What zoning rules apply to STRs in Ann Arbor?

Non-principal residence STRs (investment properties) are strictly prohibited in R1, R2, and R3 residential zones.

What should Ann Arbor hosts know about accessory dwelling units (adus) cannot?

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) cannot be used as short-term rentals under any circumstances.

What are the permit fees in Ann Arbor?

The $500 application fee is non-refundable, even if the application is denied due to zoning ineligibility.

What are the key requirements for Ann Arbor hosts?

All listings must display the license number and max occupancy or face daily fines.

Ann Arbor

Moderate

MichiganUpdated Mar 21, 2026

Gold-standard verification1% sourced

Cross-referenced against 0 official sources — municipal codes, planning-department pages, and government registries.

Verified Feb 6, 2026Sources 0

Summary

Plain-english overview

Ann Arbor requires all short-term rentals to be licensed annually and prohibits non-principal residence rentals in residential zoning districts.

Restriction level

Severity 23

Classification

Moderate

Severity

Why this classification

High permit fee: $500
Permit required
Reporting required
No night cap
No primary residence requirement
Tenants can host

In plain English

What this means for you

If you rent your home for 30 days or less, you must obtain a $500 annual city license. You can only rent out an entire home that is not your primary residence if it is located in a mixed-use or commercial zone; otherwise, the property must be your primary home. All listings must clearly display the city-issued license number and adhere to strict occupancy limits.

At a glance

Key numbers

Permit requiredYes

Night limitNone

Primary residenceNot required

Total tax rate0.1%

Permit fee$500

Processing time3-4 weeks

4 things hosts often miss

Common compliance gaps

1Non-principal residence STRs (investment properties) are strictly prohibited in R1, R2, and R3 residential zones.
2Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) cannot be used as short-term rentals under any circumstances.
3The $500 application fee is non-refundable, even if the application is denied due to zoning ineligibility.
4All listings must display the license number and max occupancy or face daily fines.

Regulation details

Sourced from official code

Eligibility8 rules

Ann Arbor: Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) cannot be used as short-term rentals under any circumstances.
Ann Arbor does NOT require the property to be a primary residence. Investment properties are allowed.
Ann Arbor allows STRs in the following property types: Single-family dwelling, Multi-family unit, Condo.
Ann Arbor prohibits STRs in the following property types: Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU).

Requirements11 rules

Ann Arbor: A fire inspection may be required before you can operate. Schedule early as this can delay your start date.
Ann Arbor STR warning: Non-principal residence STRs (investment properties) are strictly prohibited in R1, R2, and R3 residential zones.
Ann Arbor: Tenants CAN host STRs but must get written landlord approval first. Keep documentation.

Application process8 rules

Ann Arbor STR permit - Step 2: Obtain Certificate of Compliance (If Applicable). Non-Principal Residence (Commercial) STRs must have a valid Certificate of Compliance (CofC) from the Housing Code department before applying for an STR license. Required documents: Inspection Report. Time: 2-4 weeks. Cost: 250.

Fees & costs2 rules

Ann Arbor: The $500 application fee is non-refundable, even if the application is denied due to zoning ineligibility.
Ann Arbor charges a registration fee of $500 (annual).

Taxes2 rules

Michigan has a state sales tax of 0.06% that applies to STR rentals.
Washtenaw charges a Accommodations Tax of 0.05%. Platforms like Airbnb collect and remit this tax.

Limits & restrictions4 rules

Ann Arbor limits stays to a maximum of 30 nights.
Ann Arbor occupancy calculation: Max 4 in most residential zones; max 6 in multi-family and mixed-use zones. Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.
Ann Arbor limits STRs to a maximum of 6 guests. Formula: Max 4 in most residential zones; max 6 in multi-family and mixed-use zones
Ann Arbor enforces quiet hours: 10pm-7am.

Safety requirements1 rule

Ann Arbor requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, fire inspection, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Certificate of Compliance (Non-Principal only), Hardwired smoke detectors in sleeping areas, Egress window compliance.

