Source-of-Income Discrimination: Detroit vs Livonia
How do source-of-income discrimination rules compare between Detroit, MI and Livonia, MI?
Livonia has fewer restrictions than Detroit.
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 →Livonia, 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 Livonia rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Detroit | Livonia |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| State list | - | Source of income excluded |
| Detroit | - | Voucher protection enacted |
| Hamtramck | - | Local protection |
| County rule | - | None enacted |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
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.
Livonia 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.
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