Comparent
RestrictedCounty

Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Manistee County, MI

Last verified: 2026-05-14 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

Short-term rentals (STRs) are defined as rentals for less than 30 consecutive days and require a lawfully issued registration. Key constraints include a mandatory 24-hour local contact person, adherence to safety codes (smoke/CO detectors), and a potential lottery system if registration applications exceed available caps in specific areas.

How to Obtain a Permit

1. Complete the STR Registration Form and pay the $100 annual registration fee. 2. Schedule and pass a safety inspection with the Building Official's office ($150 fee). 3. Submit the completed form and fees to City Hall or via email to the Community Development Director.

Official Resources

Official Manistee County STR regulation source

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Airbnbs legal in Manistee County, MI?
Airbnb listings are allowed in Manistee County, MI, but with restrictions. Short-term rentals (STRs) are defined as rentals for less than 30 consecutive days and require a lawfully issued registration. Key constraints include a mandatory 24-hour local contact person, adherence to safety codes (smoke/CO detectors), and a potential lottery system if registration applications exceed available caps in specific areas. 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.
Are short-term rentals allowed in Manistee County, MI?
Short-term rentals (STRs) are defined as rentals for less than 30 consecutive days and require a lawfully issued registration. Key constraints include a mandatory 24-hour local contact person, adherence to safety codes (smoke/CO detectors), and a potential lottery system if registration applications exceed available caps in specific areas.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Manistee County?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Manistee County. 1. Complete the STR Registration Form and pay the $100 annual registration fee. 2. Schedule and pass a safety inspection with the Building Official's office ($150 fee). 3. Submit the completed form and fees to City Hall or via email to the Community Development Director.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Manistee County?
1. Complete the STR Registration Form and pay the $100 annual registration fee. 2. Schedule and pass a safety inspection with the Building Official's office ($150 fee). 3. Submit the completed form and fees to City Hall or via email to the Community Development Director.
Is Vrbo legal in Manistee County, MI?
Vrbo is permitted in Manistee 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.
What taxes do short-term rental hosts pay in Manistee County?
Short-term rental hosts in Manistee 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.
What is the latest short-term rental ordinance change in Manistee County?
We are not currently tracking any recent short-term rental ordinance changes for Manistee County. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.

Disclaimer

This information is for general reference only and may not reflect the most current regulations. STR regulations change frequently. Always verify requirements with official local government sources before operating a short-term rental.

Last verified: 2026-05-14 · Suggest a correction