Imagine getting a tenant’s repair request and understanding that, by law, the clock has already started. That’s exactly what Michigan landlords could soon face under the state’s proposed rental property repair deadlines.
Part of the broader Tenant Empowerment Package, Senate Bills 19 and 20 introduce strict timelines for fixing issues, shifting the balance of responsibility firmly toward landlords. While related bills also update rent increases and security deposit rules, the repair deadlines are the game-changer that will most directly affect daily operations.
At Nelson Property Management, we help rental property owners prepare for changes like these, minimizing risk, maintaining compliance, and ensuring tenant satisfaction. Continue reading as we explain how these repair deadlines could reshape rental housing management and what you should be doing now to prepare.
Key Takeaways
- Landlords may soon face strict repair deadlines: 48 hours to handle hazards, 72 hours to address mold or pests, and 30 days to manage other fixes.
- Renters would gain real leverage with tenant rights to escrow rent, repair-and-deduct, or take legal action.
- Leases must get clearer, with 90-day rent increase notices and faster electronic transfer options for deposits.
- Preparation is key, as landlords who plan ahead with contractors, systems, and updated leases will avoid costly risks and protect rental property investments.
Michigan’s Proposed Rental Repair Deadlines (SB 19 & 20)
The heart of this four-bill package is Senate Bills 19 and 20, which give tenants stronger protections and require landlords to be more accountable for repairs. Think of it as a way to finally set some ground rules around how quickly problems like mold, pests, broken heaters, or leaky roofs must be addressed.
These laws are designed to cut down on frustrating disputes, prevent endless battles over withheld rent payments, and most importantly, make sure renters can count on safe, livable rental housing.
Repair Timelines (SB 19 S-1)
One of the most significant changes is the introduction of clear repair deadlines. No more open-ended promises to “fix it soon.” Now, landlords have to follow these timelines once tenants report an issue:
- Within 48 hours: Any condition that’s hazardous or an immediate threat to health and safety.
- Within 72 hours: Problems like visible mold, bedbugs, pest infestations, or broken appliances supplied by the landlord.
- Within 30 days: All other repairs, including the rest of the minor issues, must be completed unless your lease says otherwise.
There’s a little wiggle room during natural disasters, but only if extra time is granted on a case-by-case basis. Landlords should never assume tenants will tolerate delays; proactive repairs are essential.
What Tenants Can Do If Repairs Don’t Happen
So, what happens if your landlord drags their feet? These bills give tenants some real leverage. They can do the following:
- Withhold rent: Instead of just stopping payments, they'd put the money into an escrow account until the repairs are finished.
- Repair and deduct: They can hire licensed service providers themselves, pay for the work, and then subtract the cost from future rent payments (as long as they follow the rules, such as obtaining three written estimates, notifying their landlord, and keeping all receipts).
These provisions help protect renters while ensuring landlords remain responsible for maintaining the rental unit in good condition.
Lease Protections & SB 20 Updates
Lawmakers also realized that repair rights are largely ineffective if landlords can circumvent them in the lease. That’s where SB 20 steps in. It makes sure the Truth in Renting Act is updated to cover things such as the following:
- Every new lease must spell out the tenant's rights to repairs in plain language.
- Landlords can’t retaliate, so if tenants use these rights, they can’t deny renewal or treat tenants differently.
- Old loopholes are gone. Leases longer than one year can no longer include clauses that waive a landlord’s repair duties.
Certain circumstances, such as domestic violence or sexual assault, may require additional consideration under these protections.
Landlord Responsibilities Under Michigan State Law
Michigan landlords have always been required to provide safe, habitable housing, but the Tenant Empowerment Package raises the stakes by adding urgency and real consequences.
Landlords must now respond quickly to repair requests, or tenants may refuse to pay rent, place payments in escrow, or pursue legal action. Being a responsible landlord means maintaining the property in good repair, addressing lead hazards, and keeping records of all work.
Ignoring these responsibilities can result in costly lawsuits, damaged tenant relationships, lower property values, and a tarnished reputation in today’s competitive rental property market. Consulting a lawyer or a rental property owners association can help landlords stay compliant and protect their money.
Security Deposits and Repair Costs (SB 22)
Security deposits are often a major source of tension between landlords and tenants. Current state law allows deductions for unpaid rent or verified damages, but disputes arise when deductions are mishandled.
