Sterling Heights Short Term Rental Regulation: A Guide For Airbnb Hosts

What are short term rental (Airbnb, VRBO) regulations in Sterling Heights, Michigan?

Short term rental rules in Sterling Heights are found in the city's zoning code, planning regulations, and ordinances12. Additional insights can be gained from Michigan real estate investor forums like BiggerPockets and Reddit.

To operate a short term rental legally in Sterling Heights, hosts need to register with the city and obtain a business license. Rentals must comply with safety rules on things like smoke detectors, lead paint certificates, etc.

The city requires short term rentals to register temporary rental signs based on factors like zoning and property type. For example, residential properties can have up to 9 sq ft of signs without needing registration.

Starting a Short Term Rental Business in Sterling Heights

To start a short term rental business in Sterling Heights, you need to register with the city and get a business license. The city's short term sign registration page has more details on the rules.

Short Term Rental Licensing Requirement in Sterling Heights

Sterling Heights requires all short term rentals to be registered as businesses and get a license from the city clerk's office (source). The license costs $35 annually.

Required Documents for Sterling Heights Short Term Rentals

To get a short term rental license in Sterling Heights, you need to provide1:

• Proof of ownership
• Floor plan with safety information
• Contact information
• Registration fee

Sterling Heights Short Term Rental Taxes

Short term rental hosts must collect and remit all applicable state, county and city taxes in Sterling Heights. This includes:

• 6% Michigan sales and use tax
• 1% County accommodations tax
• Any city taxes

Michigan wide Short Term Rental Rules

In addition to local rules, short term rentals across Michigan need to follow regulations like2:

• Having smoke detectors, fire extinguishers and emergency exit plans
• Getting lead safety certificates if required
• Providing contact information to local authorities

Does Sterling Heights strictly enforce STR rules?

Based on discussions on BiggerPockets and Reddit, Sterling Heights does enforce licensing and zoning regulations for short term rentals (source). Hosts operating without licenses can face fines.So Sterling Heights cannot be considered very Airbnb friendly. It is stricter than many other Michigan cities in enforcing rules. Despite this, some hosts do operate illegally due to lack of enforcement resources. But they risk facing penalties if caught.

How to Start a Short Term Rental Business in Sterling Heights?

Follow these steps to start a legal and compliant short term rental in Sterling Heights:

1. Check your property's zoning and ensure short term rentals are allowed
2. Register your rental with the city clerk's office
3. Get a business license
4. Collect and remit required taxes
5. Comply with state and local safety rules
6. List your property and start hosting guests!

Who to contact in Sterling Heights about Short Term Rental Regulations and Zoning?

Contact the Sterling Heights Planning Department at 586-446-2721 or planning@sterling-heights.net to learn about short term rental zoning and land use regulations.Contact the City Clerk's office at 586-446-2421 or cityclerk@sterling-heights.net for licensing related questions.

What do Airbnb hosts in Sterling Heights on Reddit and Bigger Pockets think about local regulations?

Hosts on Reddit and BiggerPockets have complained about what they consider excessive regulation of short term rentals in Sterling Heights (source):

"I wanted to operate an Airbnb in Sterling Heights but the city makes you jump through too many hoops. I decided it wasn't worth the hassle and expense."

"Sterling Heights should reduce short term rental red tape to encourage more tourism and benefits for the local economy."