Detroit Landlord Training Program – Phase II: Lead-Safe RRP Certification

Scope of Work :

Environmental Testing & Consulting (ETC) partnered with the City of Detroit Housing and Revitalization Department to deliver a no-cost, EPA RRP certified training course for Detroit landlords managing 1–5 rental units. The program aimed to help property owners understand and meet lead-safety and compliance requirements under the city’s Certificate of Compliance (CoC) ordinance.

  • Delivered EPA RRP certified training sessions at no cost to eligible landlords.
  • Provided hands-on instruction on identifying lead hazards, performing safe repairs, and achieving CoC compliance.
  • Supplied participants with starter toolkits—including PPE, lead-safe materials, and informational guides—to support immediate application of training.
  • Facilitated access to $10,000 per unit incentives (up to three units) for landlords completing certification and obtaining CoCs.
  • Offered documentation support and inspection preparation guidance to align landlords with city housing standards.

ETC's Role :

ETC played a central role in developing and executing the training program, combining technical expertise with community education.

  • Curriculum Design: Created a custom syllabus, presentation materials, and lead-safe practice exercises tailored for Detroit’s older housing stock.
  • Training Delivery: Conducted one-day, in-person workshops led by EPA-certified instructors covering federal, state, and local regulations.
  • Certification: Issued EPA RRP certificates upon completion, empowering landlords to legally perform risk-based repairs.
  • Toolkit Distribution: Provided practical materials—paint rollers, containment sheets, HEPA vacuums, and lead-safe work guides—to support safe implementation.
  • Compliance Advisory: Offered post-training support to assist landlords with documentation, CoC preparation, and accessing city incentive funds.

Results and Impact :

The DLTP Phase II program significantly advanced lead-safety compliance across Detroit’s rental housing sector and empowered small landlords with the resources and confidence to improve their properties.

  • Increased Compliance Readiness: Participants reported greater confidence in passing inspections and reduced reliance on third-party contractors.
  • Financial Incentives Unlocked: Landlords accessed funding that offset upgrade costs and encouraged proactive property improvements.
  • Improved Housing Safety: Safer rental units reduced lead exposure risks and supported the city’s broader housing-quality initiatives.
  • Operational Efficiency: Participants gained flexibility to perform timely, safe repairs without enforcement-driven delays.
  • Community Stability: Empowering small landlords contributed to more affordable, well-maintained housing and strengthened Detroit’s neighborhoods.

Key Takeaways

  • Targeted training combined with financial incentives drove strong participation and measurable outcomes.
  • ETC’s technical expertise made regulatory compliance approachable and achievable for small property owners.
  • Older housing stock requires focused lead-safety education to ensure lasting compliance.
  • Providing tangible tools, such as starter kits, bridges the gap between classroom knowledge and real-world action.

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