How to get a short-term rental permit in Detroit, MI (2026)
Detroit does not currently require a dedicated short-term rental permit, but tax registration and other rules may still apply. Here's what to confirm before you list.
Permit at a glance
| Permit required | No |
|---|---|
| Renewal | — |
Step by step
- 1
Confirm your property is eligible
Confirm the property's zoning allows short-term rentals. Under Sec. 50-12-492(d) of the 2019 Detroit City Code (adopted via Ord. No. 37-17, effective Feb. 6, 2018), use of a dwelling to accommodate paid overnight guests is prohibited as a home occupation in all residential dwellings citywide. The only carve-out is for public accommodations, including bed-and-breakfast inns, which are permitted outside the R1 (single-family) and R2 (two-family) districts as provided in Sec. 50-12-65. The October 2024 City Planning Commission recommendation on the Sixth General Text Amendment expressly declined to repeal this prohibition until a dedicated STR ordinance is ready for Council consideration.
- 2
Register for occupancy taxes
Register to collect and remit the applicable lodging/occupancy taxes for Detroit. Some are collected automatically by the booking platform and some you may need to remit yourself.
STR rules change without warning.
Get an email the moment Detroit changes its short-term rental rules — plus renewal reminders before your permit expires.
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Verified July 21, 2026. Informational only — not legal, tax, or financial advice. Permit requirements and fees change; confirm current requirements with Detroit before applying.