The Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act prohibits housing providers in Michigan from denying rentals or enforcing different terms or conditions for prospective tenants because a person is of a certain age. In Michigan, anyone 18 years or older may sign a contract such as a lease. Legally emancipated minors are also permitted to sign a lease.
Although it is not illegal in most municipalities to deny housing to an individual because they are a student, be aware that “student status” discrimination is often a cover-up for illegal age discrimination. For example, landlords who state a “no undergraduates” policy may in fact make exceptions for older, non-traditional students. In our service area, student status is protected in the Cities of Ann Arbor, East Lansing, Lansing, and Ypsilanti.
Finally, housing that is specifically labeled for “Seniors Only” (55+, 62+) must meet very specific guidelines to qualify as exempt from this law. A private landlord who advertises for “adults only” or “active senior community” without meeting all of the guidelines set up by the United States Housing and Urban Development office violates the Fair Housing Act.
Sean Herring told the FHC he was refused an apartment reserved for “graduate students only”. The UM undergraduate contacted the FHC for an investigation of age discrimination. FHC testing found that the Ludwigs were willing to show the apartment to older undergraduates (in their 30′s and older) while undergraduates in their 20′s were told about the graduate student only policy and not invited to see the unit.
Read MoreIf you believe you have been the victim of housing discrimination, please call us toll-free at 1-877-979-FAIR to discuss the situation.
Information provided about allegations or complaints of housing discrimination will be kept confidential. We will not report undocumented immigrants to the authorities.
Retaliation is illegal. Any attempt should be immediately reported to the FHC.