Southfield — Ch. 103 Registration Requirements for Rental or Leased Dwellings § 8.501

The purpose of this chapter is to help protect the health, safety and welfare of city residents and citizens, to prevent blight and property deterioration in neighborhoods, and to promote and maintain healthy and sanitary conditions in all single- and two-family and townhouse rental dwellings located in the city, recognizing the importance of such to the persons who do or may reside therein or in the vicinity. The city also recognizes a compelling interest in establishing standards for the maintenance of sanitary and safe single- and two-family and townhouse rental dwellings within the city which will provide for the maintenance of property values of nearby properties; and the reduction and elimination of blight and other negative factors affecting neighborhoods and the quality of life within the city.
The city finds that the nature of single-family, two-family, and townhouse rental dwellings versus multiple-family and non-residential rental buildings is unique because, in the city's experience: (1)
The maintenance of single- and two-family and townhouse rental dwellings are typically the obligation of a non-owning tenant or a non-occupying, off-site owner rather than an on-site manager or management company;
(2) Unlike non-residential rental buildings and apartment units, single- and two-family and townhouse rental dwellings are typically located in neighborhoods consisting of owner-occupied single-family dwelling units where the deterioration and non-maintenance of homes has a much more significant and direct negative impact on the quality of life, character, vitality, appearance, and value of properties in the surrounding neighborhood affecting residents on a broad and large scale basis within the city;
(3) Single- and two-family and townhouse rental dwellings are more often located in close proximity to other single-family residential structures and, therefore have a greater effect on the general health, safety, and welfare of the city's residents; and
(4) Accordingly, regulating single- and two-family and townhouse rental dwellings is the most effective way to reduce neighborhood and city blight with the resources available to the city. Thus, in order to address this unique situation and help to protect residents of neighborhoods surrounding single- and two-family rental dwellings, the city finds that a single- and two-family and townhouse rental dwelling registration and inspection program is warranted and necessary.