Leland House tenants still locked out of belongings months after evacuation
Nearly three months after their evacuation, Leland House tenants remain locked out of their belongings. The building's ownership has now filed new legal paperwork requesting city approval for asset removal procedures. Residents and their representatives have criticised the move as another delay in an already drawn-out process.
The latest filing comes as frustration grows among displaced tenants, many of whom still lack access to personal items. A hearing on the removal process has been scheduled for March 12, but no clear timeline exists for when residents will retrieve their possessions.
The evacuation of Leland House followed a fire in 2024, leaving tenants without stable housing. Since then, none of the original residents have had their units officially declared abandoned by Detroit authorities or the property owners. Many left due to unliveable conditions—no heat, no water, widespread mould, and threats of eviction.
Attorneys for the displaced tenants called the ownership's latest legal filing an 'eleventh-hour' manoeuvre. Donovan McCarty, one of the lawyers, accused the owners of non-cooperation and poor communication. Tenants like Steven Remmer described the situation as a 'failure' that has taken a toll on their physical and mental health.
City officials have also raised concerns. Councilwoman Gabriela Santiago-Romero questioned why the process has dragged on for so long. Councilwoman Renata Miller noted that affordability issues had already forced many residents out before the fire. Daryl Stewart, another displaced tenant, said he felt 'abandoned' by the lack of progress.
With the March 12 hearing approaching, tenants still face uncertainty. The city has yet to outline when—or if—they will regain access to their belongings.
The hearing on March 12 will determine the next steps for asset removal from Leland House. For now, displaced residents continue waiting, with no guaranteed resolution in sight. The prolonged dispute has left many without essential possessions and deepened their frustration with the process.
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