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

Significant Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Separate rental
Prohibited by deed restriction
Must transfer with
Principal single-family home
Recorded
Before certificate of occupancy
Binding
Runs with land, future owners

Summary

Westland's zoning ordinance forbids transferring, conveying, renting, or leasing an accessory dwelling unit separately from the single-family home on the same lot, recorded as a permanent deed restriction.

j. Deed restrictions. Before the issuance of a certificate of occupancy for the ADU, the property owner shall file with the Planning Department documentation of recorded deed restrictions which incorporate the following restrictions: ... (2) ADUs shall not be transferred, conveyed, devised, rented, or leased separately from the single-family dwelling on the same lot as the ADU.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.

Full Breakdown

Once an ADU is built, Westland's zoning ordinance blocks the property owner from selling, renting, or leasing it apart from the main house, the ADU and the principal dwelling must stay under one ownership and one lease. The restriction is recorded against the deed before the city will issue a certificate of occupancy, runs with the land, and binds every future owner of the property. Paired with the owner-occupancy requirement in the same section, this keeps ADUs limited to household use, a caregiver suite or in-law unit, rather than a standalone rental or a second address on the lot.

Violations & Fines

Zoning violations, including unlawfully renting or leasing an ADU separately from the home, carry a fine up to $500, up to 90 days imprisonment, or both, with each day a distinct offense.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I rent my Westland ADU to a separate tenant while I live in the main house?
No: the ADU cannot be rented, leased, or conveyed separately from the principal dwelling; both units must stay under the same ownership and lease.
What happens if I try to sell just the ADU?
The recorded deed restriction blocks separate conveyance: the ADU can only be sold, rented, or transferred together with the single-family home on the lot.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Westland

Parking Rules: Overnight ParkingSome RestrictionsADU RulesSome RestrictionsShed & Carport RulesSome RestrictionsADU Owner OccupancySome RestrictionsParking Rules: Towing & Impound RightsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: EV ChargingLight RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Retaining WallsLight Restrictions

All Westland rules

Compare Westland to another location·View the Michigan accessory structures overview

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