Southfield — Ch. 105 Registration and Inspection of Multiple Family Residential Dwellings § 8.704
Inspections required
Operative Text
(1) All multiple family residential dwellings shall be scheduled for an initial compliance inspection within ninety (90) days of a property owner first submitting the registration information as set forth in section 8.703 hereof. The inspection shall consist of all common areas within the multiple family residential dwelling and premises, as well as a random sampling of dwelling units as determined by the department in accordance with section 8.705 hereof, to assure compliance with applicable codes. (2) In the event the initial inspection reveals applicable code violation(s), the code official shall provide a written notice of the noted code violation(s) to the property owner and the manager, who shall have thirty (30) days from receipt of the notice to correct said code violation(s). More time may be granted by the code official upon request in those situations in which the property owner or manager can demonstrate a justifiable need and the additional time, if granted, will not result in conditions deteriorating further. Less time may also be specified in the notice for correction of code violation(s) in situations involving life or health threatening circumstances. In situations where the violation(s) revealed within the course of an initial inspection reflect a hazard to health and safety, those premises or units which have been or are occupied for dwelling purposes may be ordered vacated by the code official until reinspection and proof of elimination of the condition(s) constituting the hazard to health and safety. If any violation(s) remains uncorrected following the allotted repair time as set forth in the notice, the code official shall issue a violation citation as set forth in section 8.708 hereof. (3) Upon an initial inspection or reinspection(s) revealing that the premises and all dwelling units selected for inspection are in compliance with applicable codes, the department shall issue a certificate of compliance. The certificate of compliance shall be valid for one (1) year except as otherwise provided in this chapter. The certificate of compliance is expressly issued conditioned upon the premises, and all dwelling units situated therein, remaining in a safe, healthful and fit condition for occupancy. If a subsequent inspection(s) reveals condition(s) that reflect a hazard or danger to health or safety, the certificate of compliance shall be immediately suspended or revoked as to the affected area(s) and/or dwelling unit(s), and those premises which have been or are occupied for dwelling purposes may be ordered vacated by the code official until reinspection and proof of elimination of the condition(s) constituting the hazard or danger to health and safety. Upon reinspection and proof of compliance with applicable codes, a certificate of compliance will be reissued.
Under Southfield Ch. 105 § 8.704, all multi-family residential properties must undergo an initial compliance inspection within 90 days of registration, covering common areas and a random sample of dwelling units. If violations are found, the property owner and manager receive written notice and generally have 30 days to make corrections, though that window can be shortened for life- or health-threatening conditions or extended for demonstrated need. A certificate of compliance, valid for one year, is issued once the property passes inspection, but it can be suspended or revoked if a later inspection uncovers health or safety hazards — and affected units may be ordered vacated until the hazard is resolved.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Operators of multi-family residential properties in Southfield should be aware that § 8.704 requires scheduling an initial inspection within 90 days of submitting registration information under § 8.703. Compliant operators typically maintain common areas and dwelling units in code-conforming condition before that inspection, respond promptly to any written violation notices, and complete required repairs within the 30-day correction window — or formally request additional time from the code official when a justifiable need exists. Keeping the property in a safe, healthful, and fit condition year-round is also important, since the certificate of compliance issued under § 8.704 can be suspended or revoked at any time if a subsequent inspection reveals a health or safety hazard.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 8.704 of Southfield Ch. 105 gives tenants a meaningful protection: if an inspection of their building uncovers conditions that pose a hazard to health or safety, the code official has authority to order affected units vacated until the hazard is eliminated and the property passes reinspection. Tenants who believe their building has not been inspected as required, or that violations identified during an inspection have gone uncorrected beyond the allotted repair period, may consider contacting Southfield's code enforcement department to inquire about the property's compliance status. Tenant-rights organizations familiar with Southfield's housing code can help residents understand the range of options available when a certificate of compliance has been suspended, revoked, or never issued.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 13, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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