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Detroit pushes landlord compliance with resource fair

There are over 21K properties registered as rentals across Detroit

DETROIT – There is a big push to ensure that landlords in Detroit are aware of compliance.

There are more than 21,000 properties registered as rentals across the city.

According to staff with Detroit’s Building, Safety Engineering, and Environmental Department, or BSEED, not all landlords are registered and up to date with procedural requirements.

That’s why BSEED set up a Landlord Compliance and Resource Fair at the Northwest Activities Center on Thursday (July 11). The event provided property owners with a comprehensive range of resources conveniently located in one place.

“Just being compliant, you want to do right by the city,” said Daniell, a rental property owner for 10 years. “If you don’t, they are going to stay on you. They’ll give you big tickets. You know, if you’re not in compliance, they give you a $500 ticket just the first time.”

City staffers said landlord fairs like the one held on Thursday allowed rental property owners to register their rentals, address blight violations, and meet with various vendors.

Some vendors included inspection companies, county tax officers to help with back taxes, the Land Bank, and various contractors.

“We want property owners to know that we are here to help them get compliant,” said Detroit’s Chief Enforcement Officer Arthur Rushin. “So, we’re looking at any means necessary that we have to educate them on the process.”

According to city staff, the idea is to help landlords avoid potential pitfalls while protecting their investments.

BSEED has scheduled its next Landlord Compliance and Resource Fair for Dec. 5, 2024.

Click here for more information about BSEED and the city of Detroit rental property protocols.


About the Author

Demond Fernandez joined the Local 4 News team in 2023, anchoring our 5:30 p.m. newscast and reporting on important stories impacting our community. He joined WDIV from WFAA in Dallas where he was a senior reporter focusing southern Dallas communities.

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