Grand Rapids Landlord-Tenant Rules

Local fair housing protected classes (incl. source of income): Grand Rapids' Human Rights Ordinance bans housing discrimination based on actual or perceived race, color, religion or creed, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genotype, age, marital status, familial status, medical condition, disability, height, weight, or source of lawful income. Source of lawful income means any legal source of money. Unlike the state law, the ordinance has no small-landlord exemption for source of income, although Chapter 160 housing exemptions still apply. Landlords may consider criminal convictions but not arrests without a conviction. Blanket bans on applicants with a criminal background are prohibited, and each case must be judged on factors such as the nature and age of the offense, rehabilitation and tenant history. Complaints go to the Office of Equity and Engagement within 180 days.; Rental certification & inspection: Every rental unit occupied by someone other than the owner needs a Certificate of Compliance from Code Compliance before anyone can live there. The certificate requires an inspection under the Grand Rapids Property Maintenance Code (the 2021 International Property Maintenance Code with local amendments), plus a mechanical safety inspection of fuel-burning equipment. Certificates last 2, 4 or 6 years depending on the property, and the city sends a renewal reminder 90 days before expiration. Owners must give tenants at least 48 hours' notice of an inspection. Minor violations get verbal orders with 14 days to repair. Major violations get a Notice of Violation with 60 or 120 days. Fees are set in the city's annual Housing and Zoning Fee Schedule. Schedule an inspection at 616-456-3053 or 1120 Monroe Ave NW.; Habitability/code enforcement & complaint line: Tenants can report interior disrepair to Code Compliance online through the Citizen Access Interior Housing Complaint form, which can be filed anonymously, by phone at 616-456-3053, or in person at 1120 Monroe Ave NW, Suite 300. After accepting a complaint, the city writes to the owner, who gets 21 days to fix non-hazardous problems before a follow-up inspection. Hazards get a response as soon as possible.; Eviction prevention / rental assistance: The 61st District Court's Eviction Prevention Program, run with community partners, helps tenants who have received an eviction summons. The Salvation Army contacts tenants, screens them and helps with State Emergency Relief (SER) applications. A dedicated Kent County DHHS caseworker reviews them, and landlord and tenant sign a stipulation so approved funds pay the back rent and the tenant can stay. City info: 311 or 616-456-3000.