Short-Term Rentals in Kent County, MI (2026)

3 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 2 cities in Kent County, Michigan.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Kent County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply: see the city list below.

Short-Term Rental Permits

Kent County keeps no STR registry. Cities do. Kentwood, for instance, requires every rental dwelling to be entered in its rental registry and hold a Certificate of Compliance before it may be occupied.

STR Registration Is Municipal, Not County

Some Restrictions

Kentwood Code Sec. 74-74(c)(1)

All rental dwellings and rental units shall be registered under this article prior to use or occupancy as a rental dwelling or rental unit.

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Taxes & Fees

Kent County levies an 8% lodging (hotel/motel) excise tax, effective January 1, 2025, on anyone providing accommodations to transient guests, short-term rentals included. Stays of 30 or more consecutive days are exempt. This is on top of Michigan's 6% use tax.

Kent County Lodging Excise Tax Is 8%

Some Restrictions

Kent County Lodging Excise Tax (Public Act 263 of 1974)

All persons engaged in the business of providing accommodations for dwelling, sleeping or lodging for transient guest. Current rate is 8%, effective January 1, 2025. Any guest that stays 30+ consecutive days is considered tax exempt.

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Host Presence Rule

Kent County requires no host presence at short-term rentals. Cities decide. Grand Rapids' home-occupation framework ties the rental to an occupied residence, while ordinances like Kentwood's require a local agent when the owner lives out of the area.

Host-Presence Requirements Depend on the City

Some Restrictions

Kentwood Code Sec. 74-74(a)(5)

A local agent is required for every rental unit where an owner does not reside in Kent County or any adjoining county.

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Short-Term Rentals by City in Kent County

2 cities in Kent County have their own short-term rentals rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.

Grand RapidsPop. 198,917

5 verified rules • Extended Home Share, Host Presence Rule

WyomingPop. 76,501

2 verified rules • Occupancy Limits, Short-Term Rental Permits

All Kent County ordinances

See every category we cover for Kent County: parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.

Kent County Ordinance Hub →