Eviction Eagle Eyes: Can You Kick Out a Disabled Tenant in Michigan?
Let's face it, being a landlord ain't all sunshine and rent checks. Sometimes, tenants turn into terrors, leaving you with a symphony of sirens and a symphony of headaches (courtesy of your neighbour complaining about the aforementioned sirens). But what happens when the tenant in question has a disability? Can you unleash your inner eviction eagle and boot them out?
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| Can You Evict A Disabled Person In Michigan |
Hold Your Horses (or Eviction Notice)!
Here's the truth: In Michigan, you can't exactly evict someone simply because they have a disability. That's like evicting someone for having impeccable taste in polka music (which is a crime against humanity, but that's a whole other story). The Fair Housing Act (FHA) is there to protect folks with disabilities, and evicting them because of their disability is a big no-no.
But Wait, There's More! (the not-so-fun kind of 'more')
Now, this doesn't mean you're stuck with a tenant who's playing the bongos at 3 AM (although that might be grounds for a noise ordinance violation). If a tenant with a disability is causing property damage or disrupting the peace, you can still evict them following the proper legal channels.
Here's the key: You can't evict them because of their disability. The eviction needs to be based on a legitimate lease violation, not their medical condition.
Tip: Look out for transitions like ‘however’ or ‘but’.
Reasonable Accommodations: The Key to Coexistence
Landlords in Michigan also have to consider reasonable accommodations. For example, if a tenant with a visual impairment needs a grab bar installed in the shower, you generally can't refuse that request. Working with your tenant on reasonable accommodations can help prevent eviction headaches down the road.
So, Can I Evict or Not? It Depends! ♀️
If you have a tenant with a disability who's not violating the lease or causing problems, then no, you can't evict them. However, if they are causing issues, you can still evict them through the proper legal channels, focusing on the specific problem behaviour and not their disability.
Remember: Communication is key! Talking to your tenant about any concerns you have can often help nip problems in the bud before they blossom into eviction nightmares.
Tip: Focus on clarity, not speed.
## FAQ: Eviction Eagle Edition
How to know if a tenant has a disability?
You don't necessarily need to know. The law protects people with disabilities, even if they haven't disclosed it to you.
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How to handle a tenant with a disability who's causing problems?
Tip: Reading in short bursts can keep focus high.
Focus on the specific problem behaviour and document everything. If it's a major issue, consult with a lawyer specializing in landlord-tenant law.
How to make reasonable accommodations?
The best approach is to talk to your tenant and see what they need. It could be something simple like installing grab bars or allowing a service animal.
Tip: Let the key ideas stand out.
How to avoid eviction headaches?
Screen tenants carefully, have a clear lease agreement, and be proactive in addressing any problems that arise.
How to find out more about tenant rights and reasonable accommodations?
The Michigan Department of Civil Rights (MDCR) is a great resource: https://www.michigan.gov/mdcr
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