Housing Programs
A Key Partner for Affordable Housing and Regional Growth
As the second largest employer in the region, MSU is committed to supporting local governments and organizations like the Capital Area Housing Partnership to address local housing issues. MSU has served as a key partner in recent efforts to understand and address housing availability and affordability. MSU Government Relations was instrumental in providing data in support of these efforts including the City of East Lansing's completed housing study and housing strategic plan, as well as the HousingDrives regional housing assessment by the Tri-County Regional Planning Commission. MSU continues to collaborate with neighboring communities on housing issues, with Janet Lillie, MSU's assistant vice president for community relations serving on the steering committee of the South Central Regional Housing Partnership.
Programs to Support MSU Employees in Obtaining Affordable Housing
Reimbursement of Moving Expenses
To help alleviate the cost of moving, an MSU unit or college may pay moving and related expenses up to $10,000 with the approval by a unit administrator for eligible new employees following the policies set forth in Section 53: Moving Expenses of the Manual of Business Procedures.
Short-term housing at MSU
Owen Hall may be an option for MSU faculty, staff, and postdocs for short-term stays if there is space available. Owen Hall is a residence hall for undergraduate and graduate students and offers the allergen-free Thrive dining hall.
Owen hall offers only single occupancy rooms. To inquire about availability at Owen Hall, please contact Conference Services at 517-353- 9300.
Off-Campus Housing
The MSU Off Campus Listing Service is freely available for MSU employees to find affordable rental options near campus. The Off Campus Listing Service features multiple property listings and includes advanced search filters and educational resources.
Subsidized Housing
There are several subsidized apartment complexes within the Lansing area for which you may qualify. Many have lower income limits, require a security deposit in the amount of one month’s rent, and a satisfactory payment record at other residences (no late payments or evictions). Some apartments allow pets and most allow washers and dryers. Often there are waiting lists for subsidized housing, so begin your housing search early. Subsidized rental rates are based on 30% of your income, substantially lowering monthly rates.
Request a tour or consultation regarding the local real estate market
If you are considering purchasing a home in the East Lansing, Lansing or surrounding area, the MSU WorkLife Office has compiled a list of local realtors who are ready to assist Spartans in finding affordable housing. Some locations offer pickup and drop off services.
Other MSU and Local Housing Resources
MSU College of Law Rental Housing Clinic
The clinic is staffed with second and third year law students who provide legal counseling, representation, and education to tenants and landlords who have rental housing difficulties. The service complements other local nonprofit organizations’ efforts at informing tenants and landlords about their rights and responsibilities. The service furthers those efforts when the rental housing issue is a legal one. The Clinic operates under Michigan Court Rules 8.120 which permits law students who are supervised by a member of the State Bar to provide legal services to clients.
The MSU Surplus Store sells used low-cost furnishings and office supplies as well as bicycles, computers, and household items. Employees, students and community members can buy gently used items at an affordable price, helping outfit their homes while reducing their environmental impact.
Michigan State Housing Development Authority
The Michigan State Housing Development Authority, established in 1966, provides loans to first time homebuyers that qualify based on their income. Home purchase educational programs are available. Section 8 subsidies (used for free choice of home location/individual houses) are currently not available. However, lists of subsidized housing apartment complexes are available.
The Lansing Housing Commission is the Public Housing Authority in Lansing, MI. Through its public housing and homeownership programs, the Lansing Housing Commission provides families, senior citizens, and disabled individuals the ability to seek and retain decent and safe affordable housing.
Provides downpayment assistance and rehabilitation assistance to low-income and moderate income home buyers who are purchasing a house in the target area.
City of Lansing Single Family Housing Rehabilitation Loan Program
Income eligible families that own a home and live in Lansing may be eligible to receive a 0% interest loan to help with repairs such as furnace, boiler, water heater, roof, windows, siding, sewer, and electrical.
Habitat for Humanity Capital Region
Habitat for Humanity Capital Region is a nonprofit organization that helps people build and improve places to call home in Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham Counties, Michigan.