Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Sault Sainte Marie, MI

Airbnb listings are allowed in Sault Sainte Marie, MI, but with restrictions. The City requires registration of residential rental properties defined as any dwelling unit not occupied by the property owner; properties must comply with the City Property Maintenance Code and may be subject to on-site inspection; owners residing outside Chippewa County must designate a local agent who lives in Chippewa County; annual registration deadlines and fees apply. 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.

The City requires registration of residential rental properties defined as any dwelling unit not occupied by the property owner; properties must comply with the City Property Maintenance Code and may be subject to on-site inspection; owners residing outside Chippewa County must designate a local agent who lives in Chippewa County; annual registration deadlines and fees apply.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Sault Sainte Marie. 1) Complete the City’s Residential Rental Registration form and return it to City Hall/Building Department (225 E Portage Ave) by the annual deadline; 2) Pay the stated fee ($10 timely; $25 up to 45 days late; $100 if more than 45 days late) and provide required information (owner contact, tax parcel ID, parking info, local agent if applicable); 3) Maintain property standards and comply with inspections/certification when requested; new owners/register within 45 days of purchase or conversion to rental.

1) Complete the City’s Residential Rental Registration form and return it to City Hall/Building Department (225 E Portage Ave) by the annual deadline; 2) Pay the stated fee ($10 timely; $25 up to 45 days late; $100 if more than 45 days late) and provide required information (owner contact, tax parcel ID, parking info, local agent if applicable); 3) Maintain property standards and comply with inspections/certification when requested; new owners/register within 45 days of purchase or conversion to rental.

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