State Representative Jennifer Conlin (D-Ann Arbor Charter Township) testifying on behalf of HB 4603
LANSING, Mich., July 2, 2024 — A set of bills to address renter discrimination was passed in the House of Representatives last week. The set of bills, House Bills 4062 and 4063, and Senate Bills 205-207, were brought to the House by state Reps. Jason Morgan (D-Ann Arbor) and Jennifer Conlin (D-Ann Arbor Charter Township) and state Sens. Mary Cavanagh (D-Redford Township), Rosemary Bayer (D-West Bloomfield) and Jeff Irwin (D-Ann Arbor). These bills will amend the Landlord and Tenant Relationships Act and Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act to bar landlords from denying or dissuading prospective renters due to source of income. Amending this language will make certain everyone has the right to respect and accessibility in the housing market.
HB 4062, sponsored by Conlin, and SBs 205–206, sponsored by Cavanagh and Bayer, respectively, will prohibit landlords from attempting to bar tenancy based on a prospective renter’s source of income. This includes clarifying the language surrounding denying, terminating, restricting or discouraging renters from certain properties.
“Housing is a basic necessity. Denying someone the right to shelter because they receive veterans benefits, child care or state assistance is unfair. Michiganders deserve respect, and these bills ensure dignity and civility in the housing market,” Conlin said.
HB 4603, sponsored by Morgan, and SB 207, sponsored by Irwin, will amend the language in the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act to protect sources of income in real estate transactions. This amendment will include a source of income alongside gender, religion and race in the list of protections. Additionally, the bill package will enhance the penalties for real-estate based discriminations.
“This legislation will ensure that every person has equal access to housing in our state. We are removing barriers families face in finding a safe place to live,” Morgan said. “Veterans, seniors, and hardworking Michiganders should know that their basic right to housing is protected in our great state.”
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