Michigan Renters: Disability Parking Rights & How to Request Accommodations

Renters in Michigan who have disabilities are legally entitled to fair access to parking accommodations at their residences. Knowing your rights and how to request these changes is crucial in ensuring accessible, independent living. This guide explains Michigan's rules, your protections under both state and federal laws, and how to request and enforce parking accommodations if you need them.

Your Right to Accessible Parking as a Michigan Renter

Federal law, through the Fair Housing Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), makes it illegal for landlords to deny reasonable accommodations—including accessible parking—to tenants with physical or mobility impairments. Michigan state law provides similar protections.

• Landlords must allow reasonable modifications (such as creating an accessible parking space).
• They may not charge extra fees for a reasonable accommodation request.
• Tenants are responsible for requesting accommodations in writing. A medical note may be requested to verify the need.

Michigan’s main law covering landlord-tenant rights is the Michigan Truth in Renting Act, but accessibility rights also stem from federal law and the Michigan Persons with Disabilities Civil Rights Act.^{[1](#footnote1)}

What Is a Parking Accommodation?

A parking accommodation refers to a landlord modifying parking arrangements to meet a disabled tenant’s needs. This could involve:

• Designating a parking spot near the tenant’s entrance.
• Reserving or re-striping spaces for accessible use.
• Assigning a wider space or one with an access aisle.

Tenants may also request temporary accommodations—such as closer parking during recovery from surgery or while using mobility aids.

How to Request a Parking Accommodation

If you need an accessible parking spot, follow these steps to ensure your request is handled promptly and correctly:

• Prepare a written request to your landlord, outlining what accommodation you need and why.
• Provide documentation if needed—typically a doctor’s note verifying your disability and need for accessible parking.
• Wait for a response; your landlord must consider your request in good faith and cannot refuse without reasonable cause.

There is no state-issued specific form for this purpose, but a simple letter generally works. See the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's sample reasonable accommodation request letter for a template.^{[2](#footnote2)}

What If My Request Is Denied?

If a landlord denies your request without a valid reason, or fails to respond, you have the right to file a formal complaint. In Michigan, the Michigan Department of Civil Rights (MDCR) enforces housing discrimination laws for renters. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) also accepts complaints under the Fair Housing Act.

Official Complaint Forms

• Michigan Department of Civil Rights Complaint Form (no number):
  File a Complaint – Michigan MDCR
  When to use: File if your landlord refuses reasonable accommodations or retaliates against you. For example, if you are denied a reserved parking space because of your disability, file this form to ask MDCR to investigate.
• HUD Housing Discrimination Complaint Form (Form 903):
  Submit Form 903 Online – HUD
  When to use: If you want to initiate a federal investigation of housing discrimination (including parking accommodations), submit this form to HUD. Example: Your landlord ignores your doctor-supported request for an accessible spot.

Michigan Tribunal for Tenancy Disputes

If parking or disability disputes escalate, the Michigan District Court (Landlord-Tenant Division) handles hearings and orders for residential tenancies, including accommodation issues.^{[3](#footnote3)}

Legal Protections for Retaliation

Michigan law and federal law prohibit landlords from evicting or harassing tenants who request accommodations. Any attempt to retaliate after a parking request can be challenged by filing a complaint or in court.

FAQ

1. Can my landlord charge me extra for a reserved accessible parking spot?
   No, landlords in Michigan cannot charge extra fees or deposits for reasonable accommodations like accessible parking.
2. Do I have to provide proof of my disability?
   While you are not required to disclose specifics, your landlord may request documentation from a medical provider confirming the need for a parking accommodation.
3. What if there are no accessible spots available?
   The landlord must make reasonable efforts to provide one, which could mean re-striping, reserving spaces, or adjusting parking policies.
4. How long does my landlord have to respond to my request?
   There is no exact timeframe, but landlords must respond promptly and without unnecessary delay. Follow up in writing if you don’t hear back within a week.
5. Where do I file a complaint about disability discrimination?
   In Michigan, file with the MDCR or submit Form 903 to HUD.

Key Takeaways

• Michigan tenants with disabilities have a legal right to reasonable parking accommodations at their rental home.
• Requests should be made in writing, and documentation from a healthcare provider may help.
• Complaints can be filed with MDCR or HUD if your rights are denied or ignored.

Understanding your rights—and the steps to exercise them—will help you secure the accessible parking you need to live independently.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Michigan Department of Civil Rights – Fair housing enforcement and discrimination complaint intake.
• Michigan Legal Help – Plain language guidance for renters on accommodations and fair housing rights.
• HUD Fair Housing Complaint Process – Federal support for housing discrimination issues.
• Michigan District Court – Landlord-Tenant Division information for legal proceedings and dispute resolution.

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1. Michigan's main rental law is the Truth in Renting Act and the Persons With Disabilities Civil Rights Act.
2. Sample letters for reasonable accommodation can be found in the HUD publication: Joint Statement of the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Department of Justice.
3. Tribunal: Michigan District Court Landlord-Tenant Division

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