• Mark Kieselbach spoke on what this could mean for Meridian Township

MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - A new bill regarding housing inspection requirements has been introduced to Michigan legislature. The bill, SB-313, is being considered by the Senate.

Townships that exceed a 10,000 person population will be required to to adopt a multiple-unit housing inspection requirement that includes a capped rental fee of one-hundred dollars, and would also prohibit the rental agencies from charging tenants a re-inspection fee.

Spokespersons from the Michigan Township Association think this bill could negatively effect townships by causing strain on the community and unreasonable fees. It would unfairly burden the township by using funding instead of leaving it up to the owners of the Rental Properties.

Meridian Township Community Planning & Development Director said, "It really puts the burden back on to the Township paying for it out of the General Fund money instead of having the owners of the rental properties pay the cost."

Senator Robertson, who introduced the bill, plans on addressing the raised concerns and is willing to work with officials to amend it.