Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Leelanau County, MI

Airbnb listings are allowed in Leelanau County, MI, but with restrictions. STRs are regulated at the township level with specific caps (e.g., 150 in Suttons Bay, 93 in Elmwood) and occupancy limits (typically 3 per bedroom, max 15). Requirements include a local 24-hour contact within 45 minutes, neighbor notification, and mandatory septic pumping every three years for non-sewered properties. 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.

STRs are regulated at the township level with specific caps (e.g., 150 in Suttons Bay, 93 in Elmwood) and occupancy limits (typically 3 per bedroom, max 15). Requirements include a local 24-hour contact within 45 minutes, neighbor notification, and mandatory septic pumping every three years for non-sewered properties.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Leelanau County. 1. Submit a completed Short-Term Rental Permit Application to the respective Township Zoning Office with the required fee (e.g., $200-$600). 2. Provide required documentation including a signed neighbor notification affidavit and proof of septic tank pumping within the last 3 years. 3. Renew the permit annually (renewal windows vary, e.g., Oct 1 - Feb 28 in Suttons Bay).

1. Submit a completed Short-Term Rental Permit Application to the respective Township Zoning Office with the required fee (e.g., $200-$600). 2. Provide required documentation including a signed neighbor notification affidavit and proof of septic tank pumping within the last 3 years. 3. Renew the permit annually (renewal windows vary, e.g., Oct 1 - Feb 28 in Suttons Bay).

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