Source of Income · MI
Michigan source-of-income law
Michigan law on Section 8 source-of-income discrimination: whether landlords must consider Housing Choice Voucher applicants on the same basis as cash applicants, current statute text, and what screening is still allowed.
No state-level protection; Ann Arbor, Detroit, East Lansing and other cities have local ordinances.
At a glance
- Vouchers protected
- No
- Statute
- —
- Last reviewed
- June 2026
Frequently asked questions
Is it legal to turn down a Section 8 applicant in Michigan?
Yes, under current Michigan state law, which has no source-of-income protection. You must still apply the federal Fair Housing Act (no disparate treatment by race, familial status, disability, etc.) and any local ordinances that cover your city.
Can I apply a different minimum income to voucher holders in Michigan?
Where source-of-income coverage applies, the income multiple applies to the tenant's share of rent, not the contract rent, because the subsidy is itself income. A 3x rule on a $2,000 contract rent where the tenant pays $400 is calculated against the $400, not the $2,000.
Does Michigan let me charge Section 8 tenants a different deposit?
Deposit caps follow the general Michigan security deposit statute regardless of voucher status. Charging voucher holders a higher deposit by category is disparate treatment; charging everyone the documented same deposit under your criteria is lawful in Michigan unless a local ordinance further caps it.
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