Ann Arbor, MI Short-Term Rentals: Primary-Residence-Only Rule (2026)
Key Facts
- Applies to
- Homestay and whole-house STR types
- Required filing
- Sworn principal-residence statement
- Renewal
- Annually, within 30 days
- Penalty
- Revocation plus $500/day fine
Summary
Ann Arbor requires anyone licensing a principal-residence short-term rental, homestay or whole-house, to file a sworn statement that the dwelling is and will remain their principal residence.
(d)For principal residence short-term rental unit, the permanent resident shall submit a sworn statement affirming that the licensed dwelling unit is and will remain the applicant's principal residence for the duration of the license.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 26 Update 4).
Full Breakdown
For the two owner-occupied short-term rental categories, principal residence homestay and principal residence whole house, the permanent resident applying for a license must submit a sworn statement to the city affirming the unit is and will remain their principal residence for the duration of the license. That statement must be renewed each year within 30 days of the license anniversary, alongside the annual license fee. Non-principal-residence commercial rentals are licensed under a separate category and are not required to file this attestation.
Violations & Fines
A false or lapsed sworn statement is grounds for license revocation and a civil infraction fine of up to $500 per day under section 7:655.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Ann Arbor verify my rental is my primary home?
Does the sworn-statement rule apply to non-owner-occupied rentals?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Ann Arbor
Compare Ann Arbor to another location·View the Michigan short-term rentals overview
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