Michigan Renters: Your Rights Against Familial Status Discrimination

Facing unfair treatment because you live with children or are pregnant? Michigan renters are protected by both federal and state fair housing laws when it comes to familial status discrimination. Understanding your rights can help ensure you find and keep safe, stable housing for your family.

What is Familial Status Discrimination?

Familial status discrimination occurs when a landlord treats you unfairly because you are:

• Pregnant or securing custody of a child under 18
• A parent or guardian living with children under 18
• Adopting a child under 18

Examples include refusing to rent to families with children, setting unreasonable occupancy limits, or imposing higher security deposits only on families.

Protections Under Michigan Law

Both federal and Michigan laws protect renters from discrimination based on familial status. These laws make it illegal for landlords or property managers to:

• Deny you a rental because you have children
• Set different terms, like higher rent or extra rules, for families with children
• Advertise units as “adults only” or “no children allowed”

In Michigan, these protections are part of the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act, and are also supported by the federal Fair Housing Act.¹

Common Examples of Familial Status Discrimination

• A landlord refuses to rent a one-bedroom apartment to a single parent with a child, but allows two adults to rent it
• A housing ad says, “No children allowed”
• Families are required to pay a larger security deposit solely because they have kids

How to Assert Your Rights: Filing a Complaint

If you believe you have experienced familial status discrimination in Michigan, you have the right to file a complaint. Here’s how you can take action:

• Document everything (emails, application forms, texts, ads, etc.)
• Contact the Michigan Department of Civil Rights (MDCR) or the federal U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)

Official Forms and How to Use Them

Michigan renters can use the following official forms to report a violation:

• Michigan Fair Housing Complaint Form
  Download the MDCR Housing Discrimination Complaint Form
  When to use: If you believe you’ve been denied housing or treated unfairly due to familial status in Michigan. For example, if a landlord rejects your application after mentioning your children.
  How to submit: Complete all sections, sign, and submit by mail, fax, email, or via the MDCR online portal, as detailed on the form.
• HUD Form 903 Online Housing Discrimination Complaint
  Start HUD’s Online Housing Discrimination Complaint
  When to use: For federal complaints, especially in cases where the discrimination may violate the federal Fair Housing Act.
  How to submit: Fill out the online form with details about your experience for review by HUD investigators.

If your situation is urgent (e.g., you’re being illegally evicted), contact a local legal aid office or call the Michigan Department of Civil Rights immediately for guidance.

The Role of Michigan’s Housing Tribunal

The main tribunal handling residential landlord-tenant issues in Michigan is the Michigan District Court system, which hears eviction and fair housing disputes. However, for discrimination complaints, the Michigan Department of Civil Rights (MDCR) investigates and enforces anti-discrimination laws. If they find a violation, your case may go before an administrative law judge or move to state or federal court.

What to Expect After Filing a Complaint

After you submit a complaint, the enforcement agency (either MDCR or HUD) will:

• Review your information and may contact you for more details
• Investigate the complaint by reaching out to the landlord and gathering evidence
• Attempt to resolve the situation; if discrimination is found, they can order corrective action or compensation

Resolution can take several weeks. It’s important to keep records of all communication during this time.

FAQ: Familial Status Discrimination in Michigan Renting

1. Can a Michigan landlord refuse to rent to me because I have children?
   No. Landlords cannot deny a rental unit based on your familial status under Michigan and federal law.
2. What should I do if I see housing ads that say “no children”?
   Save the ad and file a complaint with the Michigan Department of Civil Rights or HUD, as this is illegal.
3. Are there exceptions to these protections?
   Very few properties are exempt, such as certain senior housing communities that meet specific requirements. Most other housing is covered.
4. How long do I have to file a complaint?
   In Michigan, you typically have 180 days from the date of the alleged discrimination to file with MDCR, and up to one year for a HUD complaint.
5. What can I expect if my complaint is successful?
   You may be entitled to rent the unit, receive compensation, or have discriminatory policies corrected.

Key Takeaways for Michigan Renters

• You are protected from familial status discrimination by both state and federal law
• File a formal complaint with MDCR or HUD if you face discrimination
• Use official forms and keep detailed records of all interactions and documents

Knowing your rights—and the steps to enforce them—is the first line of defense in securing fair housing for you and your family.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Michigan Department of Civil Rights (MDCR): File discrimination complaints, get forms, and find support
• HUD Fair Housing & Equal Opportunity: Federal complaints, resources, and information
• Michigan Legal Help: Guides and resources for renters, including free legal aid
• Michigan District Court Locator: File or respond to cases related to tenancy and housing disputes

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1. Michigan Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act (Act 453 of 1976)
2. Federal Fair Housing Act Overview
3. MDCR Fair Housing Division

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