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HB 4985

Housing: landlord and tenants; termination of tenancy; establish grounds of good cause. Amends secs. 2918, 3238, 5714, 5735, 5744, 5775 & 5779 of 1961 PA 236 (MCL 600.2918 et seq.). TIE BAR WITH: HB 4982'25

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jennifer Conlin and 14 co-sponsors

Michigan bill establishes good-cause eviction requirements, restricting landlords' ability to terminate tenancies without legal justification and strengthening tenant housing security.

bill electronically reproduced 09/18/2025
#civilprocedure:evictions #housing:landlordandtenants
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Bill Summary · HB 4985

Legislative bill overview

HB 4985 amends Michigan's landlord-tenant law to establish "good cause" requirements for eviction, limiting landlords' ability to terminate tenancies without specified legal grounds. The bill modifies multiple sections of the Michigan Court Rules to define what constitutes valid reasons for eviction and adds procedural protections for tenants facing removal.

Why is this important

Eviction is a significant life disruption affecting housing stability, employment, and family welfare. Currently, Michigan allows "no-cause" evictions in many cases, meaning landlords can terminate leases without providing reasons. This bill would shift the legal framework to require documented justification, potentially reducing displacement while affecting rental market dynamics and landlord operations.

Potential points of contention

  • Landlord concerns: Restrictions on termination may reduce property owners' operational flexibility, affect their ability to manage problematic tenancies, and potentially increase vacancy costs during dispute resolution
  • Tenant protections vs. market effects: While tenants gain security, stricter eviction rules could reduce rental supply or increase rents as landlords adjust for reduced flexibility and litigation risk
  • Definition disputes: The bill's specific "good cause" definitions will be critical—unclear standards could create litigation and inconsistent application across jurisdictions

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

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