State Sen. Sean McCann, the Democratic nominee for Michigan's Fourth Congressional District, has earned between $15,001 and $50,000 annually in rental income from properties that have faced code violations. The issues at these properties, owned by McCann's McLam Properties LLC, included fire hazards and electrical system concerns that took months to rectify.
One of McCann's rental properties failed a city code inspection in January due to several fire hazards, such as inadequate smoke detectors, an expired fire extinguisher, and extensive use of extension cords. According to obtained rental certificates, these violations took four months to resolve. Another property owned by McCann's company received at least 11 citations in August 2024 for issues including "dangerous" electrical systems, a missing carbon monoxide detector, and peeling paint and wall coverings. These infractions remained unresolved for 17 months.
McCann, who has served in the Michigan Senate since January 2019, has been a proponent of tenant protections. He sponsored legislation, known as the Tenant Empowerment Package, which aimed to penalize landlords for slow responses to code violations. The proposed law would have mandated repairs for hazardous conditions within 48 hours and other fixes within seven days, with provisions allowing tenants to withhold rent until repairs were completed. This legislative package has been a subject of debate in the state legislature and has not yet been enacted.
McCann's campaign stated that he and McLam Properties LLC comply with all local ordinances and laws. A spokesperson for the campaign asserted that McCann has a record of supporting Michigan families against "slumlords" and that he will continue to advocate for safer and more affordable housing if elected to Congress. The campaign also contrasted McCann's stance with that of his opponent, Republican incumbent U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga, who is seeking his eighth term in the Fourth District.
McCann won the Democratic primary for the Fourth District, which is considered a target seat for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee in their efforts to regain control of the House of Representatives.