Accommodation in Detroit

When it comes to accommodation in Detroit, there is something for everybody. The city is home to not just characterful urban neighbourhoods but also lovely green spaces and sprawling houses.

When first arriving in Detroit, most people tend to rent, but the affordable property market may encourage them to eventually buy a home.

Areas and suburbs in Detroit

With more than 200 neighbourhoods, Detroit will offer you plenty of options. Whether you’re moving to Detroit with your family or by yourself, you’ll find myriad areas and suburbs in Detroit. Families often prefer large, spacious homes with access to parks.

Some of the best family-friendly neighbourhoods in Detroit include Brush Park, Bagley, and Grandmont-Rosedale. These neighbourhoods boast beautiful single-family homes and access to some of Detroit’s best schools.

For young single professionals and couples, neighbourhoods like Downtown Detroit, Midtown, and Corktown are some of the most popular. These areas boast quick access to some of Detroit’s trendiest restaurants and attractions, making them perfect for those who want to enjoy a lively lifestyle without sacrificing access to work.

Read areas and suburbs in Detroit for more on the city’s neighbourhoods.

Types of accommodation in Detroit

Thanks to the city’s recent regeneration, Detroit has experienced much investment in recent years, increasing property values. Although prices are rising, the city remains affordable compared to other major US cities.

There are various accommodation options in the metro. Downtown areas are dominated by a mixture of high-rise residential blocks and low-rise townhouses, while larger family homes with gardens can be found further out in the surrounding suburbs.

As with any big city, Detroit offers myriad options when choosing an apartment. While it may not have an iconic skyline like New York City or Seattle, there is still plenty of decent high-rise housing in the central districts and smaller condos and low-rise residential blocks.

There is a huge variety of houses available in Detroit’s middle and upper-class neighbourhoods. In contrast to the stereotypical image of Detroit as an urban jungle, there are many safe suburbs perfect for raising families. A huge range of housing styles are available throughout the city, from gorgeous Gilded Age properties to Gothic Revival, Federal and Victorian-style homes.

Finding accommodation in Detroit

Online listings are the primary way of exploring housing options in Detroit and are also a good way to familiarise yourself with the city’s property market before relocation. Estate agents are another option, although they will charge a fee for their services.

When looking for a home in Detroit, families should consider areas close to schools, and working professionals should also factor in their work commute, which, depending on location, could be impacted by traffic congestion.

Useful links

• Redfin
• Zillow
• Trulia

Renting accommodation in Detroit

Once you have decided on a home, you will have to approach the landlord as soon as possible to negotiate a suitable lease agreement.

Making an application

The first step in the rental process after finding the desired accommodation is to file an application. Depending on the situation, prospective tenants can do this directly with the landlord or via an estate agent.

The landlord or agency will perform various checks, after which a lease is signed between the landlord and tenant. Foreign nationals will benefit from having a US bank account and social security number set up, which will speed up the process.

Leases, costs, and fees

A standard rental contract in Detroit is usually valid for a year, with the option to renew at the end of the initial term. Sometimes, tenants can negotiate shorter leases, but this is up to individual landlords.

Tenants must pay a deposit, often equivalent to one month’s rent, in addition to the first month’s rent upfront to secure the rental agreement. This deposit must be paid back at the end of the lease. If the landlord deems it necessary to use some or all of the deposit for breakages, outstanding rent, or other expenses you may be liable for, you may only receive a portion of it back.

Have a look at Accommodation in the USA for detailed information on the rental processes in the country.

Utilities in Detroit

Renters need to carefully check the terms of their lease to determine which utilities are included and what additional expenses they’d be liable to pay. In Detroit, utilities such as gas, water, electricity, and internet usually aren’t covered by the landlord, but this varies from property to property.

Electricity and gas

DTE Energy is Detroit’s main electricity and gas supplier, but residents can also choose between several other suppliers licensed by the Michigan Public Service Commission. Most rental properties will already have an electricity connection; you’ll simply have to transfer the account to your name.

You can submit a request to start service on DTE Energy’s website by filling out a six-step service application. You’ll need to provide your address, proof of identification (passport or social security card) and your service start date. We recommend beginning the process at least two weeks before moving to ensure you have power once you move in.

Water

Much of the drinking water in Detroit comes from Lake St Clair and the Detroit River. The Detroit Water and Sewerage Department (DWSD) is responsible for treating and supplying water to the city’s residents.

The easiest way to start a water service is by filling in an online Application for Water & Sewer Service. It’s also possible to mail and post this application form to your nearest DWSD office. These forms are also available in Spanish and Arabic. You must then submit this form along with your proof of identity, lease agreement, and social security number.

Water bills are typically issued monthly, and you can make payment online, by phone, through direct debits to your bank account or in person at a DWSD office.

Bins and recycling

The City of Detroit’s Public Works Department oversees waste management in the city. Rubbish is collected weekly through a door-to-door waste collection system. You’ll generally have a black bin for regular household waste and a blue one for recyclable waste.

The city has recently introduced a new system for collecting regular household waste, yard waste, bulk waste, and recyclables weekly to ensure reliable waste disposal for residents.

Bins must be placed on the kerbside by 7 a.m. on your scheduled collection day. The Public Works Department’s website has the waste collection schedule for your specific neighbourhood. Enter your address to find the schedule for your specific neighbourhood.

Internet

The internet infrastructure across the US and in Detroit is excellent, so you’ll have plenty of reliable options for keeping in touch with your loved ones back home. Earthlink, AT&T, and Xfinity all have great coverage in Detroit.

Some of these providers have bundled mobile, internet, and cable services, offering a cheaper option for residents. With a stable internet connection, it’s easy to stream some of your favourite international shows on platforms like Netflix.

Useful links

• DTE Energy
• DWSD
• Department of Public Works
• Earthlink
• AT&T
• Xfinity