Primary-Residence-Only Rule: Dearborn vs Detroit
How do primary-residence-only rule rules compare between Dearborn, MI and Detroit, MI?
Dearborn has fewer restrictions than Detroit.
Dearborn, MI
Wayne County
Wayne County does not require short-term rentals to be operated only from a primary residence, but Detroit and several Wayne County suburbs limit non-owner-occupied STRs through zoning, registration caps, and rental licensing rules.
View full Dearborn rules →Detroit, MI
Wayne County
Detroit Ord. 2018-08 restricts short-term rentals to the operator's primary residence, blocking investor-owned whole-home Airbnb portfolios. Only one STR registration is allowed per natural person citywide, with proof of homestead exemption required.
View full Detroit rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Dearborn | Detroit |
|---|---|---|
| County rule | No primary-residence mandate | - |
| Detroit | Rental license required | - |
| State preemption | Limited by PA 2024-12 | - |
| Common in suburbs | Owner-occupancy preferences | - |
| Primary residence | - | Required |
| Registrations per person | - | One citywide |
| PRE tax filing | - | Verified each year |
| Entity ownership | - | Not eligible |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Dearborn FAQ
Can I run an Airbnb in Wayne County if I live elsewhere?
Possibly. Wayne County has no primary-residence rule, but Detroit and several suburbs restrict non-owner-occupied STRs. Confirm with the specific municipality before listing the property.
Does Michigan force cities to allow investor-owned STRs?
Not exactly. PA 2024-12 prevents absolute bans but allows licensing, density caps, and zoning restrictions that make investor-owned STRs harder to operate in many Wayne County cities.
Detroit FAQ
Can I list a duplex unit I do not live in?
No. Detroit only permits STR registration on the unit you occupy as your primary residence. The non-owner-occupied unit cannot be listed.
What if I move and lose homestead status?
BSEED suspends the STR registration within 30 days of PRE removal. You must re-register at the new primary residence and surrender the old permit.
Compare other topics
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