Anthony Reintroduces Tenant Empowerment Package, Legislation to Establish Right to Repair in Michigan
LANSING, Mich. (Jan. 14, 2025) — Today, Sen. Sarah Anthony (D-Lansing) introduced Senate Bills 19-22, the Tenant Empowerment Package. These bills would protect tenants’ rights and tighten up Michigan law to ensure all renters have the tools they need to fight for those rights. Sen. Anthony introduced these bills in the 102nd Legislature.
“I introduced these bills last year because renters across Michigan deserve safe, fair, and habitable housing, and this doesn’t change just because the legislation didn’t make it to the governor’s desk. Residents still face the same challenges, and they need real, commonsense solutions,” said Sen. Anthony. “This is about addressing the failures in our current practices of maintaining basic housing standards — the same standards that have led to over 600 homes and apartments in Lansing being red-tagged — and ensuring tenants’ right to live in safe homes. I’ll keep fighting until that becomes a reality.”
Similar to the previous package, these bills aim to make sure landlords are held accountable for maintaining rental properties by enshrining the right to repair into law. If a landlord fails to make necessary repairs in a timely manner, tenants could arrange the repairs themselves and deduct the cost from their rent. Additionally, landlords would be required to provide clear and reasonable notice before raising rents, and they would no longer be allowed to include lease terms that undermine tenants’ right to repair.
One important addition to this version of the Tenant Empowerment Package is Senate Bill 22, which would allow security deposits to be returned to tenants electronically, making the process faster and more convenient for tenants and landlords alike.
William Lawrence, state coordinator for Rent is Too Damn High, has been working with coalition members on housing reform for years. This coalition has over 40 endorsing organizations that work to uplift and promote tenants across the state.
“Being able to make timely repairs to your own home is an essential right for every tenant,” said Lawrence. “The Senate should schedule hearings on these bills immediately.”
Sen. Anthony’s legislation would empower renters and create a fairer rental market for all Michigan residents by promoting safer living conditions and clearer lease terms.