Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Empire, MI

Airbnb listings are allowed in Empire, MI, but with restrictions. Short-term rentals are restricted to a maximum occupancy of two persons per bedroom plus two additional persons (max 12 total). Owners must designate a local contact person available 24/7 within a two-hour travel distance and include the official certificate number in all advertisements. A permit is required before you can host. These rules apply to all short-term rental platforms (Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, etc.) — not just Airbnb specifically. See the official source linked on this page for full requirements. Last verified 2026-05-14.

Short-term rentals are restricted to a maximum occupancy of two persons per bedroom plus two additional persons (max 12 total). Owners must designate a local contact person available 24/7 within a two-hour travel distance and include the official certificate number in all advertisements.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Empire. 1. Submit a Rental Certificate Application including owner/contact info, floor plans, and a nonrefundable fee. 2. Pass a Village inspection to ensure compliance with safety and health requirements (including septic/well documentation if applicable). 3. Receive the Certificate within 15 days of a complete application and successful inspection; certificates must be renewed annually by December 31.

1. Submit a Rental Certificate Application including owner/contact info, floor plans, and a nonrefundable fee. 2. Pass a Village inspection to ensure compliance with safety and health requirements (including septic/well documentation if applicable). 3. Receive the Certificate within 15 days of a complete application and successful inspection; certificates must be renewed annually by December 31.

Vrbo is permitted in Empire, MI under the same restrictions that apply to Airbnb — local rules govern the rental itself, not the specific platform. You must hold a valid permit before hosting on Vrbo. Last verified 2026-05-14.

Short-term rental hosts in Empire are typically responsible for lodging, occupancy, and applicable sales taxes — these usually apply even where hosting is allowed without a permit. Rates and remittance rules vary by jurisdiction (state, county, and city can each levy a share); confirm the current rates with the official source linked on this page. Platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo collect some taxes automatically, but the host remains liable for any not collected on their behalf.

We are not currently tracking any recent short-term rental ordinance changes for Empire. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.