A new proposed City’s Rental Ordinance change will be heading to the city council in the coming weeks.
On Monday, @michaeleduggan and City Council Member Mary Waters announced proposed changes to Detroit’s rental ordinance aimed at improving the safety and quality of housing.
The current system has 10% of the city’s 82,000 rental properties in compliance. The key amendments include simplifying the inspection process to a more affordable inspection that focuses on serious safety issues.
Key Proposals:
Simplified Inspection Process
The proposed amendments include shifting from the current 37-point, two-step inspection process to a more affordable 15-point, one-step inspection. This new process focuses on the most common and serious safety issues, making it easier and less expensive for landlords to comply.
Revamped Rental Escrow Program:
The revised ordinance also includes significant changes to the City of Detroit’s rental escrow program. The new program aims to remove barriers and make it easier for Detroiters to qualify. This program allows tenants to pay their rent into an escrow account if their property lacks a certificate of compliance or has safety issues, giving tenants leverage to demand necessary repairs.
Enhanced Enforcement:
The proposed changes include increased enforcement and stricter penalties for landlords who fail to comply with the new standards. This aims to ensure that all rental properties meet basic safety and quality requirements, protecting tenants from substandard living conditions.
“Currently, 90% of rental homes are never inspected and have few safeguards in practice. These changes will get more homes inspected, using high safety standards that reflect national best practices,” said Andie Taverna, Director of Policy and Implementation.
The approach also aims to get more homes inspected and reduce the incidence of lead poisoning, according to city.
