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

**No**, there is currently no local STR-specific license required in Houghton, though state and county regulations may still apply. Hosts must comply with Michigan State Use Tax requirements and local noise ordinances. Always check with the Houghton zoning office before operating a short-term rental.

What is the TOT tax rate in Houghton, MI?

**6% Michigan Use Tax** applies to short-term rentals in Houghton. Hosts are responsible for collecting this tax from guests and remitting it to the state. Note that Airbnb and VRBO may automatically collect a portion of this tax in certain jurisdictions. Check state guidelines for filing.

Are short-term rentals allowed in Houghton?

**Yes**, short-term rentals are generally allowed in Houghton, but the City Council is actively discussing potential regulations. Hosts must comply with existing city ordinances, including noise restrictions. Check with the city planning department for the latest updates on short-term rental rules and requirements before operating.

What happens if I operate an illegal STR in Houghton?

**Penalties** can include fines for violating local noise ordinances or state tax laws. Since Houghton is considering short-term rental regulations, operating without proper compliance could lead to further fines or operational restrictions as new ordinances are implemented. Always verify compliance with the city.

How much does an STR permit cost in Houghton, MI?

**No** local permit required, as Houghton does not currently have a specific short-term rental permit system. However, hosts are still subject to state-level taxes, including Michigan Use Tax. Check with the Houghton city and state finance departments for any applicable business licenses or tax obligations.

Houghton, MI Short-Term Rental Laws

Baseline Verification

80%

Basic verification complete

Verified: Jan 30, 2026

3 Official Sources

Summary

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%).

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 the City of Houghton, you do not currently need a specific short-term rental permit because the city has not yet passed a dedicated law for them. However, the City Council is currently working on new rules, so you should check with the Planning Department before starting. You are still required to pay Michigan's 6% state use tax, which is usually collected automatically by platforms like Airbnb.

At a Glance

Permit Required

Night Limit

None

Primary Residence

Not Required

Total Tax Rate

Varies

6 Things Hosts Often Miss

1.Verify your exact location: The City of Houghton (incorporated) has different discussions ongoing than the surrounding unincorporated Houghton County.
2.Regulatory Flux: The City Council is currently drafting STR regulations; rules regarding caps or zones may change in 2024.
3.Rental Housing Program: Houghton has a robust residential rental inspection program, but it currently excludes rentals under 30 days.
4.Michigan Use Tax: Even without a local city tax, you must ensure the 6% state tax is being remitted.
5.Zoning Limitations: Do not assume STRs are allowed in all residential zones; permissive zoning may technically prohibit commercial uses in R-1 zones.
6.Parking: City snow removal ordinances are strictly enforced; ensure guests have off-street parking during winter months.

Regulation Details

Eligibility(1)

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

Requirements(1)

•Houghton does not require STR registration.

Application Process(1)

•STR regulations overview for Houghton: 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%).

Taxes(1)

•MI has a state sales tax of 0.06% that applies to STR rentals.

Limits & Restrictions(1)

•Houghton enforces quiet hours: 10:00 PM - 7:00 AM (General City Noise Ordinance).

Safety Requirements(1)

•Houghton requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors.

Penalties(1)

•Houghton enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: General civil infraction.

Exemptions(2)

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

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.

Houghton

Baseline 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)

Penalties(1)

Exemptions(2)

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Houghton

Baseline 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 Houghton?

2What is the TOT tax rate in Houghton, MI?

3Are short-term rentals allowed in Houghton?

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

5How much does an STR permit cost in Houghton, MI?

Related Content

Other Michigan Markets

Ann Arbor

Alger County

Cheboygan County

Newberry