Is Airbnb & Short-Term Rentals Legal in Michigan? (2026)
Yes — Airbnb & Short-Term Rentals are legal in Michigan as of 2026.
Law changed in 2025: A Michigan Supreme Court ruling in September 2025 affirmed that a 'single family residence' restriction prohibits short-term rentals. In late 2025, new legislation was proposed to create a more unified tax structure for STRs, but no statewide operati...
Quick Answer
Short-term rentals are legal in Michigan. A Michigan Supreme Court ruling in September 2025 affirmed that a 'single family residence' restriction prohibits short-term rentals. Hosts should verify local ordinances and tax requirements before listing.
What the Law Says
Michigan state law requires the collection of a 6% use tax on rentals of 14 days or more. There is ongoing legislative debate about the extent to which local governments can regulate short-term rentals, but currently, many municipalities have their own ordinances, some of which are quite restrictive.
— Michigan Property & Housing Code (Justia)
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| State-Level Rules | Legal; check local ordinances |
| Local Permit Requirements | Legal; may need business license |
| Violation Penalties | Must collect and remit applicable lodging/occupancy taxes. |
| Pending Legislation | None known |
A Michigan Supreme Court ruling in September 2025 affirmed that a 'single family residence' restriction prohibits short-term rentals. In late 2025, new legislation was proposed to create a more unified tax structure for STRs, but no statewide operational regulations have been enacted.
Enforcement Reality
Enforcement is highly dependent on local zoning ordinances and private deed restrictions. Courts have consistently upheld the ability of municipalities and HOAs to prohibit short-term rentals based on 'residential use' clauses.
A major mistake is assuming a property can be used for short-term rentals without checking local zoning and any HOA or deed restrictions. Violating these restrictions is the most common issue and can lead to legal action from the municipality or neighbors.
Local Exceptions
State law sets the baseline. These cities or counties have additional rules that may differ:
Bottom Line
Airbnb & Short-Term Rentals are legal in Michigan. You can operating a short-term rental without violating state law, though federal rules and local ordinances may still apply. Always verify current law before acting.
Michigan vs. the Rest of the US
Across the US, operating a short-term rental is fully legal in 35 states, restricted in 15, and illegal in 0. Michigan falls in the LEGAL category.
View the full 50-state map →Neighboring States
Laws change at state lines. Here is how bordering states compare on Airbnb & Short-Term Rentals:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is operating a short-term rental legal in Michigan?
Do you need a permit to run an Airbnb in Michigan?
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Reviewed by cross-referencing the cited state statute against current legislative databases and regulatory publications.
Sources & Verification
This page was reviewed by Ethan Harper by comparing the legal status against the cited state statute. AllowedHere is an informational resource and does not provide legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney for guidance specific to your situation.
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