Councilmember Waters’ 'fair chance' rental ordinance sent to law for review
March 16, 2026 | Detroit, Wayne County, Michigan
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Councilmember Mary Waters introduced an ordinance (item 6.9) to amend Chapter 22 of the Detroit City Code (Housing) by adding a 'fair chance access to rental housing' division intended to reduce rental-application and pre-tenancy fees and protect returning citizens from discriminatory practices.
"The purpose of this ordinance is so that renters are treated more fairly by landlords," Councilmember Mary Waters told the committee, describing constituent "horror stories" about steep up-front costs for applications that end in rejection. The Legislative Policy Division representative asked that the proposal be referred to the law department for approval as to form — a standard drafting step — and the committee voted to refer 6.9 to law.
The chair confirmed the referral will return to committee after law-review and drafting are complete.
"The purpose of this ordinance is so that renters are treated more fairly by landlords," Councilmember Mary Waters told the committee, describing constituent "horror stories" about steep up-front costs for applications that end in rejection. The Legislative Policy Division representative asked that the proposal be referred to the law department for approval as to form — a standard drafting step — and the committee voted to refer 6.9 to law.
The chair confirmed the referral will return to committee after law-review and drafting are complete.
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