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SB 19

Housing: landlord and tenants; tenants rights to repair; provide for. Amends sec. 39 of 1846 RS 66 (MCL 554.139). TIE BAR WITH: SB 21'25, SB 20'25

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Sarah Anthony

Michigan bill expands tenant rights to repair rental units and deduct costs from rent when landlords neglect maintenance obligations.

PLACED ON ORDER OF THIRD READING WITH SUBSTITUTE (S-1)
#housing:landlordandtenants
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Bill Summary · SB 19

Legislative bill overview

SB 19 amends Michigan's landlord-tenant law to expand tenants' rights regarding repairs and maintenance of rental properties. The bill modifies MCL 554.139, which governs the "repair and deduct" remedy—allowing tenants to make necessary repairs and deduct costs from rent when landlords fail to address habitability issues. The bill is tied to companion bills SB 20 and SB 21, suggesting a coordinated legislative package on tenant protections.

Why is this important

This legislation directly affects housing affordability and quality for Michigan renters by potentially giving them more leverage to ensure safe, habitable living conditions. The repair-and-deduct mechanism is a critical enforcement tool for tenants in cases where landlords neglect maintenance obligations, particularly affecting low-income renters who may lack resources for legal action. Changes to this statute could shift the balance of power in landlord-tenant relationships and impact property management practices statewide.

Potential points of contention

  • Landlord concerns: Property owners may argue that expanded repair rights increase operational costs, enable tenant abuse of the system, or create disputes over what qualifies as "necessary" repairs versus tenant preference improvements
  • Scope and cost limits: Questions likely surround whether the bill adequately caps repair expenses tenants can deduct, how disputes are resolved, and whether protections extend to minor vs. major repairs
  • Enforcement mechanisms: Uncertainty about verification processes, documentation requirements, and potential liability exposure for both parties if repairs are improperly performed

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

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