MichiganDeed theft victims could seek damages and lawyer fees
Property owners harmed by deed theft would be allowed to sue the person responsible in circuit court for money, including triple their actual losses.
What it does
Deed theft victims would be allowed to sue in circuit court and recover $5,000, three times their actual losses, and reasonable lawyer fees from the person responsible.
Argument forAllowing victims to recover reasonable lawyer fees could help property owners afford a lawsuit over deed theft.
Argument againstPeople found responsible could face payments far above the owner's actual losses because awards include triple damages, $5,000, and reasonable lawyer fees.
More detail
Deed theft victims would be allowed to sue the person responsible in circuit court and seek money. The lawsuit would cover theft of ownership rights in homes and commercial property. Deed theft includes taking or transferring ownership, or placing a claim against property, without the owner's approval or knowledge, or through fraud or deceit. The provisions would take effect 90 days after the bill is enacted into law.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Oct 28bill electronically reproduced 10/21/2026Latest
- Oct 21referred to Committee on JudiciaryMinor
- Oct 21read a first timeMinor
- Oct 21introduced by Representative Rep. Tonya Myers PhillipsIntroduced
HousingConsumer Protection