Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Harbor Springs, MI

Airbnb listings are allowed in Harbor Springs, MI, but with restrictions. Short-term rentals (30 days or less) require a City-issued license and a designated 24-hour local agent. A cumulative maximum of 61 licenses is imposed for properties in the R-1 and AR zoning districts; other areas are not subject to this cap. Compliance with building safety, trash, pet rules, and a prohibition on signage is required. 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 (30 days or less) require a City-issued license and a designated 24-hour local agent. A cumulative maximum of 61 licenses is imposed for properties in the R-1 and AR zoning districts; other areas are not subject to this cap. Compliance with building safety, trash, pet rules, and a prohibition on signage is required.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Harbor Springs. 1) Submit a completed City Short-Term Rental application to the City Clerk including owner info, local agent details, and proof of ownership. 2) Pay the $400 annual license fee (or $35 waitlist fee) by personal check. 3) The City Clerk issues the license for the calendar year if the application is complete and no prior violations exist; inspections may occur upon complaint.

1) Submit a completed City Short-Term Rental application to the City Clerk including owner info, local agent details, and proof of ownership. 2) Pay the $400 annual license fee (or $35 waitlist fee) by personal check. 3) The City Clerk issues the license for the calendar year if the application is complete and no prior violations exist; inspections may occur upon complaint.

Vrbo is permitted in Harbor Springs, 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 Harbor Springs 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 Harbor Springs. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.