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Commission asks staff to review rental registration, enforcement after commissioners cite unsafe rental units
Summary
Commissioner Bernie Obershaw introduced a resolution seeking an action plan and notices to landlords to improve compliance with rental housing laws; commissioners requested staff review and a department presentation rather than directing an individual employee by name, and the item was referred to staff for revision and follow‑up.
Commissioner Bernie Obershaw read a proposed resolution on May 5, 2025, calling for a presentation from the city’s code enforcement leadership and for stronger enforcement steps to bring rental properties into compliance with Michigan’s housing law. The draft resolution cited the Housing Law (Act 167 of 1917, MCL 125.402) and asked staff to send notices to landlords who had not registered rental properties in the past two years.
During discussion commissioners raised procedural and legal issues about naming a specific city employee in a resolution. Commissioner DeWitt noted that resolutions should not direct city staff by name and that changes to registration and enforcement will need staff review and possibly ordinance or program changes. DeWitt also urged safeguards against tenant retaliation and asked staff to report back with options rather than adopting immediate directives that could be unenforceable.
Commissioner Bernie Obershaw said enforcement is necessary and that many rental properties in parts of the city have unsafe conditions. "Code enforcement need to do their job," he said during discussion. Several commissioners supported a staff presentation outlining current registration, inspection and enforcement processes and the resources required to increase enforcement. Commissioners also recommended the city manager provide a timeline and a plan that aligns with existing codes, court processes and staffing capacity.
The commission voted to refer the proposed resolution to staff for revision and to request a presentation on current registration status, enforcement caseloads and potential administrative or ordinance changes.
Ending: Staff will prepare a revised proposal and a presentation explaining current rental registration procedures, court timelines and enforcement capacity before the commission considers substantive ordinance changes.
