Detroit’s right to counsel program has provided thousands of Detroiters with free legal representation in eviction court since 2022. The assistance has dramatically improved outcomes for tenants, allowing them to stay in their homes longer and push for repairs.
But the program is expected to run out of money in February 2027. A new report argues the city has strong financial incentives to keep it going.
The report estimates the right to counsel program has generated $3.74 in benefits to the City of Detroit for every dollar spent by preventing displacement. Landlords argue the report overlooks their costs, including longer court cases and unpaid rent that may be driving some property owners out of the Detroit rental market…