2025-01-06
In Michigan, a new law has been passed that prevents landlords from refusing to rent to tenants who use housing assistance programs.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed several bills earlier this week ensuring that tenants cannot be discriminated against based on the source of their rent money. The action is done to empower tenants who use programs like Section 8 vouchers or veterans' benefits to pay their rent.
Under these new laws, landlords who own five or more rental units are prohibited from denying housing to these tenants. The move is part of an effort to make it easier for all Michigan residents to find affordable housing and reduce homelessness.
Check out: What is Federal Rental Assistance?
The introduction of these bills into law marks a significant step towards protecting renters by ensuring their income source, such as housing vouchers, is not used as a barrier against them.
State Senators Mary Cavanaugh, Rosemary Bayer, and Jeff Irwin, who represent districts in Redford Township, West Bloomfield, and Ann Arbor respectively, sponsored the legislation.
The reaction from landlord groups and housing providers has generally been neutral. They recognized that previous denials were mostly due to the complexities of dealing with government assistance programs.
Andrew Kuhn, CEO of Sunrise Communities and president of the Apartment Association of Michigan, mentioned that the most significant change for landlords would be the need to train their staff to handle procedures related to these government vouchers more effectively.
Support for the legislation has come from various housing advocacy groups, including the Michigan State Housing Development Authority and United Way of Southeastern Michigan. These groups see the law as a positive step towards increasing access to affordable housing.
Read more: Simplifying Housing Choice Vouchers: A Practical Approach to Assistance
However, some concerns were also raised by business and landlord groups, pointing out ongoing challenges like court delays in eviction proceedings which could still pose issues.
In conclusion, while this legislation is targeted at preventing income-based discrimination, it's seen as just one part of the broader solution needed to address Michigan's affordable housing crisis. Increasing the overall housing supply is still necessary for making housing more affordable and accessible.
-
Check out more government assistance news here:
Michigan Landlords Now Required to Accept Housing Assistance for Rent Payments
In Michigan, a new law has been passed that prevents landlords from refusing to rent to tenants who use housing assistance programs.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed several bills earlier this week ensuring that tenants cannot be discriminated against based on the source of their rent money. The action is done to empower tenants who use programs like Section 8 vouchers or veterans' benefits to pay their rent.
Under these new laws, landlords who own five or more rental units are prohibited from denying housing to these tenants. The move is part of an effort to make it easier for all Michigan residents to find affordable housing and reduce homelessness.
Check out: What is Federal Rental Assistance?
The introduction of these bills into law marks a significant step towards protecting renters by ensuring their income source, such as housing vouchers, is not used as a barrier against them.
State Senators Mary Cavanaugh, Rosemary Bayer, and Jeff Irwin, who represent districts in Redford Township, West Bloomfield, and Ann Arbor respectively, sponsored the legislation.
The reaction from landlord groups and housing providers has generally been neutral. They recognized that previous denials were mostly due to the complexities of dealing with government assistance programs.
Andrew Kuhn, CEO of Sunrise Communities and president of the Apartment Association of Michigan, mentioned that the most significant change for landlords would be the need to train their staff to handle procedures related to these government vouchers more effectively.
Support for the legislation has come from various housing advocacy groups, including the Michigan State Housing Development Authority and United Way of Southeastern Michigan. These groups see the law as a positive step towards increasing access to affordable housing.
Read more: Simplifying Housing Choice Vouchers: A Practical Approach to Assistance
However, some concerns were also raised by business and landlord groups, pointing out ongoing challenges like court delays in eviction proceedings which could still pose issues.
In conclusion, while this legislation is targeted at preventing income-based discrimination, it's seen as just one part of the broader solution needed to address Michigan's affordable housing crisis. Increasing the overall housing supply is still necessary for making housing more affordable and accessible.
-
Check out more government assistance news here:
Recent Posts
