Sterling Heights, MI Rental Property Rules: Rental Registration (2026)
Key Facts
- Program
- Two-year registration cycle
- Who registers
- Non-homestead single-family properties
- Multi-unit parcels
- Each unit registered separately
- Excluded
- Mobile home parks, some owner cases
Summary
Sterling Heights enrolls non-homestead (rental-type) single-family residences in a two-year registration program, requiring each distinct residential address to be separately registered under the city's inspection ordinance.
In the event one parcel of property contains more than one single-family residence, each non-homestead residence shall be subject to the two-year registration program and shall be registered, if possible, by its distinct residential address.
(D) The inspection fee authorized by this section shall be paid by the property owner within 30 days of the date of a city invoice for the inspection. The city shall have a lien against the real property to secure payment. If the invoice remains unpaid after 30 days, the amount of the invoice shall be placed upon the tax roll, and shall be subject to the same penalties, interest, and collection procedures that are applicable to delinquent taxes.
(E) Enforcement of the lien to collect the inspection fee shall not be the exclusive means of collection and the city may collect such fee in any manner permitted by law.
(F) An owner may appeal the city's determination that the owner's property is a "non-homestead single-family residential property" by submitting a written letter to the City Manager or designee within 30 days of receiving either a notice that the property has been designated as a "non-homestead single-family residential property" or within 30 days of receiving an invoice for the initial inspection. The City Manager or designee may overturn the determination, uphold the determination, or uphold the determination but waive or reduce the applicable fee if the status of the property changed such that it no longer
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-46: Local legislation current through Ord. 509, passed 5-19-26).
Full Breakdown
Sterling Heights registers non-homestead single-family residential properties - generally those not claimed as the owner's homestead or owned by a corporate or legal entity - in a recurring two-year registration cycle tied to its non-homestead property inspection program. Where one parcel contains more than one single-family residence, each non-homestead unit is treated separately and registered, where possible, by its own distinct residential address. Mobile home parks and certain owner-absence or multi-homestead situations are excluded. Registered properties are billed an inspection fee set by the city's annual appropriations ordinance.
Violations & Fines
Unpaid registration/inspection invoices become a lien on the property after 30 days and can be placed on the tax roll, subject to delinquent-tax penalties and collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a non-homestead residential property in Sterling Heights?
Do I have to register each rental home separately?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Sterling Heights
Compare Sterling Heights to another location·View the Michigan rental property rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Rental Registration in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Macomb County handle rental registration.