Detroit eased rental inspection rules to improve housing safety. It hasn’t worked

May 29, 2026

Detroit's rental compliance system continues to struggle despite a 2024 ordinance update intended to streamline the inspection process and increase landlord participation. While the ordinance legally requires rental properties to have certificates of compliance proving they meet basic safety standards, only 14% currently have one—far short of the city's 30% two-year goal. Tenants like hairstylist Nuballa Hollings suffer in unsafe conditions with broken locks, inadequate heating, and sewage backups, while landlords complain that inconsistent enforcement, administrative difficulties, and immediate penalties for registration discourage compliance.

Who is affected

Nuballa Hollings and her two children (ages 8 and 9)
Detroit renters living in properties without certificates of compliance (86% of rental properties)
Hollings' hairstyling clients affected by poor property conditions
Landlords operating rental properties in Detroit, including David Alade (CEO of Century Partners), Devon Caldwell (principal of Inkwell Partners), and Re Investment Solutions LLC
Detroit Tenants Union members
City inspectors and administrators managing the compliance program

What action is being taken

The city is conducting inspections for certificates of compliance
The city is issuing blight tickets and fines for noncompliance
The city is placing liens on properties when owners fail to pay fines
Hollings has stopped paying rent
Hollings is moving out by June 8 following a dismissed eviction case
Landlords are registering properties and scheduling inspections

Why it matters

The low compliance rate means the vast majority of Detroit renters live in properties that have not been inspected or verified to meet basic health and safety standards, exposing them to hazardous conditions like sewage backups, broken locks, and inadequate heating. The situation creates a public health crisis while also driving some landlords out of the Detroit market due to what they perceive as burdensome and inconsistent regulations. The failure of the certification program undermines the city's ability to ensure safe housing for its residents while simultaneously creating an adversarial relationship with property owners who could provide quality rentals. With so few compliant properties available, tenants like Hollings face limited options and worry their next home will have similar problems.

What's next

Full implementation of the city's escrow program (originally expected by spring 2025, still pending)
City officials aim to reach a 30% compliance rate within two years of the 2024 ordinance update
Hollings must find new housing for her family by June 8

Read full article from source: bridgedetroit.com