Mich. Comp. Laws § § 37.2501
Definitions.
Operative Text
Sec. 501. As used in this article: (a) "Real property" includes a building, structure, mobile home, real estate, land, mobile home park, trailer park, tenement, leasehold, or an interest in a real estate cooperative or condominium. (b) "Real estate transaction" means the sale, exchange, rental, or lease of real property, or an interest in real property. (c) "Housing accommodation" includes improved or unimproved real property, or a part of improved or unimproved real property, that is used or occupied, or is intended, arranged, or designed to be used or occupied, as the home or residence of 1 or more individuals. (d) "Real estate broker or salesperson" means a person, whether licensed or not, who, for or with the expectation of receiving a consideration, lists, sells, purchases, exchanges, rents, or leases real property; who negotiates or attempts to negotiate any of those activities; who holds oneself out as engaged in those activities; who negotiates or attempts to negotiate a loan secured or to be secured by a mortgage or other encumbrance upon real property; who is engaged in the business of listing real property in a publication; or a person employed by or acting on behalf of a real estate broker or salesperson. (e) "Source of income" means that term as defined in section 1 of 1972 PA 348, MCL 554.601.
Michigan Civil Rights Act § 37.2501 establishes the foundational definitions that govern the state's fair housing article. It sets out what counts as "real property," a "real estate transaction," a "housing accommodation," a "real estate broker or salesperson," and "source of income" for purposes of applying the article's anti-discrimination rules. These definitions are broad by design, covering everything from single-family homes and mobile home parks to condominiums and leaseholds, and they apply to anyone acting in a real estate capacity regardless of whether that person holds a license.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners, managers, and anyone involved in listing, renting, or leasing residential space should understand that MCL § 37.2501 defines the scope of who and what falls under Michigan's fair housing article. Because the definition of "real estate broker or salesperson" extends to unlicensed individuals acting in that capacity, operators who use agents or property managers are generally considered covered by the same obligations as licensed professionals. Compliant operators typically ensure that all staff involved in leasing or showing units are familiar with the full range of protected classes and transaction types covered under this article.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
MCL § 37.2501 defines the types of housing and transactions protected under Michigan's fair housing law, which matters when a tenant believes they have experienced discrimination in renting, leasing, or being shown a unit. Because "housing accommodation" is defined broadly, most residential rental situations — including mobile homes and cooperative units — fall within the article's protections. Tenants who believe their rights under this article have been violated can explore options such as filing a complaint with the Michigan Department of Civil Rights or consulting a tenant-rights organization familiar with MCL § 37.2101 et seq.
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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