Michigan Fair Housing Guide
Understand every protection the law offers—federal and state—so you can spot discrimination, file airtight complaints, and secure equal access to safe housing across Michigan.
Understand every protection the law offers—federal and state—so you can spot discrimination, file airtight complaints, and secure equal access to safe housing across Michigan.
“Fair housing” means every Michigan resident can rent, buy, or insure a home without bias based on who they are or whom they love. Two powerhouse federal laws—the Fair Housing Act of 1968 and the Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988—ban discrimination nationwide. Michigan then adds teeth with the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act (ELCRA) and the Persons with Disabilities Civil Rights Act (PWDCRA), delivering extra protected classes and sharper penalties.
Put simply, an ad that says “Adults only” can violate federal familial-status rules while also breaching Michigan’s age-discrimination ban. Knowing each layer helps renters pick the right forum—HUD, the Michigan Department of Civil Rights (MDCR), or a state court—before deadlines expire.
Throughout this page you’ll find plain-language examples, printable timelines, and an interactive quick-check widget. Bookmark sections or jump with the pill navigation above for fast answers when screening calls or reviewing a lease.
Federal law shields seven traits; Michigan expands the list. The table below compares coverage and shows real-world scenarios.
| Class | Federal FHA | Michigan Law | Example Scenario |
|---|---|---|---|
| Race | Yes | Yes | Ad says “No Black renters” |
| Color | Yes | Yes | Higher deposit for darker-skinned applicants |
| Religion | Yes | Yes | Refusal to rent to Muslim family |
| Sex (incl. gender identity) | Yes* | Yes | Rejecting transgender applicant |
| Familial Status | Yes | Yes | “Adults-only” complex |
| National Origin | Yes | Yes | Charging higher rent to immigrants |
| Disability | Yes | Yes (PWDCRA) | Refusing service-animal request |
| Age | No | Yes (ELCRA) | Denying lease to 20-year-old student |
| Marital Status | No | Yes | “Married couples only” policy |
| Veteran / Military Duty | No | Yes | Rejecting active-duty applicant |
| Arrest Record Sealed | No | Yes | Rejecting tenant for expunged record |
*Sexual orientation and gender identity are protected under federal guidance (Bostock v. Clayton County, HUD 2021 memo).
Compliance starts long before a lease is signed. Landlords must:
Need a template? Visit our Lease Agreements guide for objective screening checklists.
An accommodation is a rule change—like waiving a “no-pets” policy for a service animal—while a modification alters the structure, such as installing grab bars. Landlords must respond within 10–14 days unless an emergency dictates faster action. Denials require written explanation showing undue burden or fundamental alteration.
Sample Requests:
Use our interactive letter generator to craft a compliant request.
If a landlord raises rent, issues a 30-day notice, or refuses repairs within 90 days of your complaint, Michigan law presumes retaliation. Keep:
Learn more in our dedicated retaliation protections guide.
HUD Path: After investigation, HUD may issue a “Charge of Discrimination.” Parties can elect an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) or federal court. Civil penalties run up to $25,000 for a first offense, rising to $75,000+ for repeat violators.
MDCR Path: The Michigan Department of Civil Rights can order reimbursement, policy overhaul, or civil fines. Victims may also sue in state court, where treble damages and attorney fees are available under ELCRA.
For smaller monetary losses (e.g., padlocked laundry storage worth $2,000) renters may bypass agencies and file directly in small-claims court.
Bottom line: Michigan fair-housing laws give renters powerful tools to fight bias—use them. For broader protections explore our rights overview, understand eviction defenses in eviction process, or locate help via our legal-aid resources.