Detroit vs Salt Lake City
Michigan Legal but Limited | Utah Effectively Banned
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Detroit, Michigan | Salt Lake City, Utah |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal but Limited | Effectively Banned |
| Permit Fee | $500 annual license fee | Contact city for current details |
| Tax Rate | 6% Michigan use tax + 6% Detroit Accommodations Tax (12% combined) | ~12.17% combined (state + local sales + county TRT + municipal TRT) |
| 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 | Contact city for current details; violations may incur daily fines |
| 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
Salt Lake City, Utah
Status Effectively Banned
Permit Fee Contact city for current details
Tax Rate ~12.17% combined (state + local sales + county TRT + municipal TRT)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine Contact city for current details; violations may incur daily fines
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 →Salt Lake City Overview
Traditional STRs (Airbnb-style) are prohibited in all residential zones. Short-term lodging is only permitted in downtown and mixed-use zoning districts, where operators must meet hotel/motel-class licensing and building standards.
Full Salt Lake City guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Detroit or Salt Lake City?
Detroit is classified as "Legal but Limited" while Salt Lake City is "Effectively Banned." Detroit's permit fee is $500 annual license fee compared to Contact city for current details in Salt Lake City.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Detroit or Salt Lake City?
Detroit charges 6% Michigan use tax + 6% Detroit Accommodations Tax (12% combined), while Salt Lake City charges ~12.17% combined (state + local sales + county TRT + municipal TRT). 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. Salt Lake City: Contact city for current details; violations may incur daily fines.