Penalties3 rules

Ann Arbor enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: $500 fine. Second offense: $500 per day. Third offense: License revocation. Daily fine: $500. Permit may be revoked for violations.
Ann Arbor: All listings must display the license number and max occupancy or face daily fines.

Exemptions2 rules

Ann Arbor: Rentals of 30+ days are generally NOT considered short-term rentals and may be exempt from STR regulations (but may have other requirements).
Ann Arbor exempts the following from STR regulations: long-term rentals (30+ days), extended stays, Hotels, Motels, Bed and Breakfasts licensed under Chapter 55.

How to get permitted

Step-by-step guide for Ann Arbor

0/4

steps completed

Step 1

Verify Zoning and Eligibility

Determine if your property is a Principal Residence or Non-Principal Residence. Check the Unified Development Code (UDC) to ensure your STR type is allowed in your zone.

1 dayFree

Official resource

Step 2

Obtain Certificate of Compliance (If Applicable)

Non-Principal Residence (Commercial) STRs must have a valid Certificate of Compliance (CofC) from the Housing Code department before applying for an STR license.

2-4 weeks$250

Documents needed

Inspection Report

Official resource

Step 3

Submit Application via STREAM

Complete the online application through the City of Ann Arbor's STREAM portal. Upload required residency affidavits and insurance documents.

21 days$500

Documents needed

Sworn Statement of Principal Residency
Proof of Insurance
Floor Plan

Official resource

Step 4

Display License and Update Listings

Once issued, the license must be posted inside the unit. All online advertisements must include the license number and the maximum allowable occupancy.

1 dayFree

Frequently asked questions

4 answered

Disclaimer

Regulatory information is AI-researched from public city/county codes for educational purposes. Details may be outdated or incomplete. Always verify requirements directly with your city/county planning department before operating a short-term rental.

Researched & verified by Learn STR at GoStudioM

Ann Arbor

Moderate

MichiganUpdated Mar 21, 2026

Gold-standard verification1% sourced

Cross-referenced against 0 official sources — municipal codes, planning-department pages, and government registries.

Verified Feb 6, 2026Sources 0

Summary

Plain-english overview

Ann Arbor requires all short-term rentals to be licensed annually and prohibits non-principal residence rentals in residential zoning districts.

Restriction level

Severity 23

Classification

Moderate

Severity

Why this classification

High permit fee: $500
Permit required
Reporting required
No night cap
No primary residence requirement
Tenants can host

In plain English

What this means for you

At a glance

Key numbers

Permit requiredYes

Night limitNone

Primary residenceNot required

Total tax rate0.1%

Permit fee$500

Processing time3-4 weeks

4 things hosts often miss

Common compliance gaps

1Non-principal residence STRs (investment properties) are strictly prohibited in R1, R2, and R3 residential zones.
2Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) cannot be used as short-term rentals under any circumstances.
3The $500 application fee is non-refundable, even if the application is denied due to zoning ineligibility.
4All listings must display the license number and max occupancy or face daily fines.

Regulation details

Sourced from official code

Eligibility8 rules

Ann Arbor: Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) cannot be used as short-term rentals under any circumstances.
Ann Arbor does NOT require the property to be a primary residence. Investment properties are allowed.
Ann Arbor allows STRs in the following property types: Single-family dwelling, Multi-family unit, Condo.
Ann Arbor prohibits STRs in the following property types: Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU).

Requirements11 rules

Ann Arbor: A fire inspection may be required before you can operate. Schedule early as this can delay your start date.
Ann Arbor STR warning: Non-principal residence STRs (investment properties) are strictly prohibited in R1, R2, and R3 residential zones.
Ann Arbor: Tenants CAN host STRs but must get written landlord approval first. Keep documentation.

