Detroit Moves to Establish Tenant Rights Commission Amid Rising Concerns
News Talk
Tuesday, the Detroit City Council unanimously approved the establishment of a tenants’ rights commission designed to advocate for the city’s residential renters. The newly minted nine-member commission will champion policy recommendations aimed at curbing evictions, promoting landlord accountability, and guiding city departments in educating both tenants and landlords on rental housing issues. With over 240,000 housing units in Detroit, and half of those occupied by renters, this decision marks a significant step forward for tenant rights in the city.
The commission, a brainchild of At-Large Council Member Mary Waters, will include diverse members from the Detroit community, including at least four renters and a small-scale property owner who manages up to 10 city-code-compliant units., all appointed by the council and the mayor. With terms set at two years, these members are expected to bring varied perspectives to the table, representing the elderly, students, and persons with disabilities, among others. Waters emphasized its mission, “The commission aims to foster a more equitable and secure rental landscape for all Detroit residents.”
Recent grievances from seniors about hazardous living conditions have intensified the urgency for this commission. Reports of mold, vermin, lack of heating, and insufficient security measures have plagued some of Detroit’s...
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