LANSING, Mich. (July 26, 2021) — To mark the 31st anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act, Sen. Jeremy Moss (D-Southfield) and Rep. Kyra Bolden (D-Southfield) announced their plan to assist Michiganders who purchase a new residence or retrofit an existing residence to meet accessibility standards needed for those with physical limitations.
Senate Bills 586–587 and House Bills 5177–5178 would provide financial relief to Michigan residents who upgrade their primary home to maintain their independence by providing a tax credit up to 50% of the cost to retrofit an existing residence, or up to 4% of the total purchase price of a new, qualified principal residence.
“Many existing homes in communities across the state were not built to accommodate those with physical limitations or seniors wishing age in place,” Sen. Moss said. “Costly mobility improvements are often the only way Michigan residents can comfortably stay in their own home. These bills will help lift the financial burden from those seeking to live an independent, accessible life.”
The qualifying residence must be equipped for a person with a physician-approved physical limitation of the ability to enter, exit, and use a property without assistance. The residence must also include:
- At least one zero-step entrance;
- At least one full or half bathroom on the main floor; and,
- A minimum of 32 inches of clear passage space for all doorways on the main floor.
“The bills will help protect seniors and those with physical disabilities, who are among the most vulnerable in our communities. There is a growing and vibrant population of seniors in my district, many on a fixed income, and they have been asking for reasonable financial relief. This legislation is really important to them, and I think our colleagues need to take it very seriously,” Rep. Bolden said.
According to HomeAdvisor.com, the national average for remodeling a home for someone with a disability is $4,350, with a high-end cost of $19,000, yet there are few financial resources available to offset the costs of remodeling or buying a home that would accommodate someone with a physical disability or with physical limitations.
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