Permit Requirements: Detroit vs Westland

Does Detroit have a dedicated short-term rental license?

Not as of May 2026. A draft Short Term Rental Ordinance was released by BSEED on January 3, 2024 and has been the subject of City Council discussion, but it has not been formally adopted. Until a dedicated STR chapter is enacted, every dwelling rented to non-owner occupants is regulated under Detroit City Code Chapter 8, Article XV (the general Rental Ordinance amended October 29, 2024) and must satisfy the Certificate of Registration and Certificate of Compliance requirements through BSEED. Trade-press references to a '$500 annual STR license, 90-day cap, 10-occupant maximum' describe the unadopted draft, not codified law.

What do I need to legally rent my Detroit property to short-term guests today?

Three things: (1) a Certificate of Registration for the property under Chapter 8, Article XV (apply with BSEED and pay the $150 annual rental program fee); (2) a Certificate of Compliance issued after passing the 15-point BSEED inspection (valid three years for residential); and (3) confirmation from BSEED Zoning and Special Land Use that transient rental of the dwelling is a permitted use in the underlying Chapter 50 zoning district. Operators must also register with the Michigan Department of Treasury to collect the 6% state use tax on stays under 30 days under MCL 205.93a.

What happens if I rent without a Certificate of Compliance?

Detroit City Code Sec. 8-15-82 makes it unlawful to occupy a rental property without a Certificate of Compliance. Sec. 8-15-36 classifies rental registry violations as blight violations adjudicated administratively with civil fines, and the 2024 amendments authorize tenants to deposit rent into a city-managed escrow account that may be retained by the tenant if the landlord does not come into compliance. The landlord cannot lawfully collect rent for the period of non-compliance, and the City may file liens or refer the matter for civil action.

Do I need a license for Airbnb in Westland?

No dedicated STR license exists, but rental registration, zoning compliance, and state use tax collection all apply.

Can Westland ban my STR?

The city can enforce zoning and nuisance rules; state preemption law is evolving, so monitor council actions.