A collection of bills, signed into law on Monday, Sept. 21, includes two that offer protection to Michigan renters from unexpected fees, and quicker return of security deposits from landlords.
The new public acts 103 and 102received wide bipartisan support in the Michigan Legislature and were signed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Monday, Sept. 21.
“There's nothing more frustrating than trying to pay a bill online only for companies to raise the price at the last second with additional fees,”Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said after signing the bills.
Senate Bill 373, introduced by state Sen. Mary Cavanaugh, D-Redford Township, requires all rental agreements to offer at least one method of paying rent that does not impose a fee.
"My bill requires landlords to
offer tenants one fee-free way to pay rent, ensuring unnecessary fees aren't pricing families out of housing. While this is a small piece in ensuring housing affordability, today's bill signing illustrates our continued commitment to tackling the housing crisis head-on and fighting for a more just, affordable Michigan for all,” Cavanaugh said.
Additionally, Senate Bill 22, introduced by Sen. Sarah Anthony, D-Lansing, allows security deposits to be returned via electronic transfer through direct deposit or the internet, making it easier for renters to get their deposits back from landlords.
“Now, with the skyrocketing costs of housing and other everyday essentials weighing heavily on Michigan renters, we’re taking a commonsense step to bring them that relief quicker and easier," Anthony said. "Modernizing the rental security deposit return process reduces hurdles and headaches for renters and landlords alike, and I’m grateful to Gov. Whitmer for signing my bill into law.”
Previously, renters in Michigan had to provide their landlord with a forwarding address before they moved, according to Michigan Legal Law. After providing a forwarding address, landlords had 30 days to either return the deposit or send a list of damages.
If renters didn't provide a new address, the landlord did not have to provide a list of damages for any money they were keeping from the security deposit.
How much does an apartment cost in Michigan?
According to rental and real estate websites, Michigan rents vary a great deal.
Apartments.com says a studioaverages $1,075 per month while a three-bedroom unit averages $1,925.
Flint's average rent is about $806 per month while Livonia averages $1,339 per month.
Zillow.com says the average rent is $1,400 per month in Michigan — about 30% below the U.S. average of $2,000.
RentHop.comsays the average is $920 per month for a studio and up to $3,500 for a four-bedroom unit. The site says the average in the Detroit Market is $1,275 while the Grand Rapids market averages $1,395 and Ann Arbor is at $2,200.
Jalen Williams is a trending reporter at the Detroit Free Press. Contact him at jawilliams1@freepress.com.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: New Michigan laws block rent fees, clarify security deposit rules
