Southfield, MI Rental Inspections: Inspection Programs (2026)

Chapter 103 of the Southfield City Code runs the city's rental inspection program for one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses. Under Sec. 8.505, an owner cannot rent, offer for rent, or allow occupancy of a rental dwelling unless a certificate of rental compliance has been applied for and issued, unless the dwelling predates the chapter and the owner is timely meeting registration, fee and inspection scheduling requirements in the interim. Sec. 8.508 sets the baseline inspection cadence at a minimum of one inspection every three years, tied to the three-year term of the certificate under Sec.

8.507. To get or renew a certificate, the owner schedules an inspection with the department under Sec. 8.509, pays the fees, and provides access, accompanying the code official through the visit or unlocking a tenant's unit if the tenant is absent. Sec. 8.506 requires the inspection to confirm there are no violations of the inspection guidelines in Sec. 8.510 or the International Property Maintenance Code before a certificate issues; when violations are found, the department gives written notice and a correction period, and a dwelling that is already occupied can be ordered vacated by the code official until it passes re-inspection.

Owners must schedule the renewal inspection at least 30 days before the existing certificate expires under Sec. 8.507(b); missing that window immediately suspends the certificate and adds a $100 per month, per unit late fee on top of the underlying penalty.