Mich. Comp. Laws § § 37.2801
Action for injunctive relief or damages; venue; “damages” defined.
Operative Text
Sec. 801. (1) A person alleging a violation of this act may bring a civil action for appropriate injunctive relief or damages, or both. (2) An action commenced pursuant to subsection (1) may be brought in the circuit court for the county where the alleged violation occurred, or for the county where the person against whom the civil complaint is filed resides or has his principal place of business. (3) As used in subsection (1), "damages" means damages for injury or loss caused by each violation of this act, including reasonable attorney's fees.
Michigan Civil Rights Act Section 37.2801 establishes a private right of action for individuals who believe they have experienced a violation of the act. A person may seek a court order stopping the unlawful conduct (injunctive relief), monetary compensation for harm suffered, or both. The term 'damages' under this section expressly includes reasonable attorney's fees, meaning legal costs can be part of any recovery for each proven violation.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under MCL § 37.2801, property owners and managers who are found to have violated the Michigan Civil Rights Act can face civil lawsuits filed in the circuit court of the county where the alleged violation occurred or where the owner resides or conducts business. Compliant operators generally maintain clear, consistently applied non-discriminatory policies and keep documentation of their practices to demonstrate adherence to the act. Because damages under this section include reasonable attorney's fees, the financial exposure from a civil action can extend well beyond any direct compensation award.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
MCL § 37.2801 gives individuals who believe their rights under the Michigan Civil Rights Act were violated the ability to file a civil lawsuit seeking a court order, monetary damages, or both. Damages under this provision include reasonable attorney's fees, which can make it more accessible to pursue a claim even when direct financial harm is difficult to quantify. General enforcement paths include filing a civil action in the appropriate Michigan circuit court, consulting a tenant-rights organization, or reaching out to a fair housing agency familiar with claims under this act.
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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