Source-of-Income Discrimination: Dearborn vs Detroit
How do source-of-income discrimination rules compare between Dearborn, MI and Detroit, MI?
Dearborn has fewer restrictions than Detroit.
Dearborn, MI
Wayne County
Michigan does not include source of income as a protected class in the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act, but Detroit, Hamtramck, and Ann Arbor passed local ordinances banning landlord refusals to accept Section 8 vouchers and other lawful income sources.
View full Dearborn rules →Detroit, MI
Wayne County
Detroit's Fair Housing Ordinance bans landlords from refusing applicants based on lawful source of income, including Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers, SSI, veteran benefits, or child support payments. Violations carry civil penalties up to $25,000.
View full Detroit rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Dearborn | Detroit |
|---|---|---|
| State list | Source of income excluded | - |
| Detroit | Voucher protection enacted | - |
| Hamtramck | Local protection | - |
| County rule | None enacted | - |
| Protected sources | - | Section 8, SSI, VASH, support |
| First offense fine | - | Up to $5,000 |
| Repeat offense fine | - | Up to $25,000 |
| Investigating agency | - | Detroit Civil Rights Dept |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Dearborn FAQ
Can a Detroit landlord refuse my Section 8 voucher?
Generally no. Detroit prohibits source-of-income discrimination for landlords with five or more units. Smaller landlords may still legally decline, but unit-size thresholds change periodically.
Does this rule apply in unincorporated Wayne County?
No. Wayne County has no countywide source-of-income protection, so unincorporated parcels follow only state law, which currently allows landlords to decline voucher applicants.
Detroit FAQ
Can I require an income-to-rent ratio?
Yes, but the calculation must include voucher and benefit income equally. Excluding voucher value from gross income is itself a form of source-of-income discrimination.
Does federal law require voucher acceptance?
Federal law does not, but Michigan and Detroit local ordinances do. Detroit landlords must accept Section 8 applicants on equal terms with cash-paying applicants.
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