Lawmakers in Lansing pass protections for low-income renters in Michigan
A set of laws intended to increase renters’ access to housing in Michigan just passed the state house on Wednesday.
FOX 2, Lansing, Mich.Many renters in Michigan will now have additional protection because of a set of measures that recently passed the state legislature.
A set of laws intended to increase renters’ access to housing in Michigan just passed the state house on Wednesday. The Senate has previously voted against the legislation. The legislation’s state representative told FOX 2 what would happen if the governor signed the laws.
State Representative Jason Morgan (D-Ann Arbor) stated, “All we’re saying is that you can’t just say you don’t like where somebody’s money is coming from as long as it’s legal.” “We re trying to level the playing field on that particular piece of the puzzle.”
What does this mean for Michigan renters?
The easiest way to comprehend the motivation behind a set of measures that were approved by the state senate and state house would be to prevent renters from *not* being rented to depending on their income source.
“Landlords who discriminate against renters based on their income source should be held accountable,” he stated.
The package prohibits housing discrimination by landlords on the basis of legitimate income sources, such as Social Security, alimony, or housing aid programs, such as Housing Choice Vouchers.
“So this has been a long challenge here in our state,” he continued. “There are many people that we know are able to pay their rent, and they have demonstrated that they are capable of doing so. However, a landlord may discriminate if they don’t like the source of their income.
Additionally, the plan amends the Landlord-Tenant Act to allow anyone who are legally impacted to file a lawsuit for damages or other remedy.
“There are penalties in place under the law,” he stated. “Landlords are absolutely still allowed to consider every other aspect of what they do currently.”
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