Comprehensive short-term rental guides for 67 markets in Michigan.
11 markets
Michigan
Short-term rentals are prohibited in all residential zoning districts in Dearborn and are restricted solely to the East and West Downtown districts effective January 1, 2026.
Short-term rentals are currently PROHIBITED in the Village of Empire as they are not explicitly listed as a permitted use in residential zoning districts (Permissive Zoning). While the Village previously explored licensing, no active STR ordinance exists, and the Village has historically issued moratoriums on the practice. Hosts should be aware that enforcement is complaint-driven and based on zoning violations.
Short-term rentals for periods of less than 28 days are prohibited in all residential zoning districts in the City of Troy.
Short-term rentals are currently not a permitted use in the City of Ironwood's residential zoning districts under the city's permissive zoning code. While no dedicated STR ordinance exists, the city maintains that uses not explicitly allowed are prohibited in residential areas.
The City of Menominee does not currently have a specific ordinance or permit system for short-term rentals. In the absence of specific language, STRs are often treated as 'Hotels' or 'Bed and Breakfasts' depending on the zoning district, and may be technically prohibited in strictly residential zones under Michigan's permissive zoning principles.
Short-term rentals (entire-unit) are generally prohibited in residential zones; only owner-occupied rentals with a valid rental license are permitted under strict conditions.
Grand Rapids limits residential short-term rentals to owner-occupied 'home shares' with a citywide cap of 200 licenses, while whole-home rentals are restricted to specific zones and often require a Special Land Use permit.
The City of Gaylord does not have a dedicated short-term rental ordinance. Under permissive zoning, STRs are not explicitly permitted in primary residential zones, and hosts may need to apply for a 'Tourist Home' special use permit or risk zoning enforcement.
Short-term rentals in Ypsilanti require a Special Land Use permit and are restricted to primary residences in single-family or two-family dwellings.
Short-term rentals on Mackinac Island are strictly regulated and prohibited in most residential zones (R-1 and R-2). Permitted rentals are primarily restricted to commercial districts and specific cottage developments, requiring a formal certificate from the City Clerk and a safety inspection.
Short-term rentals (stays under 30 days) are effectively prohibited in all residential zones in Mackinaw City, as they are not listed as a permitted use in the zoning code. While a 5% Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) exists, it applies to commercial lodging and grandfathered properties; standard residential homes may not operate as STRs.
2 markets
The Village of Suttons Bay requires an annual permit and fire safety inspection for all short-term rentals. While there is no local transient occupancy tax, hosts must comply with occupancy limits (max 10 guests) and ensure a local contact is available 24/7.
Short-term rentals in Traverse City are strictly regulated through a licensing program and specific zoning requirements. Hosts are categorized as either Accessory (owner-occupied) or Tourist Homes, with residential areas subject to density caps that often result in waitlists for new permits.
26 markets
Ann Arbor requires all short-term rentals to be licensed annually and prohibits non-principal residence rentals in residential zoning districts.
Short-term rentals in Glen Arbor Township are regulated by Ordinance No. 1-2019 and require an annual permit and a $200 fee. There is currently no local room tax in Leelanau County, but hosts must remit Michigan's 6% state sales tax.
The Village of Central Lake adopted a formal short-term rental ordinance in May 2023 requiring all hosts to obtain an annual license. Hosts must comply with occupancy limits based on bedroom count and pay a 5% regional excise tax in addition to Michigan state use tax.
The City of Saugatuck requires all short-term rentals to obtain an annual certificate and undergo a safety inspection. While there is no cap on the number of nights, occupancy is strictly limited based on bedroom count and a maximum guest cap of 12.
The City of Iron Mountain requires all short-term rental operators to obtain an annual license from the City Clerk and pass a mandatory fire inspection. STRs are permitted in most residential and business zones but are subject to strict occupancy limits and a 1% city lodging fee.
The City of New Buffalo requires an annual permit and life-safety inspection for all short-term rentals under 30 days. Occupancy is strictly limited based on the number of bedrooms, and guests must adhere to designated off-street parking requirements.
Lake Leelanau is an unincorporated area governed by Leland Township, which requires an annual Short-Term Rental Permit for all stays under 30 days. The ordinance limits occupancy to 2 guests per bedroom plus 2, with a cap of 10 guests total, and mandates a local contact person available 24/7.
Short-term rentals are strictly regulated in the City of South Haven under a mandatory annual registration program. Hosts must pay a 9% city excise tax in addition to state sales tax and comply with a 12-person maximum occupancy limit.
East Lansing treats short-term rentals as standard rental housing, requiring a full Rental Housing License and adherence to strict neighborhood-specific overlay restrictions.
The City of Frankfort requires all short-term rentals to obtain an annual permit and undergo a fire safety inspection. Stays are limited to properties in specific residential zones, and Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are strictly prohibited from being used as STRs.
