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Detroit, MI Building Safety: Lead Paint (2026)

Significant Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Covers
Rental property built before 1978
Enforcing agency
Buildings, Safety Engineering & Environmental Dept
Allowed fixes
Certified abatement or interim controls only
First-offense fine
$500 (1-2 family rental)
Elevated blood-lead fine
$2,500 minimum per offense

Summary

Rental property built before 1978 that fails a lead risk assessment must be fixed by certified abatement or EPA-trained interim controls before Detroit will issue lead clearance or a rental Certificate of Compliance.

Where the risk assessment indicates a lead-based paint hazard exists at the rental property, the condition may be corrected only by one of the following methods: (1)Abatement by a certified abatement worker, pursuant to the rules promulgated under the Michigan Lead Abatement Act, being MCL 333.5451 et seq.; or (2)Interim controls performed only by a person who has received a certificate that the person has undergone Lead Safety for Renovation, Repair and Painting Training pursuant to 40 CFR 745(e) and who has become a certified renovator.

Source: Detroit City CodeView official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 4).

Full Breakdown

Detroit presumes all paint on rental property built before January 1, 1978 is lead-based unless a certified inspector proves otherwise. Once a required risk assessment finds a lead-based paint hazard, the owner may correct it only two ways: abatement by a worker certified under the Michigan Lead Abatement Act, or interim controls performed by a person certified under EPA's Lead Safety for Renovation, Repair and Painting Training (40 CFR 745). The owner must then obtain a post-remedy clearance report and submit it to the Buildings, Safety Engineering, and Environmental Department. Without lead clearance, the Department will not issue a Certificate of Compliance, occupancy is unlawful, and tenant rent is instead diverted into a third-party escrow account.

Violations & Fines

Failing to obtain lead clearance for a one- or two-family rental draws $500/$1,000/$2,000 civil fines per offense tier; larger buildings pay more. Fines jump to $2,500-$10,000 if a tenant under six is found with an elevated blood-lead level.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this apply to a house I own and live in?
No. The lead clearance and remedy requirements in Sec. 8-15-91 through 8-15-93 apply only to rental property, not owner-occupied one- or two-family homes.
What if the rental was built after 1978?
The pre-1978 presumption and remedy rules don't apply; the property still must meet Detroit's general deteriorated-paint maintenance standard under Sec. 8-15-91(c).

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Detroit

Fence Regulations: Height LimitsSome RestrictionsBuilding PermitsSome RestrictionsScaffold & Sidewalk ShedSome RestrictionsPlumbing PermitsSome RestrictionsElevator MaintenanceSome RestrictionsElectrical PermitsSome RestrictionsBuilding InspectionsSome RestrictionsChildcare Center RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Towing & Impound RightsSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Preferential Parking DistrictsSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Fence Permit RequirementsSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Cat RulesSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Pet Groomer RulesSome Restrictions

All Detroit rules

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