Finding a safe and comfortable place to live is crucial. One key step is researching your potential landlord. It reduces the risk of renting from someone unreliable. Detroit has faced issues with landlords failing to maintain properties. By gathering information about your landlord, you can protect yourself and ensure a positive rental experience.
Knowing your landlord’s history can prevent problems like eviction or living in substandard conditions. Information on property taxes and blight violations is essential for renters.
Recent resources make it easier to research landlords in Detroit. The city’s Open Data Portal offers valuable information. Additionally, Detroit Future City (DFC) has provided detailed reports on rental housing ownership. These tools give renters the insights they need to evaluate potential landlords effectively.
Who owns most of the property in Detroit?
Most Detroit landlords own one or two properties. This means many renters might know their landlord personally. However, some landlords own multiple properties.
These investors often manage higher-value neighborhoods and charge more rent. They are more likely to have their properties registered with the city.
To identify your landlord, start with the city’s parcel viewer.
Enter your address to find the taxpayer’s name and address. Look for the label “PRE % 100,” which indicates a principal residence exemption. This means the landlord lives in the property they own.
If the exemption applies to a rental property, it raises concerns.
If the parcel viewer is outdated, use alternative tools. Regrid offers a free search with similar information. For more details, use the BS&A Online Detroit portal for a small fee. The Wayne County Register of Deeds provides comprehensive records. Visit their website or office to access property documents.
How do you look up who owns a property in Detroit?
Once you know your landlord’s name, determine if they own multiple properties.
Use the Register of Deeds to search for all properties under their name. Enter the landlord’s name in the “grantee” search bar. This reveals all the properties they have acquired. Save your search by selecting the “printable version” option.
Another method is to download the city’s parcel list. Load it into Excel or Google Sheets and search for your landlord’s name. This requires basic spreadsheet skills but offers a complete view of their holdings. Keep in mind some landlords use multiple LLCs. This can obscure the true number of properties they own.
Flags to Spot Before You Become a Victim
Researching your landlord can reveal potential red flags. Look for blight violations and eviction records. These indicators show how the landlord manages their properties and treats tenants.
Blight Violations
Blight violations signal neglect. A landlord with multiple violations likely ignores property upkeep. Use the city’s Open Data Portal to search for blight tickets. Enter your address in the search bar on the map. Click on your property to see any violations listed.
To check violations across multiple properties, download the blight violations dataset. Open it in Excel or Google Sheets. Search for your landlord’s name to see all related violations. Frequent violations suggest poor maintenance and a disregard for tenant safety.
Eviction Records
Eviction records show how a landlord handles tenant disputes. Multiple evictions indicate an aggressive approach to rent issues. Visit the 36th District Court website to search eviction cases. Select “Look up a case/balance” under the “services” tab. Enter your landlord’s name to view their eviction history.
Eviction cases are labeled “LT” for “landlord-tenant.” Frequent evictions suggest the landlord may not be flexible with tenants facing financial difficulties. If your landlord has a history of evictions, be cautious and ensure you have all rent payments documented. Keep records of any repairs and stay updated on your lease terms.
Tax Foreclosure Status
A landlord’s tax foreclosure status impacts your tenancy. If a property faces foreclosure, it could change ownership abruptly. This situation can lead to eviction or new ownership with different rental terms. Check the property’s tax status through the Wayne County Treasurer’s website. Enter your address in the “pay taxes online” section to see if taxes are delinquent or if the property is in foreclosure.
Alternatively, text “Detroit” to 67485, a service provided by Outlier Media, to get tax information. If a property is in foreclosure, the landlord should not collect rent. You can legally withhold rent in such cases but place it in escrow to protect yourself.
Properties facing foreclosure will have a notice posted after three consecutive years of unpaid taxes. The property officially forecloses on April 1 of the following year. Until then, the landlord can pay taxes or arrange a payment plan. Continue paying rent until the foreclosure is official to avoid complications.
Property Registration and Inspections
All rental properties in Detroit should be registered with the city. Registration requires passing an inspection to receive a certificate of occupancy. This process checks for code violations like damaged windows, chipped paint, or insufficient smoke detectors. It also ensures that lead-based paint hazards are addressed.
