Legislation

The RPOA of Michigan carries out is mission by proactively supporting and promoting legislation favorable to the rental property and real estate investment industry and fighting legislation not favorable to the industry. Our successes have saved real estate investors thousands of dollars and will continue to do so for years to come. The following is an overview of current legislation and past successes.

Current State-Level Legislation

The new Michigan Legislative session began in January of 2023 with changes in majorities in both the House of Representatives and the Michigan Senate. For the first time in 40 years, the Democrats hold a slight majority in the Senate. This has changed the policy dynamic overall in Michigan and most certainly for the rental housing industry.

The Legislature is working on several policy issues regarding housing including Source of Income, Tenants Bill of Rights and mold inspections. As an Association we are working with legislators and coalition partners to ensure that the industry is protected and is working for the safety of our residences and properties.

Previous State-Level Legislation Promoted & Passed Due to RPOA Influence

Removing Mandate for Rental Inspections – Prior to the passing of this bill, larger cities within the state were required by state law to operate a rental inspection program. Rental inspections are now voluntary.*

Tenant’s Right to Refuse Rental Inspections – Many tenants were being threatened with fines or, worse yet, with eviction by a municipality if they wouldn’t allow a municipal inspector into their home. The law now makes it clear that municipalities may not enter a rental unit without the permission of the tenant unless there is an emergency or an administrative warrant is obtained for just cause.*

24-Hour Drug Evictions – Prior to the passing of this bill, landlords were limited to a 7-day eviction notice for drug related activities—even though many municipalities threatened condemnation of a rental property if the offending tenants were not evicted. The change in law now allows for a 24-hour notice period for drug activity.*

Increased Limit for Recovering Attorney’s Fees – At regular intervals, the RPOA-M request an increase of “taxable cost” allowed or those cost that a landlord can recover for attorney’s fees from an eviction hearing or trial.*

Small Claims Limit Increase – Prior to the passing of this bill, small claims cases were limited by a fixed dollar amount and had to be increased through law every few years. A substantial increase was made several years ago that also created an automatic adjustment upwards for the small claims limit without further legislation.

Garnishment of Welfare Payments – A change was enacted to allow up to 10% of welfare income to be garnished for money judgments, including those for past due rent and damages.*

* Indicates bills proactively pursued by the association.

Previous State-Level Bills Fought and Defeated in Recent Legislative Cycles

Bill to repeal the rent control act

Bill requiring landlords to register tenants as voters

Bill prohibiting certain clauses in a land contract

Bill mandating lead inspections for rentals

Bill requiring landlords provide recycling services

Bill requiring court-appointed conservators for blighted property

Bill mandating replacement of lead water service lines

Bill requiring proof that drug activity was committed by convicted person to evict for drugs

Bill to remove the ability to evict drug offenders

For the latest on state-level legislation, Michigan laws and legislator information, go to the Michigan Legislature website.

Current Local-Level Policy Initiatives

Negotiating a 4-year inspection cycle with the City of Wyoming and the City of Kentwood to replace a 2-year inspection program

Joined a lawsuit opposing the Kent County Land Bank's (RPOA is not opposed to the Land Bank in principle) practice of cherry-picking properties before tax property foreclosure auctions

Advocating for changes in Grand Rapids Water Department procedures and policies

Working to ensure "temporary rental housing" does not adversely impact the regular rental market

Previous Local-Level Policy Successes

Negotiated inspection intervals for rental properties in Grand Rapids: 2, 4, and 6 years for properties with 2 or more units, and every six years for single-family homes

Successfully opposed charging for rental registrations

Convinced municipalities to adopt the International Property Maintenance Code for uniformity

In its work with the government, RPOA also works closely with advocacy groups, including the City of Grand Rapids Lead Hazard Control Grant Program, Healthy Homes Coalition of West Michigan and the Fair Housing Center of West Michigan.