Can you deny a tenant for criminal history in Michigan?

Asked by: Ryder Watsica  |  Last update: February 25, 2025
Score: 5/5 (37 votes)

Criminal background is not a protected class under the Fair Housing Act. However, having a criminal background does not automatically bar you from housing. Landlords are obligated to evaluate every tenant on a case-by-case basis.

Can you refuse to rent to someone with a criminal record in Michigan?

Probably, yes. In most cases it is legal for a private landlord not to rent to you if the landlord decides that you wouldn't be a good tenant because of your record.

Which of the following is not a legitimate reason to reject someone as a tenant?

Final answer: The correct answer is B) Familial status, as it is not a legitimate reason for rejecting a prospective tenant under the Fair Housing Act. Other options like evictions, bad credit reports, and frequent moves can be valid reasons for denial. Discrimination based on familial status is prohibited by law.

Can you get denied for not having rental history?

You are technically allowed to deny a tenant for not having prior rental history. If a tenant hasn't rented in the past, it's possible they were living in a dormitory, at a parent's house, or owned a home. As long as the individual has sufficient income (or a co-signer), then it's usually safe to rent to them.

What can I withhold rent for in Michigan?

When landlords do not make repairs, tenants can decide to withhold rent or pay for the repairs and deduct the amount from future rent. Typically, the tenant should ask in writing for the repairs before they do either of these things.

Why Do Landlords Check A Renters Criminal History?

24 related questions found

What is illegal for landlords to do in Michigan?

Fair housing laws categorically prohibit landlords in Michigan from treating tenants or potential applicants unfavorably based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, familial status, age, or marital status. This includes a prohibition on practices such as: Refusing to rent or negotiate for housing.

Are landlords notified when police are called?

No, the police would have no reason or obligation to provide any reports to the landlord. Some leases have provisions in them regarding visits by law enforcement, but that still wouldn't mean the landlord has any access to the police report.

Can you get approved with bad rental history?

Provide references

Character references can be powerful tools in overcoming a bad rental history. Ask previous employers, colleagues or even neighbors to vouch for your reliability and character. Personal references can sometimes offset a poor rental history by highlighting your positive attributes and trustworthiness.

How do I get around bad rental history?

Renting with a Bad Rental History
  1. Include a cover letter with your application. ...
  2. Include references. ...
  3. Find a co-signer. ...
  4. Offer to pay in advance or a larger security deposit. ...
  5. Offer to pay more in rent. ...
  6. Provide proof of employment. ...
  7. Suggest using direct payments. ...
  8. Find a roommate.

How do I hide my rental history?

No, you cannot hide your rental history. Because it is based on information retrieved from multiple sources such as a background check and credit report, it is virtually impossible to hide information that has been reported by a former landlord or property management and financial agency.

Can a landlord refuse rental verification?

It's just not required. There is just no law that punishes an old landlord for refusing to provide something like this. If your lender is hard-up about a verification, you have to consider some other options to provide to them so they can use their common sense.

When to reject a tenant application?

11 valid reasons to deny rental application for a prospective tenant
  1. Insufficient income. ...
  2. Unfavorable credit report and history. ...
  3. Negative references. ...
  4. Inconsistent or false information on the application. ...
  5. Past evictions. ...
  6. Criminal history. ...
  7. Insufficient rental history. ...
  8. Smoking or pet concerns.

Which of these is not a legitimate reason for rejecting a perspective tenant?

You cannot reject a tenant based on whether or not they have children, and many states also protect marital status, gender identity and sexual orientation. The best way to ensure you steer clear of any legal issues is to have a thorough screening process in place.

How do I rent if I have a criminal record?

Search for Privately Owned Housing.

Generally speaking, if you are working directly with a landlord who owns the property that is being rented out, you may have a greater chance at connecting with the landlord and going through a less rigorous screening or background check process.

Can felons rent apartments in Michigan?

Although there are no Michigan or federal laws prohibiting landlords from rejecting housing applicants because of a past criminal record, there have been federal guidelines since 2016 saying a "blanket prohibition" against all prospective tenants with criminal records that doesn't consider an individual's circumstances ...

What is the new criminal background rule from the HUD?

With respect particularly to “One Strike” policies, HUD stated that PHAs and owners are not required to adopt or enforce rules that deny admission to anyone with a criminal record or that require automatic eviction any time a household member engages in criminal activity in violation of their lease.

How do landlords check rental history?

Request a rental history report from a screening company. This report will provide you with information on the applicant's rental history, including any eviction records or negative rental references.

How to pass a rental background check?

The most important thing to consider is that even if you have a criminal past, be honest about it. If you try to hide information there is a higher likelihood of denial. You can also improve your credit, by start paying off open accounts and close old ones, in addition try to avoid any new negative points.

Does bad rental history go away?

Eviction records can stay in your tenant screening reports for up to seven years. The same seven-year timeline also applies to other public records, such as judgments, Chapter 13 bankruptcy and information about lawsuits.

How far back do landlords look for evictions?

If you were evicted through the court system, any judgments against you will appear on your credit report for up to seven years. Landlords are typically reluctant to rent to tenants with an eviction in their past, so you will have to work extra hard to position yourself as a trustworthy tenant.

How do I get around not having rental history?

9 Ways to Get Approved With No Rental History
  1. Increasing The Security Deposit. ...
  2. Show Proof of Income. ...
  3. Provide Proof of Employment. ...
  4. Consider Renting with a Roommate. ...
  5. Collect References. ...
  6. Get a Cosigner. ...
  7. Get a Guarantor. ...
  8. Show Proof of Regular Payments.

How to rent a house with bad credit and evictions?

If an applicant doesn't have an ideal credit score, landlords have options and can still rent to them. Landlords can ask applicants to provide context about their low score, have a guarantor for the lease, show proof of income, pay a larger security deposit, and have a shorter lease term.

Can a landlord call cops on a tenant?

Yes, they can call them. but the police will not actually do anything unless the landlord can demonstrate a legal reason as to why you need to leave the property.

Do landlords actually call employers?

Employers are very used to the fact that landlords contact them to get information about prospective residents, so it will not be a burden to your employer at all. They'll simply be asked basic questions (how much you make, if you're employed at their establishment, and how long you've worked there).

Can you see if someone has been evicted?

Yes, evictions become public records once they are filed with the court system. The availability of full details varies by state, but all evictions will appear in some form on public records. Depending on the final judgment, an eviction may also appear in criminal background checks.