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Defensive Lobbying Activity The following legislation was either significantly altered or stopped because of defensive lobbying activities performed by the RPOA-M and its lobbyist during the last five years. (Bills where opposition was simply voiced are not included.) 1. Stopped a bill that would have required rental property owners to pay interest on security deposits. 2. Stopped a bill that would limit rent increases for tenants with continuous tenancies over five (5) years in duration. 3. Stopped a bill that would have held property owners legally responsible for drug activity at their units. 4. Successfully achieved the alteration of language in the Housing Law of Michigan (HLM) requiring communities with an inspection program to follow the requirements of the HLM. Also, altered the language so that landlord’s compliance with an order for inspection is limited to access granted by the tenant for public inspections. 5. Stopped a requirement proposed under the new tax foreclosure/acceleration law that would have accelerated the process to one year for rental property instead of the two year process for owner-occupied property. 6. Successfully negotiated changes to or defeated proposed lead-based paint legislation that would have significantly impacted the rental housing industry. Specific bills impacted through negotiation include: 2004 SB 756 and 757. 7. Successfully achieved the alteration of 2004 SB 38 which would have limited access to and use of Social Security numbers by rental property owners. Rental property owners were removed from the bill.
Proactive Legislation The following successfully enacted legislation was proposed and proactively pursued by the RPOA-M in the past few years. (See major issues list on the right for other activities being proactively addressed by the RPOA-M.):
1. Bill allowing up to 10% garnishment of a welfare (FIA) check. 2. Bill increasing the allowable charges for attorney and other legal fees (taxable cost) for summary proceedings. (2004) 3. Successfully moved a bill that shortens the notice time for drug evictions from 7 days to 24 hours. Also, enables judges to give an immediate writ at the first hearing. (2004)
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