Short-term rentals in Kalamazoo are classified as commercial enterprises requiring mandatory city rental registration, safety inspections, and a 5% county accommodation tax.
Short-term rentals in the City of Ludington require an annual registration and safety inspection under Chapter 597 of the City Code. Properties are limited to a maximum occupancy of 10 people and must have a local contact available 24/7.
The City of Charlevoix requires all short-term rentals (stays under 30 days) to register annually with the Planning and Zoning Department and pass a fire safety inspection. Stays are limited to 2 people per bedroom plus 2 additional guests, and a 2-night minimum stay is strictly enforced.
The City of Holland requires all short-term rental operators to obtain a triennial Certificate of Compliance and undergo a safety inspection. Stays are limited to a maximum of 27 consecutive days, and occupancy is strictly capped based on bedroom count.
The City of Lansing does not currently have a specific short-term rental ordinance but regulates STRs under existing rental registration and safety inspection codes.
Short-term rentals are regulated in the City of Manistee under Chapter 867, requiring an annual license and a safety inspection. Hosts must collect and remit a 5% local lodging tax in addition to Michigan's state sales tax.
The City of Marquette requires all short-term rentals to obtain an annual license and undergo a safety inspection. While the city does not cap nights, it strictly enforces occupancy limits based on bedroom count and requires a local 24/7 emergency contact.
Short-term rentals in the City of Munising are regulated as a Special Land Use under the Zoning Ordinance. Hosts must obtain approval from the Planning Commission and pay an annual registration fee.
The Village of Pentwater requires all short-term rentals to obtain an annual license and pass a safety inspection. Stays are limited to a maximum occupancy of 12 guests, and hosts must remit a 5% Oceana County Accommodations Tax in addition to state sales tax.
Short-term rentals are strictly regulated in the City of Petoskey under Chapter 11 of the Municipal Code. Hosts must obtain an annual license, appoint a 24/7 local agent, and pass a mandatory fire safety inspection.
The City of Sault Ste. Marie requires all short-term rental operators to obtain an annual license from the City Clerk's office. The process involves a $150 fee, a mandatory fire safety inspection, and adherence to occupancy limits based on bedroom count.
Boyne City requires all short-term rentals to obtain an annual license and pass a fire safety inspection. The city distinguishes between owner-occupied and non-owner occupied units, though both are subject to strict occupancy limits and noise regulations.
Short-term rentals in the Village of Elk Rapids are regulated under Chapter 102 of the municipal code, requiring an annual license and a fire safety inspection. The program features strict occupancy limits (10 guest maximum) and requires a local contact person to be available 24/7.
The City of Grand Haven requires all short-term rentals (stays less than 28 days) to be registered with the City Clerk and undergo a fire safety inspection. While the city does not levy a local occupancy tax, hosts are responsible for the 6% Michigan State Use Tax.
Glen Arbor Township requires all short-term rentals (stays under 30 days) to obtain an annual license and pay a $150 fee. Regulations strictly enforce occupancy limits based on bedroom count and require off-street parking for all guests.
Short-term rentals in Allendale are regulated under the township's general Rental Housing Ordinance, requiring annual registration and safety inspections.
28 markets
The Village of Newberry has no dedicated short-term rental ordinance or permit system. STRs are currently unregulated at the municipal level, though Michigan state-level taxes still apply.
Alger County does not have a county-wide short-term rental ordinance or registration requirement for unincorporated areas. Regulation in this jurisdiction is primarily handled at the township level (e.g., Au Train Township or Burt Township), where specific permits and zoning rules may apply.
Unincorporated Cheboygan County does not currently have a dedicated short-term rental licensing ordinance, though the county has held discussions regarding future regulations. Currently, STRs are generally treated as 'Tourist Homes' under the zoning code and must comply with standard residential use requirements and health department septic limits.
Paradise Township (Grand Traverse County) does not have a dedicated short-term rental ordinance or registration program. However, because STRs are not explicitly listed as a permitted use in residential zones, they may be considered a non-conforming use; hosts should contact the Township Zoning Administrator before operating.
Tawas City regulates short-term rentals as 'Tourist Homes' under its zoning code, primarily allowing them in the R-2 and B-2 districts. A Zoning Compliance Permit is required to operate, and rentals must adhere to occupancy limits and off-street parking requirements. While there is no specific city-level lodging tax, hosts must collect and remit Michigan State Use Tax and Iosco County Convention tax.
The City of Houghton currently has no dedicated short-term rental ordinance or permit system, though regulations are under active discussion by the City Council as of late 2023. Hosts are subject to general city noise ordinances and state-level Michigan Use Tax (6%).
The City of West Branch does not currently have a dedicated short-term rental (STR) ordinance in its municipal code. While not explicitly prohibited by a specific ban, STRs are not clearly defined as a permitted use in residential zoning districts, which may lead to enforcement under general zoning or nuisance laws.
