Grand Rapids — Ch. 160 Discrimination in Real Property Transactions § 9.364
Discriminatory Practices
Operative Text
It shall be unlawful for an owner, a real estate broker or salesperson, or any other person, because of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, gender, disability, marital status, height, weight, sexual orientation, gender identity, source of lawful income or public assistance recipient status: (1) To refuse to engage in a real estate transaction with a person; (2) To discriminate against a person in the terms, conditions or privileges of a real estate transaction or in the furnishing of facilities or services in connection therewith; (3) To refuse to receive or to fail to transmit a bona fide offer to engage in a real estate transaction from a person; (4) To refuse to negotiate for a real estate transaction with a person; (5) To represent to a person that real property is not available for inspection, sale, rental or lease when, in fact, it is so available, or to intentionally fail to bring a property listing to the person's attention, or to refuse to permit the person to inspect real property; (6) To print, circulate, post or mail or cause to be so published a statement, advertisement or sign, or to use a form of application for a real estate transaction, or to make a record or inquiry in connection with a prospective real estate transaction, which indicates, directly or indirectly, an intent to make a limitation, specification, or discrimination with respect thereto; or (7) To offer, solicit, accept, use or retain a listing of real property with the understanding that a person may be discriminated against in a real estate transaction or in the furnishing of facilities or services in connection therewith.
Grand Rapids City Code § 9.364 prohibits owners, real estate brokers, salespersons, and others from discriminating in real estate transactions on the basis of a broad set of protected characteristics, including race, color, religion, national origin, age, gender, disability, marital status, height, weight, sexual orientation, gender identity, and source of lawful income or public assistance status. The rule covers a wide range of conduct, from outright refusals to deal, to discriminatory terms and conditions, to misleading statements about property availability, to discriminatory advertising. Even indirect signals of discriminatory intent—such as in listings, advertisements, or application forms—are prohibited under this provision.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Grand Rapids Ch. 160 § 9.364, property owners and managers operating in compliance generally apply consistent, documented criteria when evaluating prospective tenants or buyers, regardless of any protected characteristic. Compliant operators ensure that all listings, advertisements, and application materials are free of language that could signal a preference or limitation based on protected characteristics such as source of lawful income, height, weight, or sexual orientation. Maintaining uniform policies for showing properties, transmitting offers, and negotiating terms helps demonstrate that practices align with the broad anti-discrimination requirements of § 9.364.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Grand Rapids Ch. 160 § 9.364 establishes that tenants and prospective buyers have the right to be free from discrimination across virtually every stage of a real estate transaction, including advertising, application, negotiation, and the terms of any agreement. If a person believes they have been denied housing, given different terms, or misled about availability because of a protected characteristic—such as their source of income, disability, or gender identity—they may have grounds to raise a violation under this provision. General enforcement paths include filing a complaint with the City of Grand Rapids or a relevant fair housing agency, or consulting a tenant-rights or fair housing organization for guidance on available options.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 13, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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