Application process8 rules

Ann Arbor STR permit - Step 2: Obtain Certificate of Compliance (If Applicable). Non-Principal Residence (Commercial) STRs must have a valid Certificate of Compliance (CofC) from the Housing Code department before applying for an STR license. Required documents: Inspection Report. Time: 2-4 weeks. Cost: 250.

Fees & costs2 rules

Ann Arbor: The $500 application fee is non-refundable, even if the application is denied due to zoning ineligibility.
Ann Arbor charges a registration fee of $500 (annual).

Taxes2 rules

Michigan has a state sales tax of 0.06% that applies to STR rentals.
Washtenaw charges a Accommodations Tax of 0.05%. Platforms like Airbnb collect and remit this tax.

Limits & restrictions4 rules

Ann Arbor limits stays to a maximum of 30 nights.
Ann Arbor occupancy calculation: Max 4 in most residential zones; max 6 in multi-family and mixed-use zones. Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.
Ann Arbor limits STRs to a maximum of 6 guests. Formula: Max 4 in most residential zones; max 6 in multi-family and mixed-use zones
Ann Arbor enforces quiet hours: 10pm-7am.

Safety requirements1 rule

Ann Arbor requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, fire inspection, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Certificate of Compliance (Non-Principal only), Hardwired smoke detectors in sleeping areas, Egress window compliance.

Penalties3 rules

Ann Arbor enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: $500 fine. Second offense: $500 per day. Third offense: License revocation. Daily fine: $500. Permit may be revoked for violations.
Ann Arbor: All listings must display the license number and max occupancy or face daily fines.

Exemptions2 rules

Ann Arbor: Rentals of 30+ days are generally NOT considered short-term rentals and may be exempt from STR regulations (but may have other requirements).
Ann Arbor exempts the following from STR regulations: long-term rentals (30+ days), extended stays, Hotels, Motels, Bed and Breakfasts licensed under Chapter 55.

How to get permitted

Step-by-step guide for Ann Arbor

0/4

steps completed

Step 1

Verify Zoning and Eligibility

Determine if your property is a Principal Residence or Non-Principal Residence. Check the Unified Development Code (UDC) to ensure your STR type is allowed in your zone.

1 dayFree

Official resource

Step 2

Obtain Certificate of Compliance (If Applicable)

Non-Principal Residence (Commercial) STRs must have a valid Certificate of Compliance (CofC) from the Housing Code department before applying for an STR license.

2-4 weeks$250

Documents needed

Inspection Report

Official resource

Step 3

Submit Application via STREAM

Complete the online application through the City of Ann Arbor's STREAM portal. Upload required residency affidavits and insurance documents.

21 days$500

Documents needed

Sworn Statement of Principal Residency
Proof of Insurance
Floor Plan

Official resource

Step 4

Display License and Update Listings

Once issued, the license must be posted inside the unit. All online advertisements must include the license number and the maximum allowable occupancy.

1 dayFree

Frequently asked questions

4 answered

Disclaimer

Researched & verified by Learn STR at GoStudioM

Summary

Restriction level

Why this classification

In plain English

At a glance

4 things hosts often miss

Regulation details

How to get permitted

Verify Zoning and Eligibility

Obtain Certificate of Compliance (If Applicable)

Submit Application via STREAM

Display License and Update Listings

Frequently asked questions

1Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in Ann Arbor?

2What is the TOT tax rate in Ann Arbor?

3Are there zoning restrictions for Ann Arbor rentals?

4What are the penalties for non-compliance in Ann Arbor?

Disclaimer

Summary

Restriction level

Why this classification

In plain English

At a glance

4 things hosts often miss

Regulation details

How to get permitted

Verify Zoning and Eligibility

Obtain Certificate of Compliance (If Applicable)

Submit Application via STREAM

Display License and Update Listings

Frequently asked questions

1Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in Ann Arbor?

2What is the TOT tax rate in Ann Arbor?

3Are there zoning restrictions for Ann Arbor rentals?

4What are the penalties for non-compliance in Ann Arbor?

Disclaimer