Michigan House Bill HB4985

Michigan 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 9/18/25
• Refer: 9/18/25

Caption

Housing: landlord and tenants; termination of tenancy; establish grounds of good cause. Amends secs. 2918, 3238, 5714, 5735, 5744, 5775 & 5779 of 1961 PA 236 (MCL 600.2918 et seq.). TIE BAR WITH: HB 4982'25

Impact

The proposed amendments significantly impact existing laws governing eviction procedures and tenant protections in Michigan. By clearly defining just cause for tenancy termination, the bill aims to prevent arbitrary evictions and promote fair treatment for tenants. Furthermore, it introduces provisions for tenants to recover damages under certain circumstances if they face unlawful interference with their possessory interests. This could strengthen tenant rights and provide additional avenues for recourse when landlords engage in abusive practices.

Summary

House Bill 4985 aims to amend the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, primarily focusing on the conditions under which tenancy in mobile home parks can be terminated. The bill establishes specific grounds for what constitutes 'just cause' for eviction, including failure to comply with lease obligations, violations of state laws or local ordinances, and other detrimental actions by the tenant. This new framework seeks to provide clear guidelines for landlords and tenants regarding rights and responsibilities within the rental market, particularly concerning mobile homes.

Conclusion

Overall, HB 4985 represents an important step towards clarifying legal standards in landlord-tenant relationships concerning mobile homes. It strives to align the interests of landlords and tenants by establishing a balanced framework that encourages fair practice while protecting vulnerable occupants from the risk of unjust eviction.

Contention

There may be points of contention surrounding the interpretation of 'just cause' as defined by the bill. Critics argue that the criteria could lead to confusion and different interpretations in enforcement, potentially disadvantaging either party in landlord-tenant disputes. Specifically, the conditions that allow landlords to terminate tenancies might be seen by some as too lenient, while tenants' advocates may point out that ambiguity in the definitions could be exploited to effect unjust evictions.