MI SB0019

Requires landlords to begin repairs within specific timeframes after receiving written notice: 48 hours for conditions imminently hazardous to life or health, 72 hours for mold or bedbug/pest infestations, and 7 days for all other defective conditions

Allows tenants to withhold rent in escrow or make repairs themselves and deduct costs from rent if landlords fail to commence repairs within the required timeframes

Tenants electing to self-repair must obtain at least 3 written estimates from licensed contractors, notify the landlord with 24 hours to respond, and provide receipts with remaining rent payment

Prohibits landlords from retaliating or discriminating against tenants who exercise repair and deduct or rent withholding rights

Removes the existing provision that allowed parties to modify habitability obligations in leases of one year or longer, and requires rental agreements to incorporate tenant repair rights