Ask Flint Malpractice Jones Day Emergency Management Sherwin-Williams Detroit’s low rental compliance rate—currently only 10% - Why advocates worry visual inspections may overlook critical lead hazards, risking children's health.

Detroit City Council tightens rental rules, focusing on tenant safety and compliance

Detroit City Council has greenlit changes to its rental ordinance, focusing on rental compliance, lead inspections, and tenant protections via expanded escrow rules, starting January 1, 2025, with full rollout by spring.

 by Nina Misuraca Ignaczak October 30, 2024

Overview:

- Detroit City Council has approved amendments to its rental ordinance, focusing on rental compliance, lead inspections, and tenant protections through expanded escrow regulations.
-Effective January 1, 2025, with full implementation by spring, the ordinance aims to improve Detroit's low rental compliance rate and ensure safer housing.
- It includes lead safety protocols like visual inspections, dust wipe testing, and geographic expansion. While officials support the ordinance, some advocates worry visual inspections may overlook critical lead hazards, risking children's health.

Detroit City Council has approved amendments to its rental ordinance, reforming rental compliance, lead inspections and tenant protections through expanded escrow regulations. The amendments will become effective January 1, 2025, and full implementation is expected by spring.

Landlords must obtain this certificate before renting any property. Valid for three years, the certificate ensures properties meet city safety standards. Non-compliant landlords cannot collect rent legally, and the city may file liens or issue civil fines for violations. Key details include:

• Escrow accounts: Tenants of properties without a compliance certificate can deposit rent into a city-managed escrow. If the landlord fails to meet compliance, tenants may retain escrowed funds. This program now includes multi-family housing and shifts responsibility to the city’s housing department.
• Tenant protections: Landlords are prohibited from retaliating against tenants who report non-compliance or participate in the escrow program, ensuring tenant safety and fair practices.
• Staffing: A fiscal analysis indicated that Detroit will require additional staff by 2027, including three inspectors and three escrow program coordinators, to manage the ordinance’s demands effectively.

The amendments went forward this week after a delay last week.

City officials said the ordinance addresses Detroit’s low rental compliance rate—currently only 10%—and aims to provide safer housing conditions. Council Member Mary Waters referenced the death of 11-month-old Ca’Mya Davis in a rental property, underscoring the urgency for stricter regulations to prevent further tragedies.

https://planetdetroit.org/2024/10/detroit-city-council-rental-ordinance-reform/