Michigan bans housing discrimination based on sources of income
Senate Bills 205, 206, and 207 are expected to address housing insecurity and homelessness by removing this common barrier to finding affordable housing.
Legislation signed into law by Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer will prevent landlords from denying a tenant housing based on their source of income. Senate Bills 205, 206, and 207 are expected to address housing insecurity and homelessness by removing this common barrier to finding affordable housing.
The bills were sponsored by state Senators Mary Cavanagh (D-Redford Township), Rosemary Bayer (D-West Bloomfield), and Jeff Irwin (D-Ann Arbor). The Michigan Civil Rights Commission (MCRC) expressed strong support for the legislation, passing a resolution in October urging for its passage. The Michigan Constitution created the MCRC to safeguard constitutional and legal guarantees against discrimination.
“Home addresses often serve as the most critical turning point in life outcomes,” MCRC Chair Gloria Lara said in a statement celebrating the new law. “During our recent fair housing hearings, we heard story after story about how housing discrimination based on source of income harms Michigan residents. I am proud that our state now protects residents from being denied a place to live because of where they get their funding.”
The MCRC held a series of public hearings in late 2023 and early 2024 to gather information on the impact of source of income discrimination. The hearings highlighted the urgent need for legislation to protect renters from this form of discrimination.
The Michigan Department of Civil Rights, based on testimony from these hearings and discussions at the 2024 Civil Rights Summit, has issued a report outlining recommendations for ensuring fair housing for all Michigan residents.
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