Detroit vs New York City
Michigan Legal but Limited | New York Effectively Banned
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Detroit, Michigan | New York City, New York |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal but Limited | Effectively Banned |
| Permit Fee | $500 annual license fee | $145 registration fee (OSE) |
| Tax Rate | 6% Michigan use tax + 6% Detroit Accommodations Tax (12% combined) | 5.875% hotel room occupancy tax + state/city sales tax |
| Annual Day Limit | 90 days/year | No limit |
| Renewal Interval | Annual | Every 2 years |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | Up to $1,000–$1,200 per violation for unlicensed operation | $5,000 first offense; up to $7,500 for subsequent violations |
| Verdict | Detroit 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
New York City, New York
Status Effectively Banned
Permit Fee $145 registration fee (OSE)
Tax Rate 5.875% hotel room occupancy tax + state/city sales tax
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Every 2 years
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $5,000 first offense; up to $7,500 for subsequent violations
Detroit 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 →New York City Overview
Local Law 18 (2023) requires hosts to register with OSE, be present during stays, and limits guests to 2. Entire-apartment rentals under 30 days are effectively banned. Only hosted stays with the owner present are permitted.
Full New York City guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Detroit or New York City?
Detroit is classified as "Legal but Limited" while New York City is "Effectively Banned." Detroit's permit fee is $500 annual license fee compared to $145 registration fee (OSE) in New York City.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Detroit or New York City?
Detroit charges 6% Michigan use tax + 6% Detroit Accommodations Tax (12% combined), while New York City charges 5.875% hotel room occupancy tax + state/city sales 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. New York City: $5,000 first offense; up to $7,500 for subsequent violations.