Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Otsego County, MI

Airbnb listings are allowed in Otsego County, MI, but with restrictions. STRs are permitted only in R2, R3, RR, FR, AR, and certain commercial/mixed-use districts. Occupancy is limited to two persons per bedroom plus two additional guests, and a primary agent must reside within 30 miles and be available 24/7. Properties must meet safety standards (smoke/CO detectors, fire extinguishers) and provide proof of septic pumping every three years. 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 permitted only in R2, R3, RR, FR, AR, and certain commercial/mixed-use districts. Occupancy is limited to two persons per bedroom plus two additional guests, and a primary agent must reside within 30 miles and be available 24/7. Properties must meet safety standards (smoke/CO detectors, fire extinguishers) and provide proof of septic pumping every three years.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Otsego County. 1. Submit an application to the County including owner/agent info, parking sketch, and signed affidavit. 2. Provide Health Department approval for septic (pumped within 3 years) and pass a Building Department safety inspection. 3. Pay the annual fee set by the Board of Commissioners to receive a permit valid for one calendar year.

1. Submit an application to the County including owner/agent info, parking sketch, and signed affidavit. 2. Provide Health Department approval for septic (pumped within 3 years) and pass a Building Department safety inspection. 3. Pay the annual fee set by the Board of Commissioners to receive a permit valid for one calendar year.

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