How to Prove Rental Screening Discrimination in Michigan

Facing possible discrimination during the rental application process can be overwhelming for Michigan renters. This guide explains how you can recognize and prove discriminatory screening practices by landlords, using Michigan law and official procedures. By understanding your rights and the proper steps to take, you can better protect yourself and access fair housing opportunities.

Understanding Discriminatory Screening in Michigan Rentals

Discriminatory screening means a landlord treats applicants differently because of characteristics protected by law. Michigan landlords must follow the federal Fair Housing Act and the Michigan Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act when screening tenants. This means it's illegal for landlords to deny rental applications based on:

• Race, color, religion, sex, or national origin
• Familial status (such as having children)
• Disability
• Age or marital status (under Michigan law)

Landlords can select tenants based on valid factors like income, credit, and rental history—but not on protected characteristics.

Common Signs of Discriminatory Screening

If you suspect discrimination, look for the following patterns:

• Receiving different application requirements than other applicants
• Having your application delayed or ignored without explanation
• Hearing or seeing statements about preferences (e.g., "no children," "must speak English")
• Being told a unit is unavailable when it later appears rented to someone else

How to Collect Evidence of Discrimination

Gather as much information as possible to support your case:

• Written correspondence (emails, texts, letters) with the landlord or agent
• Advertisements or listings that show discriminatory wording or requirements
• Names and contact information of witnesses
• Notes of all conversations (date, time, who was present)
• Receipts or records of submitted applications and any related fees

Comparing your experience with others who applied for the same rental can further strengthen your claim. You can sometimes show discrimination by proving the landlord treated you differently than other qualified applicants.

How to Report and Prove Discriminatory Screening

Michigan renters can pursue their complaint through the following steps:

• Contact your landlord to request an explanation for the denial or different treatment (do this in writing)
• If unsatisfied, file a formal complaint with the Michigan Department of Civil Rights (MDCR)
• You can also file with the federal U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)

Each agency reviews your evidence and investigates the landlord’s actions.

Relevant Official Forms and How To Use Them

• Michigan Discrimination Complaint Form (MDCR)
  When to use: If you believe a landlord screened you unfairly, submit this form to the Michigan Department of Civil Rights.
  How to use: Complete all sections with your contact details, description of events, and supporting evidence.
  File a Michigan housing discrimination complaint
• HUD Form 903 Online Housing Discrimination Complaint
  When to use: If your issue is covered by federal law, use this form to file online with HUD.
  How to use: Follow the step-by-step online process to enter your details and upload documentation.
  HUD Housing Discrimination Complaint Form

Michigan’s Main Tenancy Tribunal

While individual discrimination complaints begin with MDCR or HUD, landlord-tenant disputes in Michigan are overseen by the Michigan District Court. This court handles eviction, possession, and related rental issues.

What Happens After You File a Complaint?

After you submit a complaint:

• MDCR (or HUD) will review your evidence and may contact you for more details.
• The agency will investigate the landlord's actions and may try to help both sides reach a resolution.
• If discrimination is confirmed, the agency may order the landlord to change practices or provide other remedies.

Throughout this process, you should keep copies of all documents and cooperate promptly with all investigation requests.

FAQ: Michigan Discriminatory Rental Screening

1. What is considered illegal discrimination by a Michigan landlord?
   Landlords are prohibited from treating rental applicants differently because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, familial status, age, or marital status, as per Michigan and federal law.
2. How can I prove I was discriminated against?
   Collect all written communication, take notes on phone calls or in-person discussions, save advertisements, and compare your experience with others who applied for the same rental.
3. Do I need a lawyer to file a fair housing complaint?
   No, renters can file discrimination complaints on their own with the Michigan Department of Civil Rights or HUD. However, legal advice may be helpful in complex situations.
4. What if I need help filling out the complaint forms?
   The Michigan Department of Civil Rights and some local legal aid organizations offer assistance to renters who need help submitting a complaint.
5. Can a landlord reject me for having a low credit score?
   Landlords can use credit checks as part of screening, as long as the standards are applied equally to all applicants and not used to hide discrimination.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Michigan Renters

• Michigan law protects you from discriminatory screening by landlords.
• Document all communications, keep evidence, and seek help promptly if you suspect discrimination.
• Official complaints can be filed with the Michigan Department of Civil Rights or HUD without a lawyer.

Staying informed about your rights and being proactive helps ensure access to fair rental housing.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• MDCR Fair Housing Division: Michigan’s official discrimination complaint resource
• U.S. HUD Fair Housing & Equal Opportunity: Federal agency for housing discrimination
• Michigan Legal Help: Free legal information and assistance for renters
• Michigan District Court: Handles landlord-tenant disputes and evictions

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1. Michigan Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act
2. U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development – Fair Housing Act Protected Classes
3. Michigan Department of Civil Rights: File a Complaint
4. Michigan District Courts - Landlord Tenant Cases

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