Detroit Evening Report: Detroit officials seek to amend city’s rental ordinance

City of Detroit officials are looking to amend the city’s rental ordinance to make it easier for landlords to bring their properties into compliance.

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An ordinance amendment was presented to City Council this week that would increase fines and add penalties as a way of improving enforcement. It would also allow the city to file a lien on properties for unpaid tickets if a landlord does not bring the property into compliance.

The ordinance amendment also seeks to change the eligibility for Detroit’s escrow program, which allows tenants to set aside rent money if a property does not meet safety and health standards.

Right now, only 10% of rental homes have passed city inspections.

The proposed changes were referred to City Council’s Public Health and Safety Standing Committee. 

Other headlines for Thursday, July 18, 2024:  

• Swimming at Belle Isle is currently not an option for Detroiters wanting to beat the heat, after health department officials discovered high levels of E. coli in water samples.
• The “Egg Bar,” a new eatery serving specialty egg sandwiches that are 100% halal, has opened in downtown Dearborn.
• The giant slide on Belle Isle will be open for free rides from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday, with new safety upgrades in place.
• Appeals to save a building owned by Detroit’s Mbad African Bead Museum from demolition have been denied. A city crew began demolition on its main building on Tuesday.

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