Are landlords allowed to discriminate against individuals who receive public assistance in violation of Fair Housing Law?
In Michigan, it is illegal for landlords to discriminate against individuals who receive public assistance in violation of Fair Housing Law. This means that landlords cannot refuse to rent to someone, charge a higher rent, or take other adverse action against an individual because of their source of income. The Michigan Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act (ELCRA) prohibits discrimination on the basis of source of income and the Michigan Department of Civil Rights also encourages landlords to create policies that embrace potential tenants with rental assistance. Landlords may not deny potential tenants rental applications or charge higher rents solely because they are receiving public assistance. Michigan also prohibits landlords from discriminating against potential tenants based on the types of public assistance they are receiving. For example, landlords may not discriminate against a potential tenant based solely on the fact that they are receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). Furthermore, a landlord cannot require a potential tenant to provide documents that specifically and solely refer to the tenant’s source of income, even if these documents are required by law. In conclusion, landlords in Michigan are prohibited from discriminating against individuals who receive public assistance in violation of Fair Housing Law. To avoid liability, landlords should strive to create policies that are fair and impartial when it comes to operating their rental business.
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