Everyone deserves a place to call home—even those who have had a brush with our criminal justice system. Ann Arbor, Michigan, is making strides to ensure everyone has a chance to obtain decent housing by banning the criminal background checks of renters, which will expand housing opportunities to those returning to society after recent incarceration. This ordinance will reduce housing discrimination by getting rid of the criminal record box on housing applications, which is necessary as individuals with criminal records have an increasingly difficult time finding housing and transitioning back into society after charges and/or incarceration.
The new ordinance makes it illegal for landlords to ask applicants about their criminal history or require them to disclose any other criminal record. They also cannot deny someone housing based on this type of revealed information. If the landlord violates this ordinance, fines up to $500 a day for each violation will be enforced. The law makes exceptions for landlords who receive federal funding or accept tenants with federally subsidized housing vouchers.
Individuals incarcerated are seven times more likely to experience homelessness, which is a dangerous way to live and makes it even more challenging to receive jobs. Unmet housing needs also create challenges in dignity, public health, safety, and equality. Allowing landlords to discriminate based on criminal records also increases racial inequality within the housing markets, as people of color are disproportionately incarcerated. With this new ordinance in place, there will be more second chances available. Council members believe the community will benefit from it as a whole, and we have to agree.
If you’re tired of being denied housing based on a past charge, conviction, or arrest, we can help. We’re in the business of second chances—reach out to Easy Expunctions to get started with a free background report that can help us understand what’s on your record, and what could possibly be erased.
