Detroit vs Gatlinburg
Michigan Legal but Limited | Tennessee Legal with Permit
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Detroit, Michigan | Gatlinburg, Tennessee |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal but Limited | Legal with Permit |
| Permit Fee | $500 annual license fee | $200 (2-bedroom or fewer); $75 per additional bedroom |
| Tax Rate | 6% Michigan use tax + 6% Detroit Accommodations Tax (12% combined) | 12.75% combined (7% state sales + 2.75% local sales + 3% hotel/motel tax) + 3% Sevier County lodging tax |
| Annual Day Limit | 90 days/year | No limit |
| Renewal Interval | Annual | Annual |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | Up to $1,000–$1,200 per violation for unlicensed operation | $50/day per violation; permit suspension/revocation possible |
| Verdict | Gatlinburg has more favorable STR regulations overall. | |
Detroit, Michigan
Status Legal but Limited
Permit Fee $500 annual license fee
Tax Rate 6% Michigan use tax + 6% Detroit Accommodations Tax (12% combined)
Day Limit 90 days/year
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine Up to $1,000–$1,200 per violation for unlicensed operation
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee $200 (2-bedroom or fewer); $75 per additional bedroom
Tax Rate 12.75% combined (7% state sales + 2.75% local sales + 3% hotel/motel tax) + 3% Sevier County lodging tax
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $50/day per violation; permit suspension/revocation possible
Gatlinburg has more favorable STR regulations overall.
Detroit Overview
90-day annual rental cap; max 10 guests at any time; principal residence requirement. Liability insurance required and properties must pass safety inspection.
Full Detroit guide →Gatlinburg Overview
Tourist Residency Permit required with annual inspection. STRs prohibited in R-1A and R-2A zones. Properties over 3 stories or 12+ occupants require sprinkler systems.
Full Gatlinburg guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Detroit or Gatlinburg?
Detroit is classified as "Legal but Limited" while Gatlinburg is "Legal with Permit." Detroit's permit fee is $500 annual license fee compared to $200 (2-bedroom or fewer); $75 per additional bedroom in Gatlinburg.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Detroit or Gatlinburg?
Detroit charges 6% Michigan use tax + 6% Detroit Accommodations Tax (12% combined), while Gatlinburg charges 12.75% combined (7% state sales + 2.75% local sales + 3% hotel/motel tax) + 3% Sevier County lodging tax. Compare the full breakdown in the table above.
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Detroit: Up to $1,000–$1,200 per violation for unlicensed operation. Gatlinburg: $50/day per violation; permit suspension/revocation possible.