The Village of Northport currently has no dedicated short-term rental ordinance or local lodging tax. While unregulated at the village level, the Planning Commission is actively reviewing potential regulations as of early 2024.
Chippewa County (unincorporated) does not currently have a dedicated short-term rental ordinance or county-level lodging tax. Rentals are primarily subject to the Michigan State Use Tax of 6% and general county zoning regulations regarding land use and nuisance.
Roscommon County does not regulate short-term rentals at the county level. All short-term rental permits, zoning permissions, and operational rules are determined by the individual township in which the property is located. Hosts must identify their specific township (e.g., Denton, Higgins, Lyon) to comply with local laws.
The City of Cheboygan does not currently have a dedicated ordinance or permit system for short-term rentals. While unregulated at the city level, hosts are still subject to general zoning, noise ordinances, and Michigan state tax requirements.
Short-term rentals in Mount Pleasant, MI require both an annual rental license from the Fire Department and a Special Use Permit from the Planning Commission.
Keweenaw County does not currently have a dedicated short-term rental ordinance or registration requirement for unincorporated areas. STRs are generally unregulated at the county level but must comply with standard Michigan state use tax requirements and general zoning health/safety standards.
The City of St. Ignace does not have a standalone short-term rental ordinance but regulates these properties as 'Tourist Homes' under the municipal zoning code. Hosts must ensure their property is located in an eligible zone (primarily R-2 or R-3) and comply with general business licensing and room tax requirements.
The City of St. Joseph does not currently have a dedicated ordinance governing short-term rentals. While unregulated by specific STR laws, hosts must comply with the 6% Michigan Use Tax and the 5% Berrien County lodging assessment. Because the zoning code uses permissive zoning, hosts should verify with the Planning Department that their specific usage is not classified as a prohibited commercial enterprise in a residential zone.
Grand Marais (Burt Township) currently has no dedicated short-term rental ordinance or registration requirement. Hosts are primarily subject to state-level Michigan Use Tax (6%) and general township noise and nuisance ordinances.
The City of Escanaba does not currently have a dedicated short-term rental ordinance, meaning STRs are largely unregulated but subject to the city's 2% Lodging Excise Tax. While no specific permit is required, the city classifies similar uses as 'Tourist Homes' under zoning, and new regulations are under active consideration by the City Council.
The City of Grayling does not currently have a dedicated short-term rental ordinance. Under permissive zoning, STRs are not explicitly listed as a permitted use in residential districts, though 'Tourist Homes' may be allowed with specific approvals. Hosts are currently required to remit the 6% Michigan State Use Tax.
The City of Gladwin currently has no dedicated short-term rental ordinance or permit system. While the zoning code defines 'Tourist Homes', it does not explicitly list them as a permitted use in standard residential zones, creating a gray area often interpreted as unregulated in practice.
The City of Alpena currently has no dedicated ordinance or licensing program for short-term rentals. Hosts are generally unregulated at the city level but must still comply with Michigan State Use Tax requirements and local noise ordinances.
The City of Detroit does not currently have a dedicated short-term rental ordinance, meaning there is no specific STR permit required as of late 2024. However, hosts must comply with the city's general property maintenance codes and state tax requirements while the city council continues to debate a formal regulatory framework.
The City of Manistique does not currently have a dedicated short-term rental ordinance or registration program. Rentals are generally subject to Michigan state-level taxes and the city's general noise and safety codes.
Oscoda Charter Township does not currently have a dedicated short-term rental ordinance or registration program. While the use is technically unlisted in the zoning code, the township has not actively banned the practice and is currently in the process of discussing new regulatory frameworks.
Paradise (Whitefish Township) currently has no dedicated short-term rental ordinance or local permit requirements. Hosts are not required to obtain a local STR-specific license, but they must comply with general Michigan Use Tax (6%) obligations for stays under 30 days.
The Village of Bellaire currently has no dedicated short-term rental ordinance or permit system. However, under permissive zoning doctrine, since STRs are not explicitly listed as a permitted use in residential districts, they may be subject to enforcement if operated as a commercial business in a residential zone.
The Village of Beulah does not currently have a dedicated short-term rental ordinance or permit requirement. Hosts are primarily governed by the Benzie County Lodging Excise Tax (5%) and the Michigan State Use Tax (6%).
The City of Harrison has no dedicated short-term rental ordinance. Under permissive zoning, since short-term rentals are not explicitly listed as a permitted use in residential zones, they may be technically restricted or subject to individual zoning administrator interpretation.
The City of Harbor Springs does not have a dedicated short-term rental licensing ordinance, but it enforces a 5% Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) on all stays under 30 days. Hosts must register with the City Treasurer and file quarterly tax returns.