Detroit Tenants Scramble to Save Home Amid Auction Looming, Critics Say Mayor's Office Abandons Them
The historic Leland House in downtown Detroit is on the brink of an auction in early March, sending shockwaves through the community as long-time tenants fight to preserve their leases and belongings. The building's owner has asked a federal bankruptcy judge for approval to sell off the 20-story property and adjacent parking lot online, sparking outrage among housing advocates.
The situation began unfolding when the city's fire marshal blocked access to residents after an electrical failure left the building without power, heat, or elevators. Many believed the displacement would be temporary, only to find themselves locked out with their personal belongings left behind inside. The crisis has raised questions about the role of Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield and her administration in addressing long-standing issues tied to maintenance and unpaid utilities.
Tenants at the Leland House are now taking matters into their own hands, filing emergency motions with U.S. Bankruptcy Court in an effort to prevent their belongings from being removed without consent. Housing advocates, led by Michigan State University's College of Law, argue that the auction timeline and court order allowing the removal of residents' possessions create a sense of urgency, as tenants fear permanent displacement under the guise of emergency cleanup.
"This is not just about the physical building; it's about the lives being disrupted," said Donovan McCarty, director of the Housing Justice Clinic. "Tenants are concerned that their belongings are being taken without notice or due process, and they're worried about losing access to their apartments if conditions improve."
The city's response has been criticized as inadequate, with Deputy Mayor Brian White stating that safety concerns take precedence over tenant rights. However, advocates say relocation is not a substitute for the right to return home if conditions improve.
The situation has sparked calls for reform in Detroit's approach to distressed housing, including whether long-term tenants should have a pathway to ownership or cooperative control rather than displacement. As the auction date draws near, residents and advocates are urging the city to rethink its priorities and prioritize their needs.
Meanwhile, Mayor Sheffield's administration is emphasizing safety concerns and ongoing relocation assistance, which some argue falls short of addressing the root issues at play. With the sale expected to close in early April, the fate of the Leland House remains uncertain, leaving its long-time tenants and advocates on edge, fighting for a chance to stay in their homes.
The historic Leland House in downtown Detroit is on the brink of an auction in early March, sending shockwaves through the community as long-time tenants fight to preserve their leases and belongings. The building's owner has asked a federal bankruptcy judge for approval to sell off the 20-story property and adjacent parking lot online, sparking outrage among housing advocates.
The situation began unfolding when the city's fire marshal blocked access to residents after an electrical failure left the building without power, heat, or elevators. Many believed the displacement would be temporary, only to find themselves locked out with their personal belongings left behind inside. The crisis has raised questions about the role of Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield and her administration in addressing long-standing issues tied to maintenance and unpaid utilities.
Tenants at the Leland House are now taking matters into their own hands, filing emergency motions with U.S. Bankruptcy Court in an effort to prevent their belongings from being removed without consent. Housing advocates, led by Michigan State University's College of Law, argue that the auction timeline and court order allowing the removal of residents' possessions create a sense of urgency, as tenants fear permanent displacement under the guise of emergency cleanup.
"This is not just about the physical building; it's about the lives being disrupted," said Donovan McCarty, director of the Housing Justice Clinic. "Tenants are concerned that their belongings are being taken without notice or due process, and they're worried about losing access to their apartments if conditions improve."
The city's response has been criticized as inadequate, with Deputy Mayor Brian White stating that safety concerns take precedence over tenant rights. However, advocates say relocation is not a substitute for the right to return home if conditions improve.
The situation has sparked calls for reform in Detroit's approach to distressed housing, including whether long-term tenants should have a pathway to ownership or cooperative control rather than displacement. As the auction date draws near, residents and advocates are urging the city to rethink its priorities and prioritize their needs.
Meanwhile, Mayor Sheffield's administration is emphasizing safety concerns and ongoing relocation assistance, which some argue falls short of addressing the root issues at play. With the sale expected to close in early April, the fate of the Leland House remains uncertain, leaving its long-time tenants and advocates on edge, fighting for a chance to stay in their homes.
like what even is going on in detroit? so these people are being locked out of their own homes because of a fire in the building but now they're being threatened with auction and having their stuff taken away without notice? it's just not right. i mean i get that safety is important but come on, can't they find another way to handle this situation? 
and what's up with the city saying relocation is an option when really it's just a way of kicking people out? it's so frustrating. tenants deserve better than to be treated like this 
i mean, i get that safety concerns are important but come on, there's gotta be a way to balance that with people's lives being disrupted 
and what's up with the mayor's office abandoning them? 
didn't they promise to do better after all the scandals? 
anyway, i hope those tenants can get their stuff back and stay in their homes, it would be a total disaster if they get kicked out 
tenants are already struggling with unpaid utilities and maintenance issues and now they're being forced out of their homes without a chance to fight back? it's like the mayor's office doesn't care about the people who need help most 
that's a way more practical solution than just kicking people out and expecting them to be okay with it 
and i'm just over here thinking about how the mayor's office is all "safety first" but really they should be saying "our residents' lives matter too, pls don't kick them out" 
. They've been living there for years, paying rent, and contributing to the community. It's time for the city to step up and provide some real support instead of just focusing on safety concerns 
.
. That way, they can invest in their communities and have a sense of security that comes with having something they truly own.
. Deputy Mayor Brian White saying safety concerns take precedence over tenant rights is not going to cut it 
.
. Can someone please step up and help them? 
i feel so bad for those tenants at the Leland House, they deserve so much more than to be left in limbo. its not just about the building or the auction date, its about ppl's lives and their right to a safe and stable place to live 
. We can't keep relying on Band-Aid solutions that only temporarily fix problems. We need systemic reforms that actually address the root issues, like affordable housing and tenant rights. Anything less feels like just patching up a broken system 
instead of just being told pack your bags and leave.
And what's with the mayor's office saying safety concerns are more important than people's lives? That's just crazy talk! 
and whats w/ the auction timeline? cant they see how this will harm innocent ppl who just wanna stay in their homes? 
to visualize this situation: