Registration Rules: Dearborn vs Detroit
How do registration rules rules compare between Dearborn, MI and Detroit, MI?
Detroit has fewer restrictions than Dearborn.
Dearborn, MI
Wayne County
STRs in Dearborn must register under the city rental certificate program, provide a local contact, and pass a Property Maintenance inspection before advertising.
View full Dearborn rules →Detroit, MI
Wayne County
Detroit registers short-term rentals through the same Certificate of Registration system that governs all rental property under Detroit City Code Chapter 8, Article XV, administered by the Buildings, Safety Engineering and Environmental Department (BSEED). Operators apply through BSEED's online portal, pay the $150 annual rental program fee adopted in the October 29, 2024 amendments, and obtain a Certificate of Compliance after passing a 15-point property condition inspection. The Certificate of Compliance is valid for three years for residential rental property, and the certificate must be in place before any occupancy under Sec. 8-15-82. There is no separately codified STR-only registry as of May 2026.
View full Detroit rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Dearborn | Detroit |
|---|---|---|
| Registration | Rental certificate | - |
| Local contact | 24/7 required | - |
| Inspection | Required | - |
| Term | Typically 2 years | - |
| Contact | (313) 943-2150 | - |
| Registration Vehicle | - | Certificate of Registration under Detroit City Code Sec. 8-15-81 (formerly Sec. 9-1-81) |
| Occupancy Vehicle | - | Certificate of Compliance under Detroit City Code Sec. 8-15-82 |
| Annual Program Fee | - | $150 covering registration and 15-point inspection program |
| Certificate Validity | - | 3 years for residential rental property |
| Inspection Type | - | BSEED 15-point property condition inspection |
| Transfer Rule | - | New owner must register in their own name (Sec. 8-15-81) |
| Administering Agency | - | Detroit Buildings, Safety Engineering and Environmental Department (BSEED) |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Dearborn FAQ
Is registration needed if I rent only occasionally?
Yes. Dearborn treats any non-owner-occupied rental as subject to registration regardless of frequency.
How long does the process take?
Expect a few weeks between application and inspection; plan before your first listing go-live date.
Detroit FAQ
How do I register a Detroit short-term rental?
Apply for a Certificate of Registration through the BSEED rental property portal, pay the $150 annual rental program fee (single combined fee under the October 29, 2024 amendments to Chapter 8, Article XV), and schedule the 15-point property condition inspection. BSEED issues a Certificate of Compliance valid for three years for residential rental property when the inspection passes, and that certificate must be in place before any occupancy under Detroit City Code Sec. 8-15-82.
Is there a separate Detroit STR license on top of rental registration?
Not as of May 2026. The January 3, 2024 draft Short Term Rental Ordinance would add a dedicated STR license tier above the general rental registration, but that draft has not been adopted by City Council. Until adoption, the Chapter 8, Article XV Certificate of Registration plus Certificate of Compliance is the operative authorization for any Detroit rental, including a vacation rental.
What happens if I buy a registered Detroit rental?
Under Detroit City Code Sec. 8-15-81, when a rental property is sold or transferred to a new owner, the new owner must register the property in their own name. The prior owner's registration does not carry over. Apply with BSEED before offering the property for occupancy and verify that the existing Certificate of Compliance is still valid; otherwise schedule a new inspection.
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