Written by Forrest Wall, CAE, Staff Vice President and Industry Relations
Recycling Legislation Introduced In Michigan House
A new bill has been introduced in the Michigan House of Representatives which would require multifamily rental property owners to provide on-site recycling for residents. House Bill 5485 addresses multiple dwellings with four or more units, and specifies that the owner shall provide recycling containers to residents. Additionally, the bill mandates that the recycling service be consistent with local ordinances in effect, as well as any governmental contract in place for collection and handling of recycling. The legislation provides an exemption from the requirement if the local enforcing agency determines that there is inadequate space for the placement and servicing of the recycling receptacles at the property.
Reminder: Apartment Inspection Law Changes Now In Effect
Public Act 169 of 2017, which amended the Housing Law of Michigan’s rental property inspection section, took effect on February 19. The new law provides that a lessee’s permission is needed prior to local government entry to inspect. Previously, state law allowed a local government to compel an apartment owner, regardless of the resident’s wishes, to provide unit access if the lease allowed the owner right of entry at any time. In addition to providing for tenant permission for inspection, the new law lays out the resident notification/inspection scheduling process, specifies certain exceptions (complaints, vacancy, etc.) to the permission requirement, and states the landlord’s duty to allow inspection of common areas. It is suggested that all apartment owners review this new law with your landlord-tenant attorney.