The Paletz Law Blog

Despite the Attention to the Presidential Elections, Most Politics Remains Local for Our Clients

December 13th, 2024 | By: Paletz Law Press

While much has been written and discussed about how a new Trump Administration in Washington will change how businesses operate, there are a number of movements closer to home in Lansing that could potentially have a greater effect on landlords and property owners. 

Looking at the national implications first, if his past presidency is any indication, there is much speculation that the Trump Administration could make your life less burdensome from a regulation perspective. That said, although tenant-friendly governmental moves like rent control seem to be waning nationally, there are still packages of tenant-friendly bills making their way through the Michigan legislature. 

Michigan House Bill 4878, referred to as the Fair Chance Access to Housing Act, and HB 5238, allowing for Eviction Expungement, both passed the Michigan House Housing Subcommittee earlier this month. As we’ve documented in the past, Michigan House Bill 4878 would prohibit a landlord from using a potential tenant’s criminal record to evaluate their rental application at any stage of the application process.

There is also a continuing movement afoot for more governmental intervention in the rental housing arena.  This is an undefined but obviously ominous request being furthered by tenant advocates in a proposed set of bills referred to as the “Housing Homestretch Package.”

Included in the five-bill package is a prohibition on landlords using a renter’s source of income as a reason to deny them occupancy. The package was sent to the Governor after the last two Senate bills passed the Michigan Senate late last week. 

Senate Bills 205, 206 and 207 and House Bills 4062 and 4063 would affect landlords in Michigan with five or more rental units. They would be required to accept housing vouchers or other subsidies to pay prospective tenants’ rent.  

The Bottom Line: Elections have consequences, whether national or local. While the Presidential election got a lot of oxygen, property owners are doing themselves a great disservice if they do not cultivate a local grassroots effort to get the ear of their local representatives. As advocates for our clients in and out of the courtroom, we have been meeting with legislators and encourage you to make some calls and do the same.