Detroit vs Maui County

Michigan Legal but Limited | Hawaii Effectively Banned

Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.

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
Maui County, Hawaii
Status Effectively Banned
Permit Fee Set by annual budget ordinance — contact Planning Dept for current amount
Tax Rate ~18% combined (11% state TAT + 3% county MCTAT + 4% GET)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax No
Max Fine $20,000 first offense; $10,000/day thereafter

Detroit has more favorable STR regulations overall.

Permits & Licensing

Detroit charges $500 annual license fee for STR licensing, while Maui County charges Set by annual budget ordinance — contact Planning Dept for current amount. Detroit renewal is annual, and Maui County renewal is annual. Overall, Detroit has a more permissive regulatory environment (Legal but Limited) compared to Maui County (Effectively Banned).

Tax Obligations

In Detroit, hosts pay 6% Michigan use tax + 6% Detroit Accommodations Tax (12% combined). In Maui County, hosts pay ~18% combined (11% state TAT + 3% county MCTAT + 4% GET). A key difference: platforms like Airbnb automatically collect taxes in Detroit, but hosts in Maui County must collect and remit taxes themselves — a significant operational burden.

Day Limits & Restrictions

Detroit imposes a 90-night annual limit, while Maui County has no annual cap — a significant advantage for high-volume hosts.

Fines & Enforcement

Hosts operating without a permit in Detroit face penalties including Up to $1,000–$1,200 per violation for unlicensed operation. In Maui County, violations can result in $20,000 first offense; $10,000/day thereafter. Both cities actively enforce their STR regulations, so securing proper licensing before listing is essential in either market.

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.

Contact: BSEED — (313) 224-2733

Full Detroit guide →

Maui County Overview

Ordinance 5909 (signed Dec 2025) phases out all apartment-zoned vacation rentals — STR use must cease by Jan 1, 2029 in West Maui and Jan 1, 2031 elsewhere. Existing STRH and B&B permits remain but are capped. Legal challenges are pending.

Contact: Planning Dept., Current Planning Division — (808) 270-8205

Full Maui County guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it easier to Airbnb in Detroit or Maui County?
Detroit is classified as "Legal but Limited" while Maui County is "Effectively Banned." Detroit's permit fee is $500 annual license fee compared to Set by annual budget ordinance — contact Planning Dept for current amount in Maui County. Overall, Detroit has a more host-friendly regulatory environment.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Detroit or Maui County?
Detroit charges 6% Michigan use tax + 6% Detroit Accommodations Tax (12% combined), while Maui County charges ~18% combined (11% state TAT + 3% county MCTAT + 4% GET). Notably, Detroit benefits from automatic platform tax collection, while hosts in Maui County must handle taxes themselves.
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Detroit: Up to $1,000–$1,200 per violation for unlicensed operation. Maui County: $20,000 first offense; $10,000/day thereafter. Both cities actively enforce STR regulations, so proper licensing is essential.
Do Detroit and Maui County have day limits for Airbnb?
Detroit limits STRs to 90 nights per year. Maui County has no annual day limit.
Which city is better for first-time Airbnb hosts — Detroit or Maui County?
For new hosts, consider the total cost of entry: Detroit charges $500 annual license fee for permits with 6% Michigan use tax + 6% Detroit Accommodations Tax (12% combined) in taxes. Maui County charges Set by annual budget ordinance — contact Planning Dept for current amount with ~18% combined (11% state TAT + 3% county MCTAT + 4% GET). Automatic tax collection in Detroit makes compliance easier for beginners.