Each year, students feel pressure to begin their housing search in early fall and many problems arise. In August 2021, the City of Ann Arbor has amended its Early Leasing Ordinance stating that landlords may not show prospective tenants property until 150 days before the end of the current lease term. This change applies to all leases in the city that exceed eight months. Additionally, landlords may not enter into an agreement with a new/prospective tenant until 150 days before the end of the lease term. This ordinance is designed to prevent students from making hasty decisions regarding housing, since leases are binding contracts that are difficult to break. Read more on the Ann Arbor's Code of Ordinances website.
Educate yourself about property listings by visiting the U-M Off Campus Housing website, you may select favorite properties and share those properties with friends and family members within the site. If you are interested in a certain unit but the ordinance prevents the landlord from showing you the unit, you may send an email or phone message to the landlord noting your interest. The landlord will be able to show you the prospective unit once the time limit has passed. Please note that the ordinance does not apply to properties with a lease less than eight months.