Illegal Rental Advertising Language in Michigan: What Renters Should Know

Michigan renters are protected by federal and state laws that make it illegal for housing advertisements to mention certain characteristics. If you've ever seen a rental listing that made you feel excluded or targeted, it's important to understand your rights under Michigan Fair Housing laws and what to do if you believe an ad is illegal.

What Makes Rental Advertisements Illegal in Michigan?

Rental listings cannot discriminate based on certain protected characteristics. This applies whether the ad is online, in print, or posted in a community space.

• Federal Fair Housing Act: Prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), national origin, disability, and familial status (such as children or pregnancy).
• Michigan Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act: Adds marital status and age to protected classes in Michigan. See the Elliott-Larsen Act full text.

It is illegal for a Michigan landlord or property manager to use, or allow to be used, any language in a rental ad that indicates a preference, limitation, or discrimination against these protected categories.

Examples of Illegal Language in Michigan Rental Ads

• "No children" or "adults only" (discriminates based on familial status)
• "Christian neighborhood" or "Muslim tenants preferred" (religion)
• "Ideal for single professionals" or "No seniors" (age, marital status)
• "No wheelchairs" or "Able-bodied only" (disability)
• "Whites only" or "No foreigners" (race, color, national origin)

Sometimes, even seemingly neutral terms can be illegal if they are a way to discourage certain groups.

What Language Is Allowed?

Rental ads in Michigan can describe the unit and amenities, but must not state or imply a limitation or preference for certain renters. Examples of allowed language:

• "Two-bedroom apartment, downtown"
• "No smoking allowed" (if it applies to all residents)
• "Income verification required" (if acceptable for all applicants)

How to Respond to Discriminatory Rental Ads in Michigan

If you believe a rental ad is illegal under Fair Housing laws in Michigan, you have a right to file a complaint. Here's what to do:

• Contact the Michigan Department of Civil Rights (MDCR) – the main agency for housing discrimination complaints in Michigan.
• You can also file with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) if the situation also violates federal Fair Housing laws.

Forms: How to File a Housing Discrimination Complaint in Michigan

• Housing Discrimination Complaint Form (MDCR Form):
  • What it is: Official form to submit complaints of housing discrimination in Michigan.
  • When to use: If you have seen or experienced illegal language in a rental ad or other discriminatory housing practice.
  • How to use: Complete the form online, by mail, or in person and provide as much detail as possible about the ad, the location, and why you believe it is discriminatory.
  • Submit a Michigan Housing Discrimination Complaint
• HUD Housing Discrimination Complaint Form (HUD-903.1):
  • What it is: Federal complaint form if the ad violates the Fair Housing Act.
  • When to use: Use if you believe federal law was broken or prefer to make a federal complaint.
  • How to use: Form can be completed online or mailed to HUD with details about the ad and incident.
  • File a HUD Fair Housing Complaint

Who Handles Discrimination Complaints in Michigan?

• The Michigan Department of Civil Rights (MDCR) reviews all state housing discrimination complaints.
• At the federal level, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) may also investigate.

Relevant Michigan Legislation

• Michigan Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act (Act 453 of 1976)
• Federal Fair Housing Act, Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is it illegal for a Michigan landlord to write "No children" in a rental listing?
   Yes. Michigan and federal law prohibit ads that say "No children," as this is discrimination based on familial status.
2. What should I do if I see a discriminatory rental advertisement?
   Take a screenshot for your records, write down where and when you saw it, and then file a complaint with the Michigan Department of Civil Rights.
3. Does the law protect renters from ads that exclude based on age?
   Yes. Michigan law protects against age-based discrimination, so ads like "young professionals only" are not legal unless the housing is a designated senior community under specific exemptions.
4. Can a landlord state a preference for "working individuals" in Michigan ads?
   No. This can be considered indirect discrimination under state law, especially if it discourages applicants in protected classes.
5. Where can I get help in Michigan if I have experienced discrimination in a rental ad?
   The Michigan Department of Civil Rights offers free support and the complaint process for renters experiencing discrimination.

Key Takeaways for Michigan Renters

• Rental advertisements in Michigan cannot state preferences or limits based on protected characteristics under state and federal law.
• If you encounter discriminatory language, you have the right to file a complaint with the Michigan Department of Civil Rights or HUD.
• Document the advertisement and consult the Michigan Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act to understand your rights.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Michigan Department of Civil Rights (MDCR) – File a housing discrimination complaint or seek guidance.
• Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) – Tenant resources and rental assistance.
• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Michigan – Additional Fair Housing resources.
• Michigan Legal Help – Legal self-help guides for renters.

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1. Michigan Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act (Act 453 of 1976)
2. U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Fair Housing Overview
3. MDCR: Housing Discrimination Complaints

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