Quick answer: Birmingham, Michigan has banned short-term rentals under 30 days, effective when existing licenses expire on April 15, 2027. Only rentals of 30 days or longer are permitted. The ban applies to all short-term rental hosts in the city.
Key Facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Jurisdiction | Birmingham, Michigan |
| What changed | Ban on short-term rentals under 30 days; minimum stay requirement of 30 days imposed |
| Who it affects | All Airbnb, VRBO and short-term rental hosts in Birmingham |
| Status | Adopted |
| Effective date | April 15, 2027 (when existing licenses expire) |
| Penalties | Not reported |
| Governing body | Birmingham City Commission |
What Changed
Birmingham city commissioners voted unanimously to ban short-term rentals under 30 days, according to wcrz.com. The ban was approved on Monday night in October 2026. Existing short-term rental licenses will remain valid until April 15, 2027, but will not be renewed. After that date, only rentals of 30 days or longer will be permitted in the city.
Who Is Affected
The ban applies to all hosts offering short-term rentals in Birmingham, including Airbnb and VRBO listings. Hosts with existing licenses can continue operating until the licenses expire on April 15, 2027. After that date, weekend rentals and stays of fewer than 30 days will no longer be allowed. Longer-term rentals of 30 days or more remain permitted.
What Hosts Should Do Now
- Check your license expiration date to confirm when your existing authorization ends on April 15, 2027.
- Review your booking calendar and cancel or rebook reservations for stays under 30 days that fall after the effective date.
- Consider transitioning to longer-term rentals of 30 days or more if you wish to continue operating in Birmingham.
- Monitor the city's official announcements for any additional guidance or enforcement details.
- Consult a local property attorney if you have questions about how the ban affects your specific situation.
The Bigger Picture
The ban follows a shooting at a rental home in April 2026 and the city's decision to halt issuing new short-term rental licenses that same month. Neighbors have complained about noise, late-night disturbances, and frequent comings and goings at rental properties. City officials determined that restricting rentals to 30 days or longer would reduce these issues.
Some opponents have argued the city should target problem properties individually rather than imposing a broad ban. However, the unanimous vote by city commissioners indicates strong support for the minimum stay requirement as a neighborhood quality-of-life measure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still rent my Airbnb in Birmingham Michigan after April 2027
Yes, but only for stays of 30 days or longer. Short-term rentals under 30 days will be banned. Existing licenses expire April 15, 2027 and will not be renewed.
When does the Birmingham short-term rental ban take effect
The ban takes effect on April 15, 2027, when existing short-term rental licenses expire. Hosts can continue operating under current licenses until that date.
Do I need a new license for short-term rentals in Birmingham Michigan
No new short-term rental licenses are being issued in Birmingham. The city stopped issuing new licenses in April 2026, and existing licenses will not be renewed after April 15, 2027.
Why did Birmingham ban short-term rentals under 30 days
The city cited a shooting at a rental property in April 2026 and ongoing complaints from neighbors about noise and disturbances. City commissioners voted to require a 30-day minimum stay to reduce these issues.
Sources
Check the current rules for your area in the LawfulStay directory.