.

  3. Rental Agreement Requirements:

    • All rental agreements entered into, renewed, or renegotiated after the bill's effective date must include the stipulations outlined in this section.

  4. Conflict with Federal Law:

    • If there is a conflict between this bill and federal laws regulating subsidized housing, the federal law will take precedence.

  5. Definitions:

    • The term "provider" is defined as any community water supply, whether publicly or privately owned, that provides retail water service in Michigan.

Impact

  • For Tenants:

    • This bill empowers tenants by ensuring they have direct access to their water and sewer bills, promoting better financial management and accountability.

  • For Landlords:

    • Landlords must adapt their rental agreements and practices to comply with the new requirements, ensuring they do not retaliate against tenants for exercising their rights.

  • Potential Legal Implications:

    • The bill establishes clear legal protections for tenants, which could lead to increased legal scrutiny and potential disputes if landlords fail to comply.

Procedural Aspects

  • The bill was introduced on April 23, 2025, and has been referred to the Committee of the Whole for further consideration.
  • It is part of a broader legislative effort to address housing and utility issues, particularly in the context of low-income households.

This summary provides an overview of Senate Bill 253, highlighting its purpose, key provisions, and potential impacts on tenants and landlords within Michigan's housing landscape.

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

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