Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, a change of ownership requires a new Certificate of Occupancy. Please call 313-822-4365 to schedule an inspection.

All residential rental units must have a valid Certificate of Occupancy. Certificates are valid for a two-year period from the date of initial inspection, or upon any change of occupancy or use occurring more than one year after the date of the initial inspection. Additionally, a Landlord Business License must be obtained and renewed annually. 

Yes, commercial properties are required to have a valid Certificate of Occupancy. Certificates are valid for a two-year period from the date of initial inspection, or upon any change of occupancy or use occurring more than one year after the date of initial inspection. Businesses occupying the property must annually obtain/renew a Business License.

It is the property owner/agent's responsibility to schedule inspections for certification. Appointments can be scheduled by calling 313-822-4365. It is the property owner/agent's responsibility to inform tenants prior to the inspection. A tenant that is unaware of the inspection and refuses entry results in a lockout fee.

Yes, it can be found here.

Residential properties are inspected Monday-Thursday between 9:00 am and 3:00 pm.

Commercial properties are inspected Tuesday-Thursday between 12:30 pm and 3:30 pm.

Utilities must be turned on at the time of inspection. This includes electricity, gas and water.

Call 313-822-4365 to schedule all inspections.

The complete fee schedule is available here. The fee schedule for the Certificate of Occupancy program is designed to encourage owners/agents to be proactive in certifying properties in a timely manner. All fees are invoiced:

• Certification Inspection Fee: A  base fee is charged for each inspection and is dependent on the number of units at a given property. Included in this is an initial and final inspection. Properties that require additional inspections beyond the initial and final are subject to additional fees.
• Failure to Renew/Obtain: An additional fee is charged in addition to the Certification Inspection Fee for a failure to renew or obtain a required Certification. 
• Lockout/Late Cancellation Fee: An additional fee charged for missed appointments or inspections cancelled on the day of the scheduled appointment. 
• Enforcement Fees: Failure to obtain a Certificate, or correct violations associated with the Certificate renewal process may result in additional fines and penalties.