Compliance

The Compliance Team works with property owners as they renovate their houses and tracks progress. The team’s goal is to decrease blight and increase occupancy throughout the City of Detroit by supporting property owners through the difficult work of renovating distressed properties.

Working with the Compliance Team is central to the mission of the Detroit Land Bank – to eliminate blight and vacancy in the City of Detroit. As a result of this work, we have seen decreased blight, increased occupancy, increased property values, increased investment, and stronger neighborhoods.

What Happens After Closing

Week of Closing

After closing on a DLBA property purchase, property owners receive an introductory email from the Compliance Team. This email outlines the first required updates and provides the new owner’s unique Update Reporting Link (URL). This URL is used throughout the entirety of the renovation to upload progress photos to the Compliance Team.

Two days after closing, property owners receive a separate email with a list of resources and product discounts that may be helpful for their renovation. This email will also have information and instructions for accessing discounts like the Home Depot Rapid Pass and workshops at the Detroit Training Center.

NOTE: Renovations cannot begin until the property owner has officially closed on the purchase of the property. Before closing, access to the house is available by appointment only.

Within 15 Days of Closing

Within 15 days of closing, property owners are required to:

Use their URL to upload photos of all four sides of their property.
Photos must show THE ENTIRE property from yard to roof.
Photos must show that the exterior is clear of debris and the yard is maintained.
Photos should show that the property is secured with doors, windows and openings locked or boarded.

Within 45 Days of Closing

Within 45 days of closing ALL property owners must upload their first progress photos using their Update Reporting Link (URL).

Within 45 days of closing ALL property owners must file a Property Transfer Affidavit with the City of Detroit, Office of the Assessor.

Own-It-Now property owners are required to pay for and schedule a preliminary inspection with the Buildings Safety, Engineering and Environmental Department. After the inspection, property owners must upload photos of all six pages of the report using their URL within 45 days of closing.

Preliminary Inspection Reports (PIRs) can be scheduled ONLINE by using BSEED's Electronic Licensing and Permits System (eLAPS). CLICK HERE for step-by-step directions on how to request a PIR using eLAPS.

PIRs can also be scheduled in person by appointment only at the BSEED office.

The Coleman A. Young Municipal Center 4th Floor

2 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48226

BSEED Phone: (313) 224-2733

Within 60 Days of Closing

Auction and Own-It-Now property owners must upload proof that they have created an account with the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department (DWSD).

To create an account with DWSD, call (313)267-800 or click here for more information.

DWSD will come to the property to inspect or install a water meter. Immediately after closing, property owners are responsible for monthly drainage charges even if there is no active water service.

Reporting - Every 45 Days

The most important part of working with the Compliance Team is communication. We understand that renovating a distressed property is difficult and we want to make sure property owners succeed. If a property owner runs into any barriers that are preventing progress, they should contact their Compliance Representative.

Property owners are required to upload photos every 45 days unless otherwise directed by the Compliance Team. Photos should show that the property owner is actively working to meet the compliance requirements.

The Compliance Team will not accept videos, receipts for small purchases, or written descriptions of progress as an update.

Uploading Progress

The Update Reporting Link (URL) is an easy way to upload progress photos for the Compliance Team. Property owners will receive their URL in the Compliance introduction email they receive after closing on their purchase or signing their rehab agreement.

iPhone Instructions //Android Instructions

Property owners that do not have access to a smartphone should discuss other reporting options with their Compliance Representative.

Choose Files: Click "Choose Files" to upload photos to your property's progress
Upload Files: Select your progress photos and click "Upload"
Process Complete: After the loading bar reaches 100% and you see "Process Complete," you're all set! Your files have been uploaded.

Compliance Requirements

Own-It-Now Properties

Own-It-Now properties are required to have the following to achieve compliance and gain a Release of Interest (ROI) on their deed:

Exterior is in good condition with no boards on any openings and a maintained yard that is free of debris
Installed and functional furnace
Installed and functional water heater
Functional kitchen
Functional bathroom
Active utilities (Send bills showing electrical, gas, and water usage)
Own-It-Now properties must get a Preliminary Inspection Report (PIR) from the Buildings, Safety Engineering and Environmental Department
Compliance Achieved Walkthrough

Auction Properties

Auction properties are required to have the following to achieve compliance and gain a Release of Interest (ROI) on their deed:

Exterior is in good condition with no boards on any openings and a maintained yard that is free of debris
Installed and functional furnace
Installed and functional water heater
Functional kitchen
Functional bathroom
Active utilities (Send bills showing electrical, gas, and water usage)
At least one inspection from the Buildings, Safety Engineering and Environmental Department
Compliance Achieved Walkthrough

Nuisance Abatement Program (NAP) Properties

NAP property owners must provide proof of:

Active utilities at the property (Gas, electric, or water usage)
Exterior is in good condition with no boards on any openings and a maintained yard that is free of debris.

And one of the following:

Installed and functional furnace
Installed and functional water heater
Functional kitchen
Functional bathroom

Planning to Rent or Sell?

Property owners planning to rent or sell their homes are required to send proof of a rental registration or proof that the property is leased or listed.

For more information and instructions on how to register a rental property, click here.

Success Stories

The Compliance Team celebrates the hard work of thousands of homeowners dedicated to renovating and returning families to homes all over Detroit. This hard work results in less blight, higher occupancy, increased property values and investment, and stronger neighborhoods.

Before

After

Resources

The Compliance Team is always working to connect property owners with renovation resources.

Click here to see discount materials and services that are available to DLBA purchasers.

Non-Compliance

Property owners that are concerned about their renovation progress and compliance status should always communicate the barriers they’re facing with their Compliance Representative.

If a Sales Compliance property owner does not provide updates showing progress or does not complete the property within a certain period of time, the DLBA maintains the right to reconvey the property.

If a NAP Compliance property owner does not provide updates showing progress or does not complete the property within a certain period of time, the Compliance Team will transfer the matter to litigation attorneys for court action.

Contact Us

Call or text your Compliance Representative using the number provided in your Compliance welcome email and all Compliance-related correspondence.

For assistance, or additional inquiries please call 313-974-6869 or email at [email protected]

DLBA buyers, check your inbox! Our Compliance team just launched a brand new Newsletter.

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