How to Avoid Blight Tickets

Blight Tickets Info

Blight Tickets Info

New property owners should check for any outstanding violations inherited from previous owners that could hinder obtaining permits. Rental property owners, like all others in the city, must maintain their properties according to Detroit's property maintenance code. Failure to do so may result in a Blight Violation citation, commonly known as a "Blight Ticket," issued by City inspectors, police officers, or other officials empowered to investigate and cite code violations. Lack of registration or a Certificate of Compliance makes one subject to blight tickets. 

 The DAH is divided into three divisions: 

  1. Property Maintenance 
  2. Zoning 
  3. Illegal Dumping/Solid Waste 


The Property Maintenance Division:  hears cases filed by Buildings and Safety Engineering Department. In these cases, Blight Violation Notices are issued by building and health inspectors and by police officers. These cases violations include, but are not limited to: 

  • Failure to obtain certificate of compliance 
  • Failure to obtain a certificate of rental registration 
  • Rat harborage 
  • Failure to remove snow and ice 
  • Inoperable vehicles 
  • Failure to maintain exterior of property 
  • Failure to comply with emergency orders 


The Zoning Division:  hears cases filed by Buildings and Safety Engineering. In these cases, Blight Violation Notices are issued by building inspectors. 

These cases violations include, but are not limited to: 

  • Violations of special land use grants 
  • Change of land use without a permit 
  • Change of building use without a permit 
  • Failure to obtain the required certificate of maintenance of grant conditions 


The Illegal Dumping and Solid Waste Division:  hears cases filed by the Department of Environmental Affairs. Blight Violation Notices in these cases are issued by health and environmental inspectors, and police officers. These cases violations include, but are not limited to: 

  • Early or late placement of Courville containers at the curb 
  • Improper set-out of bulk waste 
  • Improper storage of solid waste
  • Animal and fowl excrement violations 
  • Illegal dumping