Michigan Legislature

Stories

Michigan limits renter fees, eases security deposit returns

As of September 2026: Democratic-controlled since 2023; passed the renter protection bills

Michigan landlords face new limits on fees they charge renters, and tenants get a clearer path to recovering security deposits, under two bills Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed Sept. 22. The laws are the latest step in a years-long push by Michigan Democrats to cut the upfront cost of renting.

Updated Sep 26

Michigan Supreme Court limits sex offender registry law to post-2011 cases

Rule Changes

As of September 2026: Passed the 2021 SORA after Betts

Michigan's Supreme Court ruled that the state cannot enforce its sex offender registration law against people whose crimes predate July 1, 2011. The unanimous decision, issued Sept. 9 in People v. Smith, found the 2021 amendments to the registration act are unconstitutional ex post facto punishment for those offenders.

Updated Sep 16