Registering a Rental Property

[Manny Rana]

Hi Everyone,

A few months back I closed on a 2-unit in the West Village and now am in the process of registering the property as a rental as renovations are almost complete.  I'd like to get some advice/clarification on the process of registering the property as a rental, specifically the inspections required.  In order to get a certificate of compliance, I see I have to get an initial + lead based paint inspection.  My questions are:

1) The City of Detroit website lists 4 approved inspection companies.  Is it required that I must get an initial inspection done by one of these 4 given that an inspection was done as part of the escrow process?

2) In regards to the lead based paint inspection, I'm researching on the websites of the 4 approved companies and I see it can cost upwards of $1,000 for a lead based inspection?  Is this correct?  Seems rather steep.

Any information or guidance would be greatly appreciated!

All the best,

Manny

[Scott M.]

Manny, 

1)  Yes.  The building inspection step must be performed by one of the 4 approved companies.  3rd Party Home inspectors (what you likely used and are referring to) do not qualify.

2) Yes and no.  If you chose to use one of the 4 companies that are approved to do building inspections to also complete your lead inspection then yes, those are the prices you will pay.  However, for lead compliance you can choose any of the state licensed lead paint inspectors.  You can google to find a current list, here is one as of 3/2/22 

CertifiedProfessionalList (michigan.gov)

You will find prices ranging from 400+.  Be sure to check what that includes (initial and re or just initial) to make sure you are comparing apples to apples.

Have any other questions feel free to DM me..  Happy to help.