there is lead in my rental unit
Lead hazards are extremely common in Detroit's majority pre-1978 rental housing stock and poses a serious public health risk to tenants, children, and our communities.
Lead poisoning has a detrimental impact on brain and nervous system development in youth and often has adverse consequences for health and well-being into adulthood. The main source of exposure is ingested lead paint chips and dust, although soil and water should also be tested.
If you think your home should be inspected for lead or your landlord is non-compliant, contact the Buildings, Safety, Engineering, and Environmental Department (BSEED) at 1-(313)-224-2733.
There are various local and state programs that can identify and remove lead-based hazards from your home. Note: Many of these programs have extensive waiting lists (several months).
The Detroit Lead Prevention and Intervention Program seeks to prevent childhood lead poisoning, identify and treat exposed children, and reduce lead in the home. If you believe that your family has been exposed to lead in your home, call 1-(313)-876-0133.
The Detroit LeadSafe Housing program is a free program to remove lead-based paint hazards in homes where children under the age of 6 and/or pregnant people are living.
The Lead Service Line Replacement Program from DWSD allows you to identify if you have a lead service line in your rental unit, get your water tested and replace any service lines that contain lead.
The Michigan Health and Human Services' Lead Safe Home Program offers free home inspections to qualifying residents and provides financial assistance in lead-related repairs.
Local community organizations also provide services, information, and organizing opportunities to lead-impacted households. Note: this is not an exhaustive list.
Bridging Communities provides assistance with applications for some of the city and state programs listed above.
The De-Lead Education & Advocacy Parent Group connects lead-impacted parents and provides advocacy training.
Detroiters Working for Environmental Justice supports neighborhood organizing surrounding lead and other environmental hazards.
CLEARCorps' Healthy Homes Enforcement Workgroup is concerned with the enforcement of the city's rental ordinance and other lead-related policies.