JACKSON, Mich. (WLNS) — A federal courtroom has prohibited the Metropolis of Jackson from assessing a payment for administrative search warrants, which has led to main adjustments for the town’s rental housing inspection program.
It began in 2021, when Grand River Ridge Residences proprietor Nathaniel Williams filed a lawsuit, arguing the town wrongfully issued warrants in opposition to his properties with out correct authorization.
(WLNS)
“I’ve had tenants tell me that they’ve threatened them with fines and fees and I’ve had. Obviously, I’ve had bills come to me that I had no control over,” Williams mentioned.
Williams’ lawsuit resulted in a federal injunction in 2024, which was upheld final week. It stops metropolis officers from accumulating or assessing administrative charges to property homeowners who request a warrant for the town to do a property inspection.
(WLNS)
“We didn’t publicize it because we filed a reconsideration trying to make the injunction stronger, and then we found out about a week ago that the injunction is final as is,” Williams mentioned.
5 months earlier than a judgment on the injunction got here down in 2024, councilmembers amended the town’s coverage in accordance with metropolis lawyer Matthew Hagerty.
(WLNS)
“We went back to the drawing board, amended our ordinance,” Hagerty mentioned. “And so, the city does not charge any administrative fee for any property owner asserting their 4th Amendment rights for rental housing inspection.”
