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:
Under Mich. Comp. Laws § 554.601b, a victim of stalking can be released from a rental agreement if they provide written notice and documentation of a reasonable and present danger via certified mail. The required documentation includes:
- A valid personal protection order;
- A probation, release, or parole order with a condition to protect the tenant;
- A police report for any crime that occurred within the last fourteen days;
- A police report for incidents of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking that occurred more than fourteen days ago;
- A report from a qualified third party.
However, if the rental agreement includes multiple tenants, only the victim can be released from the agreement. The other tenants will remain liable under the rental agreement. The relevant statute states: “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.