Gov. Whitmer Bill Signing Provides Housing Protections

Bill package increases Michigan’s affordable housing

LANSING, Mich., Jan. 17, 2025 — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed House Bills 4062-63 into law. This package of bills protects renters from discrimination based on their source of income including low-income renters, veterans and seniors. 

“This is a proud moment for Michigan, as we take a significant step toward ensuring renters have access to safe, affordable housing. Gov. Whitmer’s signing of this critical legislation sends a clear message: every Michigander will have the dignity to put a roof over their head — regardless of their income source,” said state Rep. Jason Morgan (D-Ann Arbor) ”These protections will create a fairer system for renters, providing the necessary tools to seek relief and ensuring working families, seniors and veterans aren’t unfairly shut out of housing opportunities.”

HBs 4062-63 and Senate Bills 205-07 are part of a broad five-bill package introduced by state Reps. Jennifer Conlin (D-Ann Arbor Charter Township) and Jason Morgan, state Sens. Mary Cavanagh (Redford Township), Rosemary Bayer (D-West Bloomfield) and Jeff Irwin (D-Ann Arbor), preventing landlords from denying housing based on lawful sources of income, including Social Security, alimony or housing assistance programs like Housing Choice Vouchers (HCVs, known as Section 8). In addition, it makes modifications to the Landlord-Tenant Act that would allow a person impacted by a landlord’s source of income discrimination to seek injunctive relief and damages in court.

“This legislation is about fairness, dignity and creating opportunities for all Michiganders to thrive.  With this legislation, we are taking a crucial step to break down barriers that have kept too many families, seniors and veterans out of stable housing, by protecting renters from discrimination based on their lawful sources of income,” Conlin said. “Gov. Whitmer’s signing of these bills demonstrates Michigan’s commitment to fostering a state where renters — no matter their income source — have a fair chance to secure a safe and affordable place to call home.”

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