FAQs • Ypsilanti, MI • CivicEngage

I just bought a house that I want to turn into a rental. How do I go about getting it inspected?: Submit the property registration form to the Building Department and the office secretary will schedule an inspection date. Also be sure to look at the guidelines for rental properties to assure you're in compliance with the code requirements.
All requests to reschedule must be submitted to the Building Department in writing at least 72 hours in advance. Requests will be reviewed with consideration given to certificate expiration date, number of past requests and nature of outstanding violations, (if any). Typically, requests will not be granted if there are outstanding safety violations in a common area or occupied unit. Find more information on the Rental Inspections page.

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Rental Inspections

1. I just bought a house that I want to turn into a rental. How do I go about getting it inspected?: Submit the property registration form to the Building Department and the office secretary will schedule an inspection date. Also be sure to look at the guidelines for rental properties to assure you're in compliance with the code requirements.
All requests to reschedule must be submitted to the Building Department in writing at least 72 hours in advance. Requests will be reviewed with consideration given to certificate expiration date, number of past requests and nature of outstanding violations, (if any). Typically, requests will not be granted if there are outstanding safety violations in a common area or occupied unit. Find more information on the Rental Inspections page.

2. I have a complaint about my apartment or landlord. What do I do?: A property maintenance complaint form must be submitted to the Building Department by the leaseholder. Before submitting the complaint, we require that you notify the property owner/agent of the problem(s) in writing and allow 10 days for corrections to be made. If the owner/agent fails to respond or address the problem(s), submit a copy of your written request and a copy of your lease along with the complaint form to the Building Department. Upon receipt, staff will schedule a date and time for an inspection. Property Maintenance Complaint Form (PDF)

3. I just purchased a vacant house and the water department (YCUA) says I need to post a $1000 bond for water. What does this mean?: Section 18-155 of the Ypsilanti Code of Ordinances allows the Building Department to order the water shut off in vacant buildings that lack a Certificate of Compliance. Posting the $1,000 bond allows YCUA to restore the water service for the purpose of making repairs to the structure. If the structure is occupied prior to the issuance of a Certificate of Compliance, the bond will be forfeited to the City. If the property remains vacant until the Certificate of Compliance is issued, the bond will be refunded to the owner. If a property is purchased and a Principal Residence Exemption (P.R.E.) is granted by the Assessor’s Office, the bond requirement will be lifted.

4. A member of my family lives in the house that I own but doesn't pay rent. Why do I need a certificate of compliance?: Section 18-111 of the Ypsilanti City Code states that a one- or two-unit dwelling means a building wherein:
(1) Any payment for the use of one or more dwelling units or one or more sleeping units (including but not limited to: payment of money or goods, or the performance of services or labor, or the payment of taxes or utilities) is made; or
(2) Any one or more dwelling units or one or more sleeping units are occupied, and the building is not occupied by the owner.