Detroit vs Los Angeles
Michigan Legal but Limited | California Legal but Limited
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Detroit, Michigan | Los Angeles, California |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal but Limited | Legal but Limited |
| Permit Fee | $500 annual license fee | $89 registration fee + $850 annual platform fee |
| Tax Rate | 6% Michigan use tax + 6% Detroit Accommodations Tax (12% combined) | 14% Transient Occupancy Tax |
| Annual Day Limit | 90 days/year | 120 days/year |
| Renewal Interval | Annual | Annual |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | Up to $1,000–$1,200 per violation for unlicensed operation | $2,000–$5,000/violation (up to triple for repeat offenses) |
| Verdict | Both cities have comparable STR regulatory environments. | |
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
Los Angeles, California
Status Legal but Limited
Permit Fee $89 registration fee + $850 annual platform fee
Tax Rate 14% Transient Occupancy Tax
Day Limit 120 days/year
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $2,000–$5,000/violation (up to triple for repeat offenses)
Both cities have comparable STR regulatory environments.
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 →Los Angeles Overview
Home-Sharing Ordinance limits STRs to primary residences with a 120-day annual cap (extendable with Enhanced Plan). Registration required. RSO (rent-stabilized) units generally prohibited.
Full Los Angeles guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Detroit or Los Angeles?
Detroit is classified as "Legal but Limited" while Los Angeles is "Legal but Limited." Detroit's permit fee is $500 annual license fee compared to $89 registration fee + $850 annual platform fee in Los Angeles.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Detroit or Los Angeles?
Detroit charges 6% Michigan use tax + 6% Detroit Accommodations Tax (12% combined), while Los Angeles charges 14% Transient Occupancy 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. Los Angeles: $2,000–$5,000/violation (up to triple for repeat offenses).