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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Oakland County, MI

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

Zoning & Conditions

STRs are generally defined as rentals for <30 days. Common requirements include a $1,000,000 liability insurance policy, a local responsible agent residing within a specific radius (e.g., 30 miles), and occupancy limits typically set at 2 persons per bedroom plus 2 additional occupants per finished story.

How to Obtain a Permit

1. Submit a rental registration application to the local municipality (e.g., Royal Oak or Clawson). 2. Provide proof of $1,000,000 liability insurance and designate a local responsible agent. 3. Pass a safety inspection (often biannual) and pay the required registration fee.

Official Resources

Official Oakland County STR regulation source

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Airbnbs legal in Oakland County, MI?
Airbnb listings are allowed in Oakland County, MI, but with restrictions. STRs are generally defined as rentals for <30 days. Common requirements include a $1,000,000 liability insurance policy, a local responsible agent residing within a specific radius (e.g., 30 miles), and occupancy limits typically set at 2 persons per bedroom plus 2 additional occupants per finished story. 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 Oakland County, MI?
STRs are generally defined as rentals for <30 days. Common requirements include a $1,000,000 liability insurance policy, a local responsible agent residing within a specific radius (e.g., 30 miles), and occupancy limits typically set at 2 persons per bedroom plus 2 additional occupants per finished story.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Oakland County?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Oakland County. 1. Submit a rental registration application to the local municipality (e.g., Royal Oak or Clawson). 2. Provide proof of $1,000,000 liability insurance and designate a local responsible agent. 3. Pass a safety inspection (often biannual) and pay the required registration fee.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Oakland County?
1. Submit a rental registration application to the local municipality (e.g., Royal Oak or Clawson). 2. Provide proof of $1,000,000 liability insurance and designate a local responsible agent. 3. Pass a safety inspection (often biannual) and pay the required registration fee.
Is Vrbo legal in Oakland County, MI?
Vrbo is permitted in Oakland 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 Oakland County?
Short-term rental hosts in Oakland 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 Oakland County?
We are not currently tracking any recent short-term rental ordinance changes for Oakland 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