Michigan Law Comp. Laws § 440.2314 requires all landlords to provide essential upkeep of their rental properties which includes:
Property Structural Maintenance
Follow Health & Safety Laws
Maintain Working Heat / Water
Ensure Lead Free Homes
Only 10% of Detroit rental properties currently meet the minimum standards required. Consider this:
If the majority of rental properties are NOT in compliance, what does this really say about the condition of homes most people are struggling to live in?
More importantly, what does it say about standards & accountability enforced for its residents? Afterall, over half of all Detroiters are RENTERS!! Detroiters deserve better!
There is no penalty for property owners who are non compliant. They might receive tickets. More tickets . More fines... but that's basically it. They are able to freely continue doing business as usual. The city does not seem to take such matters seriously. If they did, Detroit would not be the only city with a ten percent compliance rate in the entire Metropolitan area.
Picture of a wall in my home.
I currently live in a home that is non compliant. I haven't had a working furnace since last year. Last winter I literally lived out of my bedroom with an electric heater! Since that time, I have experienced a basement leak, roof leak and now mice! In recent weeks mice have literally run me out of my home! Not only is this disgusting, it is a direct violation of health and safety requirements for rental properties. Vermin carry diseases and multiply quickly. It must be taken care of immediately!!
I've contacted the property manager and owner in writing multiple times over the last year. They not only have refused to address my concerns but threatened to terminate my lease too! I have been blocked and ignored by them on the landline. These concerns have since been conveyed to both local and state officials but there seems to be zero sense of seriousness or urgency on their part. The city inspector informed the landlord of the required repairs, but they have 30 days to comply. Do you know how many mice I will have in a month's time??
Sadly, I am just one of many who experiences similiar issues here in Detroit. Unfortunately, this is the accepted norm in the city, which is why a lot of landlords prefer to do business here. It's a one way street of profits over people for them.
I choose to use my voice because it's the only one currently advocating for me! Besides, what else am I supposed to do?
I will continue to speak up until I receive the help I NEED and DESERVE!
What's Next?
I have been sleeping in my car in my driveway since the onset of this issue. This is not any type of way to live. My efforts to secure temporary emergency shelter have failed because there is no room at any shelter here in the city. I plan to file a complaint with the department of health and also demand that BSEED issue an emergency order to speed things up.
How You Can Help
I've started a GO FUND ME to assist with emergency shelter expenses. All of my furniture will also need to be discarded due to the infestation and eventually I'll likely have to find a new place to stay. Recently, I returned to work as a substitute teacher after having the summer off. We do not get paid during summer months. Simply put, I am having a hard time once again. I have overcome many challenges during my lifetime but this last trial, has depleted me. Click here if you wish to contribute.
You can also reach out to your local officials and demand to know why only 10% of the landlords are in compliance.
2. Encourage your loved ones to speak up! One voice is better than none but we can achieve much more progress if we do it together.
3 Contact your state reps to show your support for upcoming housing/homeless bills. We need legislation to combat these issues and more. For detailed information go here:
In Solidarity,
RDW
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