Dearborn's Short-Term Rentals: The Rules That Matter
Every city handles short-term rentals a little differently. In Dearborn, Michigan, there are 8 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.
Occupancy Limits
Dearborn caps STR occupancy via the state and property maintenance codes, typically two persons per bedroom plus two, with additional limits based on bedroom square footage.
Key details: Code basis: IPMC via Dearborn Ch 10. First occupant: 70 sq ft bedroom. Each additional: 50 sq ft. Common cap: 2 per bedroom plus 2. MI Housing Law: MCL 125.401 et seq.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Registration Rules
STRs in Dearborn must register under the city rental certificate program, provide a local contact, and pass a Property Maintenance inspection before advertising.
Key details: Registration: Rental certificate. Local contact: 24/7 required. Inspection: Required. Term: Typically 2 years. Contact: (313) 943-2150.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Compared to other cities, Dearborn takes a harder line on registration rules. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.
Parking Rules
STR guests in Dearborn must use on-site driveway and garage parking; overnight on-street parking is restricted citywide from 2 AM to 6 AM unless a permit is issued.
Key details: Overnight ban: 2 AM to 6 AM. On-site parking: Required. Lawn parking: Prohibited. RV/trailer parking: Restricted. Minimum spaces: 2 off-street (SF).
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
This is one of the stricter rules in Dearborn's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.
Night Caps
Dearborn does not currently impose a per-year night cap on short-term rentals, but repeated nuisance activity and zoning use limits can effectively restrict hosting frequency.
Key details: Night cap: None codified. Zoning constraints: Apply. Owner-occupied: Fewer restrictions. State preemption: Under debate. Enforcement path: Rental certificate.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Dearborn is more permissive than most cities when it comes to night caps. That said, there are still limits.
Taxes & Fees
Dearborn short-term rental hosts must collect Michigan 6 percent Use Tax on transient lodging and may owe Wayne County hotel/motel tax; Dearborn itself does not levy a local lodging tax.
Key details: MI Use Tax: 6 percent. Wayne Co lodging tax: 5 percent (if applicable). Dearborn local tax: None. Treasury registration: Required. Platform collection: Varies by platform.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Compared to other cities, Dearborn takes a harder line on taxes & fees. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.
Noise Rules
Short-term rental guests in Dearborn must comply with the city noise ordinance, including quiet hours generally between 10 PM and 7 AM, with hosts liable for guest violations.
Key details: Quiet hours: 10 PM to 7 AM (typical). Host liability: Yes, for guest noise. Enforcement: Dearborn Police. Fine: Up to 500 dollars. Repeat violations: Certificate revocation risk.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Insurance Requirements
Dearborn does not mandate a specific STR liability policy, but hosts should carry commercial short-term rental coverage, as standard homeowner policies typically exclude business rentals.
Key details: City mandate: None specific. Recommended limit: 1 million dollars. Homeowner policy: Usually excludes STR. Platform coverage: Secondary only. Flood rider: Consider it.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
The rules around insurance requirements in Dearborn lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.
Permit Requirements
Dearborn treats short-term rentals under its rental certificate and zoning rules; hosts should verify licensing, inspection, and zoning compliance with the Property Maintenance and Rehabilitation Division before listing.
Key details: Rental registration: Required for non-owner-occupied. Inspection: Property Maintenance Code. Zoning check: Needed for transient lodging. Contact: (313) 943-2150. Standalone STR law: Not adopted.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Dearborn actively enforces its permit requirements requirements.
The Bottom Line
Dearborn is tougher than many cities when it comes to short-term rentals. Out of the 8 rules covered here, 4 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Dearborn, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.
These rules come from Dearborn's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.