Detroit vs Scottsdale
Michigan Legal but Limited | Arizona Legal with Permit
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Detroit, Michigan | Scottsdale, Arizona |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal but Limited | Legal with Permit |
| Permit Fee | $500 annual license fee | $250/year |
| Tax Rate | 6% Michigan use tax + 6% Detroit Accommodations Tax (12% combined) | ~14.27% combined transient occupancy tax (state + county + city) |
| 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 | $500 first violation; $1,000 second; $3,500 third; license suspension after 3 in 12 months |
| Verdict | Scottsdale 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
Scottsdale, Arizona
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee $250/year
Tax Rate ~14.27% combined transient occupancy tax (state + county + city)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $500 first violation; $1,000 second; $3,500 third; license suspension after 3 in 12 months
Scottsdale 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 →Scottsdale Overview
Ordinance 4566 caps occupancy at 6 adults plus dependent children, requires 1 off-street parking space per bedroom, $500K liability insurance, and neighbor notification within 30 days. Special events and commercial uses prohibited.
Full Scottsdale guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Detroit or Scottsdale?
Detroit is classified as "Legal but Limited" while Scottsdale is "Legal with Permit." Detroit's permit fee is $500 annual license fee compared to $250/year in Scottsdale.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Detroit or Scottsdale?
Detroit charges 6% Michigan use tax + 6% Detroit Accommodations Tax (12% combined), while Scottsdale charges ~14.27% combined transient occupancy tax (state + county + city). 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. Scottsdale: $500 first violation; $1,000 second; $3,500 third; license suspension after 3 in 12 months.