While the vast majority of homes in Detroit do contain lead, there are many resources for finding lead safe housing.  If you or someone you care about has children under the age of six, consider the following when looking for housing.

Things to consider when looking for lead safe housing

Was the house/apartment built after 1978?

If YES, then it is LEAD-FREE!  Lead paint was banned in 1978.

Was the house/apartment built before 1950?

If YES, then it may contain extremely high levels of lead, since paint had very high concentrations of lead before 1950.

Have the windows been replaced after 1978?

If NO, the house is more likely to lead poison a child.  Windows are friction surfaces that can generate a lot of lead dust.

Is there chipping or peeling paint in or on the house or porch?

If YES, then a child is more likely to be lead poisoned because chipping and peeling paint can be ingested by children and can create lead dust.

Has the house/apartment been abated of its lead hazards?  (check the Lead Addressed Housing Registry)

If YES, then it is most likely lead safe, but you should still watch out for chipping and peeling paint. 

Remember, houses built before 1978 contain lead paint and should be wet mopped weekly and all bare soil should be covered with grass or mulch.  If you think your house may have lead, take your children to get tested and call CLEARCorps at 313-924-4000. 

Resources for Finding Affordable Lead Free Rental Housing

ALWAYS consider the questions above when looking for housing.  If possible, try to find housing built after 1978 or that has been abated of its lead hazards.

Lead Addressed Housing Registry

Find out if a house has been abated or had a lead risk assessment by searching for the address in the MDCH Lead Addressed Housing Registry. 

Michigan Housing Locator

Search for available rental housing in Michigan with the Michigan Housing Locator.  You may check a box to search only for Section 8 rentals.  (Note that many houses listed here will contain lead hazards.  Consider the questions above when looking for housing.)

Apply for Section 8

In order to see if you qualify for Section 8 housing and to apply, visit or call the Detroit Housing Commission.  For more information, visit the Section 8 website.

                        Detroit Housing Commission
                        1301 Jefferson
                        Detroit, MI 48207
                        Phone:(313) 877-8000
                        Fax: (313) 877-8805

Tax Credit Housing

Tax credit housing can be an affordable lead safe housing solution for families that meet minimum income requirements.  There are hundreds of tax credit properties in Detroit.  CLEARCorps has created a list of many tax credit properties in Detroit that includes lead status and other details.

Housing Counseling

For a list of HUD approved housing counseling agencies, search the HUD website by entering the state and city.  Also, CLEARCorps has compiled a list of Detroit housing counseling agencies.

HUD Resources for Renters

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has information and resources for renters.  Visit their Renting website. http://www.hud.gov/renting

Other Housing Resources

Help for Weatherization and Utilities

For information on how to get government help with weatherization or utilities, visit the Department of Energy Website. 

Fair Housing Laws

Housing discrimination is illegal!  To learn more about what housing discrimination is and what you do if you experience it, visit the Fair Housing Laws website.