Mich. Comp. Laws § § 37.2701
Prohibited conduct.
Operative Text
Sec. 701. Two or more persons shall not conspire to, or a person shall not: (a) Retaliate or discriminate against a person because the person has opposed a violation of this act, or because the person has made a charge, filed a complaint, testified, assisted, or participated in an investigation, proceeding, or hearing under this act. (b) Aid, abet, incite, compel, or coerce a person to engage in a violation of this act. (c) Attempt directly or indirectly to commit an act prohibited by this act. (d) Willfully interfere with the performance of a duty or the exercise of a power by the commission or 1 of its members or authorized representatives. (e) Willfully obstruct or prevent a person from complying with this act or an order issued or rule promulgated under this act. (f) Coerce, intimidate, threaten, or interfere with a person in the exercise or enjoyment of, or on account of his or her having aided or encouraged any other person in the exercise or enjoyment of, any right granted or protected by this act.
Michigan Civil Rights Act Section 37.2701 identifies a broad category of prohibited conduct that goes beyond direct discrimination. The provision bars individuals and groups from retaliating against those who oppose or report civil rights violations, from helping or pressuring others to violate the law, and from obstructing the Michigan Civil Rights Commission or interfering with anyone exercising rights protected under MCL § 37.2101 et seq. Essentially, the law creates a protective ring around the entire enforcement process, covering complainants, witnesses, and anyone who assists in a civil rights proceeding.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating under MCL § 37.2101 et seq. § 37.2701 generally ensure that no adverse action is taken against a tenant, applicant, or employee because that person filed a complaint, testified, or otherwise participated in a civil rights proceeding. Compliant operators also avoid pressuring or incentivizing others—including staff or contractors—to act in ways that would violate the Act. Maintaining clear anti-retaliation policies and documenting the legitimate, non-retaliatory basis for any adverse housing decision are practices commonly associated with compliance under this provision.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under MCL § 37.2101 et seq. § 37.2701, tenants have the right to oppose discriminatory practices, file complaints, and participate in civil rights proceedings without facing retaliation, intimidation, or interference. If a tenant believes a landlord has taken adverse action—such as issuing a notice to quit or raising rent—in response to a fair housing complaint or testimony, that conduct may itself constitute a separate violation of Section 37.2701. Tenants can explore options such as filing a complaint with the Michigan Department of Civil Rights, raising the retaliation as a defense in a housing proceeding, or contacting a local tenant-rights organization for general guidance.
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.
Effective Timeline
References Out
No outbound references recorded yet for this provision.
References In
Rules and statutes that cite this regulation