Michigan city scape in grey
Marko Law Firm

Michigan Fair Housing Violation Lawyer: Fighting Discrimination in Rentals

Your home should be your safe place. It’s where you rest, recover, raise your family, and live your truth. But for too many people in Michigan, that safety gets ripped away the moment a landlord, property manager, or real estate agent decides you don’t belong—because of who you are.

Maybe they didn’t say it outright. Maybe they used coded language or claimed the unit was "just rented." Maybe your application was fine—until they saw your last name, met your service animal, or learned you have kids. Or maybe you’ve lived somewhere for years, only to be harassed, ignored, or pushed out once you asked for accommodations.

The law protects your right to safe, dignified, and equal housing, free from discrimination based on race, disability, sex, family status, religion, national origin, age, or gender identity. That’s what fair housing means—not just in theory, but in real life. No more being treated like a problem for asking for a ramp or a quiet space for your child with sensory needs. No more back-of-the-line tactics based on your accent, your skin color, or your faith.

At Marko Law, we fight hard—and we don’t back down. We represent Michigan tenants and housing applicants who’ve been denied, displaced, or disrespected because of who they are. Our mission is clear: hold housing providers accountable, and make sure no one gets away with violating your rights.

Key Laws That Protect Tenants in Michigan

Federal Fair Housing Act (Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968)

This landmark federal law makes it illegal to discriminate in housing based on:

  • Race
  • Color
  • Religion
  • Sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation)
  • National origin
  • Disability
  • Familial status (like having children)

This law applies to rental housing, home sales, mortgage lending, advertising, and more. If someone refuses to rent to you, gives you different lease terms, or harasses you due to a protected trait—they’re violating federal law. We take that seriously.

Michigan Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act (ELCRA)

Michigan’s ELCRA provides even broader protections, covering:

  • Age
  • Marital status
  • Height and weight (in some jurisdictions)
  • Sexual orientation and gender identity (explicitly protected under recent amendments)

Whether it’s a big management company or an individual landlord, ELCRA makes clear that discrimination in housing is not tolerated in this state.

Michigan Persons with Disabilities Civil Rights Act (PWDCRA)

This law specifically protects people with physical, mental, or emotional disabilities. Under PWDCRA, it’s illegal for housing providers to:

  • Refuse reasonable accommodations or modifications
  • Deny housing because of a disability
  • Harass or retaliate against someone for asserting their disability rights

This law works in tandem with the federal Fair Housing Act to ensure people with disabilities have equal access to safe, stable housing.

How These Laws Work Together

Michigan renters and homebuyers are protected under both state and federal law. That means:

  • You can file claims under either—or both—sets of laws
  • Violators can be held accountable in state or federal court
  • You may be entitled to greater protections and damages by pursuing both avenues

At Marko Law, we know how to use every legal tool to build a powerful case. We coordinate with HUD, the Michigan Department of Civil Rights, and the courts to make sure your rights are enforced—and your voice is heard.

Common Examples of Housing Discrimination

“We Don’t Rent to People With Kids”

Some landlords try to steer families with children to certain units—or deny them altogether. They’ll say things like:

  • “This building is for professionals only.”
  • “We’re not childproofed.”
  • “That unit is too noisy for kids.”

This is illegal familial status discrimination under both Michigan and federal law. You have the right to live where you choose—not where they allow.

Refusing Service Animals or Accessibility Modifications

Disabled tenants have the right to:

  • Keep service animals and emotional support animals
  • Request reasonable modifications like ramps, grab bars, or visual alarms

Landlords cannot charge pet fees, refuse animals with documentation, or deny modifications that enable you to live independently. Denying these rights is a clear violation of the Fair Housing Act and PWDCRA.

Charging Higher Rent Based on Race, Disability, or National Origin

We’ve seen cases where landlords or managers quote:

  • Higher security deposits for Latino or Black tenants
  • “Premium” rent for tenants with disabilities
  • Extra “processing fees” based on someone’s accent or background

This is classic discrimination—and we don’t let it slide.

Evicting or Refusing to Renew Leases Based on Protected Traits

Maybe you asked for a ramp. Maybe you reported harassment. Suddenly, your lease isn’t being renewed. Or you’re being evicted for vague reasons like “violating community standards.” If the real reason is your identity, your disability, or your family status—it’s unlawful, and we’ll make them answer for it.