Senate Bill 22 introduces a modern update by permitting deposits to be returned digitally (direct transfers, mobile apps, or other digital methods). Landlords must complete this within 10 days of sending the damage notice, streamlining the process and cutting down on delays. This change promotes fairness, speed, and transparency for both parties.
Lease Renewals and Rent Increases (SB 21)
Senate Bill 21 brings more balance to lease renewals by extending the notice period for rent increases. Landlords must now give tenants 90 days’ written notice for lease terms lasting a year or longer, which is a significant change from the previous 30 days.
This extended window gives renters more breathing room to adjust their budgets, explore options for negotiation, or even search for new housing if needed. It helps prevent the stress of sudden, unexpected rent hikes and allows tenants to determine if they can afford to continue in the rental unit.
On the other hand, rental property owners will need to plan rent adjustments further in advance. The law also prohibits lease clauses that limit tenant rights to repair-and-deduct or withhold rent payments, ensuring leases remain fair and transparent.
Market Impact: How the Bills Influence Rental Housing
For Michigan landlords, the real impact of these proposed reforms lies in how quickly they can adapt. Because SBs 19–21 are tie-barred, landlords must prepare for these measures as a package deal, reinforcing the need for a proactive approach rather than last-minute adjustments.
Compliance Pressures
Smaller landlords may feel the greatest strain, as tighter repair timelines and contractor shortages could drive up costs and complicate day-to-day operations. While SB 22’s modernization of electronic transfers offers efficiency, SBs 19–21 introduce new layers of responsibility that require careful planning and resource management.
Landlords should also check city and county regulations in addition to state legislation, as local regulations may influence repair deadlines or tenant remedies.
Preparing for Change
Tenant advocates like Sarah Anthony highlight broader community benefits, including reduced evictions and improved housing stability. For landlords, the key takeaway is preparation, building relationships with reliable service providers, setting aside repair reserves, and reviewing lease language to stay compliant.
Verification of all repairs, including documentation, photos, and receipts, ensures landlords remain compliant and tenants feel secure. These reforms also recognise the human impact of delayed repairs, emphasizing both safety and livability.
Practical Steps for Landlords to Stay Compliant
Michigan’s proposed repair deadlines may not yet be law, but landlords who prepare now will save themselves stress later.
You can start by creating reliable systems to log requests, track deadlines, and document repairs, while using digital portals to streamline notices, updates, and payments. Strengthening relationships with service providers and reviewing insurance can also ease the burden of unexpected costs.
At the same time, reviewing leases, updating policies, and staying engaged with legislation keep landlords ahead of compliance. Proactive planning builds tenant rights, protects apartments and other rental properties, and ensures smoother transitions if new regulations take effect.
For example, a broken heater must be repaired within 48 hours to avoid tenant claims or disagreements.
What Comes Next in Michigan Rentals
Michigan’s Tenant Empowerment Package represents the standard that successful rental property management depends on preparation, responsiveness, and a willingness to adapt. By staying ahead of compliance deadlines, landlords can reduce risk while building stronger, more reliable relationships with renters.
At Nelson Property Management, we help landlords navigate these changes with confidence, offering guidance that keeps rental units in the city compliant and profitable.
Ready to prepare your rental housing for the future? Contact us today for a free consultation and let us help you stay one step ahead.
FAQs
1. What do Michigan’s proposed repair deadlines require of landlords?
Landlords must finish repairs within specific timelines: 48 hours for hazardous issues, 72 hours for mold, pests, or broken appliances, and 30 days for all other repairs unless stated otherwise in the lease.
2. What options do tenants have if repairs aren’t made on time?
Tenants can withhold rent in escrow, use repair-and-deduct by hiring licensed service providers, or pursue legal action if landlords remain unresponsive.
3. How do the proposed bills impact leases and rent increases?
SB 20 requires leases to clearly outline tenant repair rights and prohibits clauses waiving repair duties, while SB 21 extends rent increase notices to 90 days for leases of one year or longer.
4. What steps can landlords take now to prepare for compliance?
Landlords should implement repair tracking systems, use digital tools for communication and transfer of deposits, establish contractor relationships, review leases, and update maintenance protocols in advance.
