Dearborn Heights, MI Rental Inspections: Tenant Complaint Process (2026)

Under Sec. 7-466 of the Dearborn Heights City Code, the director of building and engineering, or a designee, is authorized to inspect dwellings, dwelling units, rooming units and premises within the City of Dearborn Heights to check for violations of the housing code. Before any inspection, the inspector must tell the tenant or occupant that they have the right to refuse access to anyone without a search warrant. If the occupant refuses, the director needs probable cause that the housing code is being violated before a court will issue a search warrant, and the city can ask the court to assess warrant-related costs against the responsible party, though never more than $250.

A tenant complaint that leads to a documented violation triggers Sec. 7-481: the enforcement officer designated under Sec. 7-486 must serve a written notice describing the specific violation and the required corrective action, either personally, by registered mail, or by posting it on the dwelling. The recipient can request a hearing before the zoning board of appeals or building board of appeals within ten days under Sec. 7-482. If the owner or occupant lets the violation stand more than fifteen days after the notice under Sec.

7-487, the city can make the repairs itself and assess the cost against the property through the special-assessment lien procedure in the City Charter, in addition to any fine. Every violation of Article IX, the minimum housing standards article that covers this inspection process, is a civil infraction punishable by a fine of up to $150 under Sec. 7-488.