Landlord Rental Requirements

Rental Requirements FAQ

What if I already have a tenant living in my rental property, but am not registered or do not have a Certificate of Compliance?

You need to take the following actions right away:

What must I do as a landlord?

Visit this Landlord Certificate of Compliance Page to learn about the steps to achieving compliance.

What happens if I don’t obtain or maintain a valid Certificate of Compliance?

Violations of the rental registry ordinance, including any failure to register rental property, are considered blight violations, or “blight tickets."⁽⁷⁾
Properties must be properly maintained to keep a valid Certificate of Compliance. If an interim inspection reveals a violation that threatens the health or safety of the tenant, the Certificate of Compliance must be suspended immediately. (8) (7) Detroit City Code, Section 8-15-36; (8) MCL 125.530(2); (9) MCL 125.530(3)

What if I transfer my rental property to a new owner?

When rental property is sold or transferred to a new owner, the new owner must register and apply for a new rental registration certificate.⁽¹⁰⁾
Transferring your property does not eliminate your obligation to pay any fees and fines assessed during the time you owned the property.

⁽¹⁰⁾ Detroit City Code, Section 8-15-81

What is BSEED responsible for?

BSEED must inspect rental property at least once a year. ⁽¹¹⁾
BSEED may perform additional inspections upon request by the occupants or public, based on a complaint or direct observation of substandard or deteriorated physical condition. ⁽¹¹⁾

⁽¹¹⁾ Detroit City Code, Section 8-15-34;