However, many rental properties remain unregistered. Small landlords often skip inspections due to high costs. According to the DFC report, few landlords have passed city inspections. Lack of registration can mean potential neglect and unsafe living conditions. Always inquire if the property is registered and request proof of compliance.
Understanding Landlord Types
Detroit has about 42,000 landlords and 142,000 rental units. Most landlords own only one or two properties. A small percentage, about 5%, own a third of all units. These large-scale investors manage properties in desirable areas and typically maintain higher standards.
The DFC report states that landlords with multiple properties are more likely to issue evictions and receive blight violations. These landlords often prioritize profit over tenant well-being.
Conversely, small landlords with one or two units might be more attentive but can still have issues. Use the information gathered to assess the type of landlord you are dealing with.
Using Online Tools for Research
Several online tools help research landlords in Detroit. The city’s Open Data Portal is a primary resource. Enter your address to access property details and tax information. Regrid and the BS&A Online Detroit portal offer additional insights for a fee.
For comprehensive research, visit the Wayne County Register of Deeds website. This site provides official records and detailed property information. It’s the most reliable source for verifying ownership and checking for any legal issues related to the property.
Additional Tips for Renters
Researching your landlord is just one step in ensuring a safe rental experience. Here are additional tips to protect yourself:
- Get Everything in Writing: Ensure all agreements and promises are documented in your lease. Verbal agreements can lead to misunderstandings.
- Inspect the Property: Before signing a lease, inspect the property for any issues. Report any problems and ensure they are addressed before moving in.
- Understand Your Lease: Read the lease thoroughly. Know your rights and responsibilities as a tenant.
- Keep Records: Maintain copies of all communications with your landlord. Save receipts for rent payments and document any repairs or maintenance requests.
- Know Local Laws: Familiarize yourself with Detroit’s tenant laws. Understanding your rights can help you navigate disputes effectively.
Use available resources to gather information about property ownership, blight violations, eviction records, and tax foreclosure status. Understanding who your landlord is and how they manage their properties can help you avoid potential issues and ensure a safe living environment.
By taking the time to research, you protect yourself from unscrupulous landlords and poor living conditions. Stay informed, ask the right questions, and use online tools to verify landlord information. A little effort upfront can save you from significant problems down the line, making your rental experience in Detroit smooth and worry-free.
Steps to Research Your Detroit Landlord
- Identify the Landlord: Use the city’s parcel viewer or Regrid to find the taxpayer’s name and address.
- Check Property Ownership: Search the Wayne County Register of Deeds to see if the landlord owns multiple properties.
- Look for Blight Violations: Use the Open Data Portal to check for any blight tickets on the property.
- Review Eviction Records: Visit the 36th District Court website to see if the landlord has filed multiple evictions.
- Assess Tax Status: Check the property’s tax status through the Wayne County Treasurer’s website or text service.
- Verify Property Registration: Confirm if the property is registered with the city and has passed inspections.
- Understand Landlord Type: Determine if the landlord is a small owner or a large-scale investor.
- Gather Documentation: Keep all lease agreements, rent receipts, and communication records.
- Inspect the Property: Ensure the property is in good condition before signing the lease.
- Know Your Rights: Learn about Detroit’s tenant laws to protect yourself in case of disputes.
Resources for Researching Landlords in Detroit
- City’s Parcel Viewer: Find the landlord’s name and property details.
- Regrid: Free search tool for property information.
- BS&A Online Detroit Portal: Paid access for detailed property data.
- Wayne County Register of Deeds: Official records and ownership details.
- Open Data Portal: Search for blight violations and property issues.
- 36th District Court Website: Lookup eviction cases.
- Wayne County Treasurer’s Website: Check property tax status.
- Outlier Media’s Text Service: Text “Detroit” to 67485 for tax information.
Final Advice for Renters
Stay proactive in your research. Don’t rush into signing a lease without understanding who your landlord is and the condition of the property. Use the tools and resources available to gather as much information as possible. Being informed empowers you to make better decisions and ensures your rental experience in Detroit is safe and enjoyable.
Remember, a good landlord respects their tenants and maintains their properties. If you encounter red flags during your research, consider other rental options. Your home should be a place of comfort and security, and thorough research helps you find just that.
