Lansing, MI Accessory Structures: ADU Rental Restrictions (2026)

Lansing Chapter 1246 (Zoning) does not categorically prohibit short-term rental of ADUs, but the operational requirements are layered. First, the Lansing Rental Property Certification Program — authorized by Public Act 247 of 2014 (MCL 125.526) — requires every dwelling unit rented to a non-owner to be registered with the City, pass an inspection, and hold a Certificate of Compliance, regardless of rental term length. Second, ADUs rented for periods of less than 30 days are 'transient accommodations' under MCL 205.93a and must collect and remit the Michigan 6% Use Tax on rooms; the Ingham County Hotel-Motel Tax of 5% (collected by the County Treasurer under MCL 141.861) also applies. Third, separate East Lansing — the adjoining city housing Michigan State University across the Red Cedar River — operates a stricter rental licensing scheme of its own; a property formally inside Lansing's boundaries but marketed to MSU students is still governed by Lansing's certification, not East Lansing's licensing. Fourth, the 2024 ADU pilot expressly anticipates ADUs as long-term housing rather than transient rental: a future ordinance amendment could impose a minimum lease term, but as of the date of this article none has been adopted. HOA-controlled developments and condominium master deeds may impose additional minimum-stay restrictions through private covenants that Lansing does not enforce.