Michigan Vacation Rental Agreement Overview
Michigan imposes a 6% state use tax and a 5% state convention/tourism assessment on short-term rentals. Traverse City, Mackinac Island, and northern Michigan resort communities are major STR markets.
Varies by municipality
STR license
6% state use tax + 5% convention/tourism tax + loc
Occupancy tax / TOT
No statewide limit
Maximum stay
Some resort areas restrict
HOA restrictions
Michigan Short-Term Rental Requirements
Operating a vacation rental in Michigan requires compliance with state and local regulations. Here are the key requirements for MI short-term rental hosts:
Important: Check Local Michigan Regulations
Short-term rental regulations in Michigan can vary significantly by city and county. Always verify current requirements with your local government before listing your property. Regulations may include permit requirements, occupancy limits, parking rules, noise ordinances, and safety inspections.
- STR License/Permit: Varies by municipality — check with your local city/county government
- Tax Registration: Register with the Michigan Department of Revenue to collect and remit occupancy taxes
- Safety Requirements: Working smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers, and posted emergency exit routes
- Insurance: Obtain short-term rental or commercial liability insurance — standard homeowner's policies may not cover STR activity
- HOA/Condo Rules: Some resort areas restrict — review your CC&Rs before listing
How to Fill Out a Michigan Vacation Rental Agreement
Follow these steps to properly complete your Michigan vacation rental agreement. Our template guides you through each section to ensure compliance with MI requirements.
Enter Host and Guest Information
Include the host's full legal name and contact information, and the primary guest's name, address, phone number, and email. The primary guest is responsible for all terms of the agreement.
Describe the Rental Property
Provide the complete Michigan property address, property type, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, maximum occupancy, and included amenities (parking, pool, hot tub, Wi-Fi, kitchen, laundry).
Set Check-In/Check-Out and Rental Rates
Specify check-in date and time, check-out date and time, nightly rate, cleaning fee, Michigan occupancy taxes, and total amount due. Include payment schedule and accepted payment methods.
Define Cancellation Policy and Damage Deposit
Establish cancellation tiers (full refund, partial refund, no refund deadlines), damage deposit amount, conditions for deductions, and refund timeline after checkout.
Include Michigan House Rules
Set maximum occupancy, quiet hours, smoking policy, pet policy, parking instructions, pool/hot tub rules, trash procedures, and a no-parties/no-events clause.
Sign and Distribute
Both host and guest should sign and date the agreement. Electronic signatures are valid in Michigan under the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act. Provide a copy to the guest before or at check-in.
Michigan Occupancy Taxes & Fees
Michigan imposes taxes on short-term accommodations that hosts must collect and remit. Here's a summary of the tax obligations for MI vacation rental operators:
| Tax / Fee | Rate / Amount |
|---|---|
| Occupancy / Lodging Tax | 6% state use tax + 5% convention/tourism tax + local |
| STR License/Permit Fee | Varies by municipality |
| Business License | May be required — check local requirements |
| Platform Collection | Some platforms collect certain taxes automatically in MI |
Sample Michigan Vacation Rental Agreement
Below is a preview of our Michigan-specific vacation rental agreement.
STATE OF MICHIGAN
VACATION RENTAL AGREEMENT
Short-Term Rental Contract
HOST / PROPERTY OWNER:
Name: [Host Name]
Address: [Michigan Address]
GUEST:
Name: [Guest Name]
Address: [Guest Address]
RENTAL PROPERTY
Address: [Michigan Property Address]
Check-in: [Date/Time] Check-out: [Date/Time]
Nightly Rate: $[Rate] Total: $[Total]
Michigan Vacation Rental Agreement FAQ
Answers to common questions about Michigan vacation rental agreements, short-term rental regulations, and host obligations.
Official Michigan Resources
Use these official resources for Michigan short-term rental tax registration, licensing, and regulatory guidance.
Create Your Michigan Vacation Rental Agreement
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