What is the TOT tax rate in Detroit?

**Tax** rates vary; check with the city's finance department and the Michigan Department of Treasury for specific requirements. Hosts are responsible for collecting and remitting all applicable taxes, including sales and use taxes, as mandated by the state. Penalties may apply for non-compliance or late payments.

Are short-term rentals allowed in Detroit?

**Yes**, short-term rentals are generally allowed in Detroit, but hosts must comply with all applicable city and state regulations. This includes adhering to property maintenance codes, noise ordinances, and tax requirements. The city council is currently debating a formal regulatory framework for STRs, so regulations may change.

What happens if I operate an illegal STR in Detroit?

**Penalties** for operating an illegal STR in Detroit can vary, but may include fines and legal action. Hosts must ensure they are compliant with all applicable city and state regulations, including property maintenance codes and tax requirements. Check with the city's Buildings, Safety Engineering, and Environmental Department for current enforcement policies.

Do I need to live in my property to rent it on Airbnb in Detroit?

**No** specific primary residence requirement currently exists in Detroit's regulations. However, hosts must comply with all applicable city and state regulations, regardless of whether the property is their primary residence. Always verify current rules with the city planning and zoning departments before listing your property.

Detroit, MI Short-Term Rental Laws & Regulations

Q: Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in Detroit?

**No**, there is currently no local STR-specific license required in Detroit, though state and county regulations may still apply. Hosts must comply with the city's general property maintenance codes and state tax requirements. Always check with the Detroit zoning office before operating a short-term rental.

Gold Standard Verification

100%

Forensically verified with 3+ official sources

Verified: Jan 30, 2026

3 Official Sources

Summary

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.

Restriction Level

✅

Permissive

Score: 0 (restrictive)

Why this classification:

•No STR-specific permit required
•No night cap
•No primary residence requirement
•No STR-specific fee

In Plain English

To host an Airbnb in Detroit, you don't currently need a specific short-term rental permit because the city hasn't finished writing the rules yet. This means you are essentially in a 'gray area' where hosting is not explicitly licensed but generally occurs. You must still keep your property up to code, follow quiet hours, and pay the Michigan state use tax. Be aware that the City Council is working on new laws that might require you to live in the home you're renting in the future.

At a Glance

Permit Required

Night Limit

None

Primary Residence

Not Required

Total Tax Rate

0.1%

6 Things Hosts Often Miss

1.Verify your exact address is within City of Detroit limits and not an enclave like Hamtramck or Highland Park which have their own rules.
2.Detroit currently has NO official STR permit; any site claiming to sell one for Detroit is a scam.
3.Michigan state law requires a 6% Use Tax on all rentals under 30 days.
4.The city is considering a 'Primary Residence' requirement which would ban investor-owned STRs in residential zones.
5.Long-term rentals (30+ days) must follow Detroit's standard Rental Registration and Lead Inspection rules.
6.Condo associations and HOAs in Detroit often have their own bans on short-term rentals that override city silence.

Regulation Details

Eligibility(1)

•Detroit: Your HOA can prohibit short-term rentals even if the city allows them. Check your CC&Rs before applying.

Requirements(1)

•Detroit does not require STR registration.

Application Process(1)

•STR regulations overview for Detroit: 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.

Taxes(1)

•MI has a state sales tax of 6% that applies to STR rentals.

Limits & Restrictions(1)

•Detroit enforces quiet hours: 10:00 PM - 7:00 AM (General noise ordinance).

Safety Requirements(1)

•Detroit requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, Must meet general Detroit Property Maintenance Code requirements.

Exemptions(2)

•Detroit exempts the following from STR regulations: long-term rentals (30+ days).
•Detroit: Rentals of 30+ days are generally NOT considered short-term rentals and may be exempt from STR regulations (but may have other requirements).

Disclaimer

Regulatory information is AI-researched 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.

Other Michigan Markets

Ann Arbor

Michigan

Moderate

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

Permit required

0.1% total tax

Alger County

Michigan

Permissive

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.

0.1% total tax

Cheboygan County

Michigan

Permissive

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.

0.1% total tax

Newberry

Michigan

Permissive

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.

Detroit

Gold Standard Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

6 Things Hosts Often Miss

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Regulation Details

Eligibility(1)

Requirements(1)

Application Process(1)

Taxes(1)

Limits & Restrictions(1)

Safety Requirements(1)

Exemptions(2)

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Ann Arbor

Alger County

Cheboygan County

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Detroit

Gold Standard Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

6 Things Hosts Often Miss

Frequently Asked Questions

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

2What is the TOT tax rate in Detroit?

3Are short-term rentals allowed in Detroit?

4What happens if I operate an illegal STR in Detroit?

5Do I need to live in my property to rent it on Airbnb in Detroit?

Related Content

Other Michigan Markets

Ann Arbor

Alger County

Cheboygan County

Newberry