Harassment—and Landlords Who Look the Other Way

If you’re being harassed by other tenants or neighbors because of your:

  • Race
  • Religion
  • Gender identity
  • Disability
  • Family structure

…and your landlord refuses to intervene? They can be held liable. Landlords have a legal duty to stop harassment once they’re aware of it. Silence is complicity—and we call it out in court.

How to File a Fair Housing Complaint

Where to File

You have two main options, depending on whether you’re pursuing a state or federal claim:

  • Michigan Department of Civil Rights (MDCR): Enforces state protections under the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act and the Persons with Disabilities Civil Rights Act.
  • U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD): Handles complaints under the federal Fair Housing Act.

We often file with both, depending on the situation—doubling the pressure and expanding the remedies available to you.

Deadlines Matter

  • 180 days to file under Michigan law (MDCR)
  • 1 year to file a complaint with HUD under the Fair Housing Act

Miss these windows, and you may lose your right to justice. The clock starts ticking from the date of the discriminatory act—so if you’ve been denied a rental, evicted, or harassed, don’t wait.

What Happens After You File

The fair housing complaint process typically involves:

  1. Intake and preliminary review by the agency
  2. Investigation of your allegations (including witness interviews, document review)
  3. Mediation or conciliation attempt to resolve the dispute
  4. Legal determination and possible referral to court or administrative hearing

If the agency finds discrimination occurred, it may order the landlord to pay damages, change policies, or face penalties.

Why You Need a Lawyer

Filing a complaint is just the first step. To truly hold a landlord accountable and maximize your compensation, you need experienced legal advocacy. At Marko Law, we:

  • Draft powerful legal complaints that hit every violation
  • Collect the evidence that agencies and courts take seriously
  • Handle appeals, litigation, and settlement negotiations
  • Protect your rights if retaliation occurs

Many tenants don’t win—not because their case is weak, but because they didn’t have someone in their corner who knew how to fight.

What You Can Recover

Actual Damages

We pursue real-world compensation for every expense you’ve been forced to carry, including:

  • Emergency hotel stays or relocation costs
  • Application and deposit fees lost to discriminatory practices
  • Lost wages if the housing issue impacted your job
  • Therapy or counseling costs related to emotional trauma

Emotional Distress Damages

The pain of being told “you don’t belong here” runs deep. Victims of fair housing violations often suffer:

  • Anxiety and depression
  • Sleep problems
  • Feelings of shame, isolation, or fear
  • Strained family relationships

Punitive Damages for Egregious Violations

If the discrimination was willful, malicious, or part of a pattern, we may demand punitive damages—financial penalties designed to punish the wrongdoer and send a message to other landlords.

Attorney Fees and Court Costs

Under both federal and Michigan fair housing laws, the prevailing tenant can recover legal fees and court costs. That means you can fight back without fear of going into debt—and the other side may have to foot the bill.

Injunctive Relief: Forcing Change

Sometimes justice isn’t just about money—it’s about making it stop. We pursue court orders to:

  • End discriminatory policies and practices
  • Require accessibility improvements
  • Retrain property managers or staff
  • Monitor compliance with fair housing laws

Call Marko Law Today—Your Home Should Feel Like Home

Discrimination doesn’t stop at the front door—and when your right to fair housing is violated, the impact is personal, painful, and often invisible to those in power. But you don’t have to accept it. You can fight back—and Marko Law is ready to stand with you.

Whether you were denied a rental because of your disability, harassed for your race or religion, or pushed out for having children, you have rights under Michigan and federal law. And we know exactly how to enforce them.

We’ve taken on landlords, property managers, housing authorities, and corporate real estate chains—and we don’t back down. Your home should be a place of security and respect. If it’s not, we’re ready to make it right.

Contact Marko Law for a Free Case Evaluation

📞 Phone: 1-833-MARKO-LAW or 1-313-777-7777
📍 Main Office: 220 W. Congress, 4th Floor, Detroit, MI 48226
🌐 Website: www.markolaw.com

Marko Law Will Give You A Voice

At Marko Law, we don’t just take cases — we take a stand. Whether you're facing an injury, injustice, or outright negligence, our team fights like it’s personal — because to you, it is.

  • Over $500 Million recovered for our clients
  • Proven track record in civil rights, personal injury & workplace justice
  • Free, confidential consultations — you don’t pay unless we win
  • Based in Detroit, trusted across Michigan


Ready to make your voice heard?
We’re not here to play games. We’re here to win.

Get a Free Case Review