BSEED Resources FAQ
Detroit Water and Sewerage Department (DWSD) Tenant Water Services
Water and Sewer – Landlord and Tenant Agreement (LTA)
The LTA is a contract transferring responsibility for the property’s water and sewer bill payment from the landlord to the tenant. DWSD has more information about the LTA on its website.
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Department of Public Works Yard Waste and Bulk Collection Service
The Department of Public Works offers special pick-up of debris as well as a very affordable dumpster roll-off service. If you know you will be removing debris from your property, contact DPW to schedule the appropriate bulk pick-up or roll-off service. Also refer to the City’s regular bulk pick-up schedule and requirements.
Download: Bulk Collection Flyer and Yard Waste Flyer
For more information, contact: Crystal Gilbert-Rogers at [email protected]
Improve Detroit App to Report Illegal Dumping
To report illegal dumping, download the Improve Detroit app SeeClickFix on your smartphone, or visit the City’s Improve Detroit webpage.
36th District Court and landlord-tenant cases
Because 36th District Court handles landlord-tenant cases, its judges become important actors in protecting tenants, protecting landlords, and ensuring all are accurately informed of their rights and responsibilities. Before filing an eviction case, you may be required to provide the following documents to proceed with your case:
- Proof of Rental Registration to file a complaint in court.
- Proof of a Certificate of Compliance to file a complaint in court.
- Confirmation that there are no outstanding blight violation fines before a complaint can be filed in court.
For the most current information and to contact the 36th District Court directly, visit the Court's website: 36th District Court Landlord-Tenant Division
State of Michigan’s Guide to Tenant/Landlord Rights
Tenants and Landlords: A Practical Guide
This guide, prepared by the State of Michigan Legislature, provides tenants and landlords with information regarding rental housing law, the eviction process, mediation, sample forms for leasing and subleasing and sample letters discussing the roles of each party in repair and maintenance of a rental property.
Local organizations helping tenants locate rental housing
Applicant Screening
Keeping Illegal Activity out of Rental Property : A Police Guide for Establishing Landlord Training Programs.
The U.S. Department of Justice developed a training guide for police-led landlord education. In this guide, there are tips on performing comprehensive applicant screenings. review Section II page 23 of Keeping Illegal Activity out of Rental Property guide.
Detroit Fire Department - Community Relations Division
Practicing good fire safety habits is critical to keeping your tenants and your property safe. The Detroit Fire Department expects you and your tenants to follow local regulations and fire safety requirements. One of the most common violations that City inspectors find, is nonworking or missing smoke alarms in rental properties. Smoke detectors must be installed near all bedrooms. Maintaining smoke detectors with batteries is the responsibility of both the tenant and owner.
The Detroit Fire Department provides a helpful checklist of things to watch for in your property. Refer to this list, and provide a copy to your tenants to help ensure that all parties understand potential fire safety hazards that can threaten tenant safety and the property.
For other fire safety questions, contact: (313) 596-2900 or [email protected]
- Additional Safety tips for tenants who are deaf or hard of hearing
- U.S. Fire Administration - Educational Materials and Training
To promote fire safety, the U.S. Fire Administration has created a number of outreach materials and educational programs. These materials can be a helpful resource to you as a property owner, and to your tenants. Materials available in English and Spanish
Energy Efficiency Assessment by DTE Energy
Making your property more energy efficient is good for both you and your tenants, helping to reduce utilities costs. DTE provides a number of energy efficiency programs for single-family and multi-family properties, and offers free consultations to learn which energy efficiency upgrades may be most helpful for your property. Advertising your property as more energy efficient is a great way to attract new tenants.
To determine eligibility, visit DTE's website
Weatherization Assistance Program by Wayne Metro
Wayne Metro Community Action Agency offers a free weatherization program available to income-qualified renter and owner-occupied households. This program may help your tenants to reduce their energy consumption and save you or your tenants money on utility bills. Efficiency improvements may include installation of wall or attic insulation, weather stripping around doors and window frames, and more.
To learn more about the program, visit Wayne Metro or call (734) 284-6999.
The Detroit Land Bank Authority (DLBA) sells one- and two-unit properties through its Auction and Own It Now Programs to qualified buyers who can rehabilitate and occupy the property within six months of closing (or nine months for properties within historic districts). You must be current on property taxes, show necessary finances and demonstrate an ability to rehabilitate the property within the required timeframe.
To learn more about available DLBA properties and purchase requirements, visit DLBA'a website
For information on purchasing other publicly available property (e.g. multifamily and commercial) in Detroit, visit the City's Real Estate FAQ page.