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Rental Property Rules in Detroit, MI (2026)

2 verified rental property rules for Detroit, Michigan, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.

Verified from official government sources

Rental Registration

Detroit landlords must register every rental dwelling with the Buildings, Safety Engineering, and Environmental Department and obtain a Certificate of Registration of Rental Property before leasing it to tenants.

Detroit Rental Property Registration Requirement

Significant Restrictions

Detroit City Code § 8-15-81

The owners or agents of rental property shall register all such dwellings with the Buildings, Safety Engineering, and Environmental Department and obtain a Certificate of Registration of Rental Property as provided for in this section.

Repairs & Habitability

Detroit's Property Maintenance Code makes it unlawful for an owner to occupy or rent out a building not maintained in a habitable, sanitary, and safe condition, with every owner jointly liable for compliance.

Detroit Rental Habitability Duty

Some Restrictions

Detroit City Code § 8-15-19

It shall be unlawful for a person to occupy as owner-occupant, or permit another person to occupy, a building, premises or structure, which is not maintained in a habitable, sanitary, and safe condition in accordance with the requirements of this article.(c)Occupants of a dwelling unit are responsible for keeping that part of the dwelling unit or premises, which they occupy and control, in a cl...

Looking for Wayne County county-wide rules?

County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Detroit city rules.

Rental Property Rules in Wayne County