Detroit aims to bring 9K rentals to code; starts site for complaints

August 26, 2026

Detroit has announced a new initiative to increase safety certification compliance among its approximately 85,000 one- and two-family rental properties, aiming to raise the compliance rate from 14% to 25% within one year. Currently, only about one-third of rental properties are registered with the city, and even fewer have obtained the required certificate of compliance through safety inspections. The five-point plan includes enhanced tracking of illegal properties, multiple expiration notices to landlords, and a new online portal for tenants to report building problems directly to the city.

Who is affected

Approximately 85,000 one- and two-family rental property owners/landlords in Detroit
Tenants living in rental properties throughout Detroit
Residents of 111 senior apartment buildings (88 already compliant, 23 remaining)
David Bell, director of the Buildings, Safety, Engineering, and Environmental Department (BSEED)
Mayor Mary Sheffield
Detroit's 36th District Court (subject of lawsuit by tenants group)
Detroit City Council

What action is being taken

The city is implementing a five-point plan to increase rental compliance from 14% to 25% by September of next year
Officials are tracking illegal properties and sending multiple notices before certificates expire
The city has launched a new online complaint system at www.detroitmi.gov/TenantSupport for tenants to report building issues
The city is working to bring the remaining 23 senior apartment buildings up to code by year's end
Officials are partnering with, educating, and supporting landlords while enforcing safety standards

Why it matters

This initiative is significant because it addresses a major housing safety crisis in Detroit, where approximately two-thirds of rental properties operate without proper registration and certification, potentially exposing thousands of tenants to unsafe living conditions. The low compliance rate undermines tenant protections and allows negligent landlords to operate illegally, which has led to litigation against the court system for allegedly enabling landlords to collect rent and evict tenants from non-certified properties. Ensuring safe, quality housing is essential for protecting residents' health and well-being, and increasing compliance will hold landlords accountable while supporting those who maintain proper standards.

What's next

The city aims to reach 25% compliance by September of next year
The remaining 23 senior apartment buildings will be brought up to code by the end of the year
Mayor Sheffield stated the city plans to announce a rental escrow program in the coming weeks for residents living in non-compliant homes to help bring properties up to code
The city is awaiting the outcome of the litigation involving the 36th District Court

Read full article from source: bridgedetroit.com