Dearborn Heights tells landlords to renew rental licenses every three years, register tenant changes

City staff in Dearborn Heights told landlords that rental licenses must be renewed every three years and that landlords must register any tenant changes with the city’s building department.

The announcement, directed at property owners, said forms for residential inspection reports and tenant re-registration are available online and at City Hall; staff also suggested visiting the Mayor’s office for in-person help. The notice emphasized enforcement: failure to comply may result in a ticket and a short correction timeline.

"We're gonna give you a ticket," said Speaker 2, a city staff member, when asked what happens if a landlord does not register a tenant change. Staff provided a direct contact for questions: "(313) 791-3484. That's my direct line," Speaker 2 said, offering to check callers' compliance status.

City staff also mentioned exterior code issues, such as excessive lighting, would trigger a three-day correction notice. "3 day correction notice," Speaker 1 said, adding, "You're gonna get it done in 3 days. We're gonna fix it for you."

The message did not record a formal vote or ordinance citation; staff framed the comments as operational guidance and enforcement practice. Landlords seeking the residential inspection form or tenant-registration form were directed to the city's website or to stop by the building department at City Hall.

No legal statute or ordinance was cited during the remarks; staff did not identify by name the specific department head who made the announcement. The city-provided phone number for compliance help is (313) 791-3484.