[MI] I live in HUD housing and have received a Notice to Quit but not an eviction. Can my apartment management refuse my rent?

Lexi, Chatbot

I understand that’s stressful. Have you been given a reason for the Notice to Quit?

Lexi, Chatbot

Have you discussed this with your apartment management to try to resolve it?

Lexi, Chatbot

Is there anything else the lawyer should know?

Barrister

Hi, my name is Barrister. I’m a licensed attorney, and I know this situation can be frustrating. Let’s go through this carefully.

Has the landlord actually filed an eviction case in court yet?

Barrister

That makes sense. Once a landlord decides to terminate a tenancy and move toward eviction, they often refuse rent payments because accepting them could legally restart or extend the tenancy.

However, since this isn’t a non-payment eviction, but rather about an alleged “lease violation” involving your daughter, the issue of rent refusal is questionable — especially in HUD-subsidized housing, where federal rules require specific due process before termination.

If the case goes to court, you’ll have the chance to present evidence that the incident doesn’t justify eviction. Keep your rent money set aside, and if the judge dismisses the case, you’ll need to pay it immediately to stay current.

Barrister

Under HUD regulations, you’re entitled to due process before an eviction.

In fact, 24 CFR § 247.3 and § 247.4 specifically require:

• Proper written notice of the reason for termination,
• An opportunity to respond, and
• A court judgment before you can be forced to move.

Refusing rent without a valid court order can violate these regulations — especially if management is doing so to pressure you out (which could qualify as constructive eviction).

Next Steps

1. Prepare for Court

• Bring every email, notice, and photo documenting your attempts to pay rent.
• Highlight that management refused rent despite no eviction order — a violation of HUD protocol.
• Emphasize your family’s disability accommodations and that this situation may be retaliatory.

2. Contact Legal Aid Immediately

Because you’re in HUD housing, you qualify for free or low-cost legal representation.

Reach out to:

• Legal Aid and Defender Association (Detroit/Canton area)
• Michigan Legal Help
• HUD Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity Office (FHEO)

3. Keep Paying or Setting Aside Rent

• Keep the cashier’s checks or money orders and receipts.
• This proves you’re not in arrears and strengthens your case that management is acting in bad faith.

4. File Complaints

• File a HUD complaint for due process and disability discrimination violations.
• You can also file with the Michigan Department of Civil Rights (MDCR).

Barrister

You’ve built a strong paper trail — that’s critical. While no lawyer can predict outcomes, your documentation, the management’s refusal of rent, and the apparent due process violations all give you solid grounds to defend against eviction and possibly assert your rights under federal housing law.

Stay organized, stay calm, and contact legal aid right away. You have a defensible case.