New Michigan Bill Would Let Renters Form Tenant Unions

LANSING, June 10, 2024 ~ A Michigan lawmaker recently introduced a “Tenant Empowerment Package” of bills that would expand the rights of those who rent their homes.

State Sen. Sarah Anthony (D-Lansing) introduced the legislation, which would allow renters to organize tenant unions and deduct the cost of home repairs from their rent if a landlord fails to make needed repairs to the buildings they own. While Erika Farley, executive director of the Rental Property Owners Association, has concerns that the bill might raise costs for landlords and tenants, Anothony said she introduced the bill to empower renters after seeing landlords allowing their rental properties to fall into disrepair, making them unsafe for tenants, according to a press release.