Michigan landlords can't deny renters based on source of income, under new law

Beth LeBlanc, The Detroit News on Dec 30, 2024

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Michigan landlords can't deny accommodations to potential renters based on their source of income under legislation Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed into law Monday.

Whitmer signed three bills of a five-bill package that would prohibit a landlord from denying a rental unit based on source of income — legislation that seeks to expand housing options for individuals who would otherwise be denied because they received state aid. The two remaining bills in the package have not yet been presented to the governor.

"I am committed to growing access to affordable housing so every Michigander can raise their family in a vibrant community,” Whitmer said in a statement on the bill-signing Monday.

Michigan Realtors, the Apartment Association of Michigan and Property Management Association of Michigan indicated they were neutral on the Senate bills signed by Whitmer Monday. But the property management association voiced continued opposition to the House bills that are waiting to be presented to the governor for her signature, according to a non-partisan House Fiscal Agency analysis of the legislation.

The legislation, which passed along party lines in the Democratic-controlled House and Senate earlier this year, would expressly prohibit a landlord from denying individuals who receive any kind of government aid, including housing subsidies, public assistance, social security or veterans benefits.

Whitmer argued in her statement that the bills were expected to help more than 34,000 families “afford a roof over their heads.”

The legislation amends Michigan’s anti-discrimination law, the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act, to prohibit landlords with more than five rental units from denying accommodations to anyone based on their source of income.

The legislation signed by Whitmer came as several more progressive housing bills failed to cross the finish line during the House's truncated lame duck session.

For example, a bill that would create a "Homeless Bill of Rights" was pulled from the board abruptly on Dec. 13 after it was unable to get the 56 votes needed within the Democratic caucus. Others that failed to cross the finish line would have made it illegal for landlords to consider a renter's credit score or criminal history while reviewing their applications.

Whitmer also signed Monday bills that would protect human trafficking victims by relaxing court rules regarding victim testimony and culpability and by allowing evidence of a suspect's prior criminal acts related to domestic violence, sexual assault or trafficking to be used at trial.

Another bill signed Monday raises the age limit for individuals testifying at trial who can use a support dog from 16 to 18.

Whitmer also signed the first bill in a two-bill package that would exempt data centers from sales and use taxes. The bill signed Monday pertains to the use tax exemption; a second bill pertaining to the sales tax exemption has not yet been presented to the governor for her signature.

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