Certificate of Compliance

Landlord Resources | Tenant Resources

Information on New Rental Ordinance

Pilot Phase of New Rental Ordinance

From February 15 through May 1, 2025, BSEED will pilot the new rental system, allowing many properties to apply for a certificate of compliance using simpler criteria. Rental properties in certain Detroit ZIP codes will be able to apply for a certificate of compliance after passing the property condition inspection only. Properties will not need to complete a Lead Inspection/Risk Assessment (LIRA). See a map of eligible ZIP Codes below.

Zip Codes Subject to Rental Inspection Pilot 2025

Properties outside of eligible ZIP codes should wait to apply for a certificate of compliance until the full launch of the new rental system on May 1. Properties with certificates scheduled to expire from January 1 to June 1, 2025 will receive a 12-month extension to allow them to apply for renewal after the launch of the new rental system.

Zip Codes Subject to Rental Inspection Pilot 2025

Pilot Zip Codes: 48201, 48202, 48203, 48205, 48207, 48208, 48209, 48214, 48215, 48216, 48217, 48219, 48221, 48223, 48224, 48226, 48228, ,48234, 48235, 48239, 48240

Non-Pilot Zip Codes: 48204, 48206, 48210, 48211, 48212, 48213, 48227, 48238

Steps to Obtain a Rental Certificate of Compliance During the Pilot 

Step 1. Register property as a rental in you eLAPs account, Code Enforcement module.*

• Register each property via the Code Enforcement Module in eLAPSs. Be sure to upload all required forms while registering the property.
• Click here for a video demonstration on how to register
• Click here for written directions on how to register
• Rental Registration is a one-time step that remains valid permanently, unless there is a change in ownership.

*Note that a property does not come in to compliance simply by registering. It must go through steps 2-4 here.

Step 2. Pass a property condition inspection

• 1-2 Unit properties: Schedule with any of the approved inspection companies listed here.
• 3+ Unit properties: Schedule an inspection with BSEED by calling 313-628-2451.
  • See a guide here on how to prepare your property for inspection.

Step 3. Upload the passed inspection report via eLAPs.

• Upload the passed inspection report via eLAPs, or if violations exist, make the necessary repairs and schedule a re-inspection with the same inspector.

Step 4. BSEED will issue a Certificate of Compliance.

Full Launch of New Rental System

On May 1, 2025, BSEED will complete a full launch of the new rental system. This will include:

• New, simplified inspection criteria in use citywide.
• Lower, standardized fees.
• Easier process to obtain inspections and apply for a certificate of compliance.
• Combining rental registration and certificate of compliance into one application / step.
• A summary of all changes in Detroit's new rental law is available here.
• Register your rental property with BSEED to receive email updates.

Steps to Obtain a Rental Certificate of Compliance for Federally Inspected Properties

Step 1. Register property as a rental by logging in or creating an eLAPs account

• Register each property via the Code Enforcement Module in eLAPs. Be sure to upload all required forms while registering the property.
• Click here to see how to use the online application
• Rental Registrations do not have an expiration date unless there is a change in ownership, or a change of use for the rental property.

Step 2. Attach a passed HUD Inspection to your eLAPs account

• Inspections need to be less than 12 months old

Step 3. BSEED issues Certificate of Compliance to the property owner.