Michigan Renters’ Guide to Fair Housing Testing & Enforcement

Dealing with unfair treatment when trying to rent a Michigan home can be overwhelming. Michigan renters are protected under state and federal fair housing laws, and there are agencies ready to help ensure everyone has equal access to housing. Understanding your rights and knowing how to get support is crucial.

What Is Fair Housing and Why Does It Matter?

Fair housing laws in Michigan make it illegal for landlords, property managers, or real estate agents to discriminate against renters and potential tenants based on protected characteristics such as race, color, national origin, sex, disability, familial status, and religion. Michigan adds more protected classes, including age and marital status.^[1] If you ever feel you’re being treated unfairly when renting, there are agencies and testing programs to help identify, stop, and resolve discrimination.

What Is Fair Housing Testing?

Fair housing testing is a way agencies check if landlords or rental companies are following the law. Testers—trained volunteers or staff—pose as renters to see how they are treated. If a landlord treats people differently based on a protected class, it's considered discrimination.

Common Forms of Discrimination

• Refusing to rent to someone because of their race, disability, or family type
• Advertising that discourages certain groups
• Offering different rental terms for different people
• Retaliating against renters for asserting their fair housing rights

Fair housing testing helps document these problems, so they can be addressed by enforcement agencies.

Key Agencies for Fair Housing Testing & Enforcement in Michigan

Renters can turn to several official organizations if they believe they’ve faced discrimination. These agencies also organize or supervise fair housing testing and investigate violations.

1. Michigan Department of Civil Rights (MDCR)

• Michigan Department of Civil Rights (MDCR) is the primary state agency enforcing fair housing laws.
• Handles complaints about discrimination in renting, leasing, or buying homes throughout Michigan.
• You can file a complaint online, by mail, or with the help of a staff member.

2. U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)

• HUD's Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity investigates violations of federal fair housing laws.
• You can file complaints regarding unlawful treatment at both the state or federal level.

3. Local Fair Housing Centers (Nonprofits)

• Groups like the Fair Housing Center of Metropolitan Detroit and Fair Housing Center of West Michigan offer assistance with complaint filing and may conduct their own testing.

How to File a Housing Discrimination Complaint in Michigan

Filing a formal complaint is free and confidential. Here’s what you need to know:

Official Forms and Where to Find Them

• Michigan Department of Civil Rights Complaint Form
  MDCR Housing Discrimination Complaint Form (no form number).
  • When to use: If you experience discrimination by a landlord, rental agent, or property manager in Michigan.
  • How to use: Complete the online or PDF version with details of the incident. Example: If you’re denied a rental after mentioning you have children, fill out and submit this complaint form.
• HUD Form 903 Online Complaint
  HUD Housing Discrimination Complaint Form (Form 903).
  • When to use: If you want to report discrimination anywhere in the United States, including Michigan, under federal laws.
  • How to use: Fill out online or download the form and mail it. Example: If an apartment manager makes discriminatory statements about race, submit Form 903 to HUD.

Which Tribunal Handles Housing Discrimination in Michigan?

The Michigan Department of Civil Rights is the official body managing discrimination claims for renters in Michigan. The MDCR will investigate your claim, try to resolve the issue, and can take legal action if necessary.^[2]

Legislation Protecting Michigan Renters

• Michigan Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act – State law banning discrimination in housing, employment, and more.
• Federal Fair Housing Act (Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968) – Protects renters nationwide.^[3]

What Happens After I File a Complaint?

Once your complaint is received, the agency will:

• Review your information for jurisdiction
• Contact you for more details if needed
• Investigate your complaint, possibly using testers
• Attempt to resolve the issue through mediation or, if necessary, legal proceedings

Most investigations conclude within a few months. If discrimination is found, remedies can include financial compensation or orders to stop illegal practices.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fair Housing in Michigan

1. What classes are protected under Michigan’s fair housing laws? Most renters are protected against discrimination due to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, familial status, age, and marital status.
2. Is it free to file a discrimination complaint in Michigan? Yes, there is no cost to file a complaint with the Michigan Department of Civil Rights or HUD.
3. Can nonprofits help me if I’m not sure I’ve been discriminated against? Yes, organizations like Michigan Fair Housing Centers can provide guidance even before you file a formal complaint.
4. What kind of evidence should I keep? Save all emails, texts, written notes, advertisements, or recordings related to your rental inquiry or application.
5. Will my landlord know I filed a complaint? The agency will notify the landlord as part of the investigation, but retaliation is illegal under Michigan law.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Michigan Department of Civil Rights Fair Housing – File a complaint or learn your rights
• HUD Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity – National information and complaint process
• Michigan Legal Help – Housing – Self-help housing resources and legal guides for renters
• Fair Housing Center of Metropolitan Detroit
• Fair Housing Center of West Michigan

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1. See Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act (Act 453 of 1976), Michigan Legislature site.
2. Michigan Department of Civil Rights – Discrimination Claims
3. Federal Fair Housing Act – HUD Office

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