The city of Detroit has issued itself an important, albeit monumental task: make sure every rental property in the city is up to code. Starting Feb. 1, an initiative will begin to have landlords renovate their rental properties to make them follow all of the city's regulations and safety standards.
The initiative starts in the 48215 zip code near the Grosse Pointe border, which will undergo a six-month compliance period. Landlords have until May 1 to register their rental properties.
Properties will then be inspected to assess renovation plans and receive a certificate to confirm the compliance period, which begins Aug. 1.
The city plans to add a new zip code approximately every month for inspection. After the zip code 48215 launch begins, the next will be 48224 (March 1), 48223 (May 1), 48219 (June 1), 48209 (July 1) and 49210 (Aug. 1). Information about the rental property repairs will be sent out to residents as the start date nears.
The city will also safeguard renters from a variety of outcomes. For example, landlords will not receive payment from renters if the property has not been registered for the compliance period. If the landlord does not register the property, renters will be granted their money back without being evicted.
And if landlords meet all the guidelines, there will be fewer inspections on their properties.
Public records will be posted on a website to show what properties have been registered and certified. Registration of a rental property can be completed
here.
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