Full question:
I live in an rented apartment in Michigan. I share the apartment with two others and out of which one of them has wishes to get a release from the rental agreement since she is being stalked by her ex-boyfriend and does not dee; safe to live in this apartment. What documents does she require to legally get a release? Will two of us remaining also get a release from the rental agreement?
- Category: Landlord Tenant
- Subcategory: Residential Lease
- Date:
- State: Michigan
Answer:
Mich. Comp. Laws §554.601b allows victims of stalking a release from a rental agreement if the tenant provides written notification and documentation of reasonable and present danger via certified mail. Documentation required includes:a. A valid personal protection order;
b. A probation, release, or parole order with a condition attached to protect the tenant;
c. A police report for any crime that occurred less than 14 days ago;
d. A police report with charges of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking if the incident occurred more than 14 days ago; or
e. A report by a qualified third part.
However, if the rental agreement includes multiple tenants, the release is applicable only to the victim and all other tenants remain under the rental agreement. The relevant portion of the statute reads:
“***
(5) If a rental agreement obligates multiple tenants to be liable for rental obligations and a tenant is released from his or her rental obligations under this section, all other tenants who are parties to the rental agreement remain subject to the rental agreement.
***”
This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.
