Short‑Term Rentals In Hartland: Check The Rules First

Thinking about listing your Hartland home on Airbnb for a few weekends? Before you post, it pays to know exactly what Hartland Township allows, what taxes apply, and who to call to confirm the details. You want extra income without unexpected fines or headaches. In this guide, you’ll learn the key rules, a simple checklist to follow, and where to verify everything locally. Let’s dive in.

What counts as short-term in Michigan

Short-term rentals generally mean stays under 30 consecutive days. In Michigan, these short stays are typically subject to a 6% state use or sales tax. You should confirm how that applies to your listing using this helpful overview of the Michigan lodging tax requirements. Local zoning and permitting still govern whether an STR is allowed at your specific address in Hartland.

Hartland rules are local

Hartland Township’s zoning and permitting rules determine whether you can rent your home for short stays. Start with the Township’s Planning Department and current ordinance materials on the Hartland Township Planning and Ordinances page. If your property sits in a homeowners association, check the HOA covenants or deed restrictions too. The absence of a specific “STR page” does not mean STRs are automatically allowed without approval.

Before you list in Hartland: 7 things to check

1. Zoning and land use
   • Ask Hartland Township Planning if your zoning district allows STRs, and whether a special use or zoning compliance permit is required. Confirm any rules on occupancy, parking, signage, or business registration. Review the Township’s Planning and Ordinances page.
2. HOA or deed restrictions
   • If applicable, read your HOA rules and recorded covenants. Many associations limit or prohibit short stays.
3. Building and fire safety
   • Check inspection requirements with Livingston County’s Building Department and the Hartland Deerfield Fire Authority. Some STRs need specific egress, smoke/CO detectors, and fire extinguishers. Use the county services index to find contacts for building inspections via the Livingston County services page, and reach the Fire Authority through the Township planning page.
4. Taxes and registration
   • Michigan typically applies a 6% tax to stays under 30 days. Confirm whether your platform collects and remits that tax and whether you must register with the state treasury. See the Michigan lodging tax summary for an overview.
5. Insurance and liability
   • Ask your insurer if your policy covers STR use or if you need an endorsement. Recent Michigan bill proposals have discussed minimum insurance for STRs, which signals where rules could evolve. You can review an example proposal at HB 5438 on LegiScan for context.
6. Local agent or manager
   • Plan for a local contact who can respond quickly to issues. Many communities require a local contact for nuisance complaints.
7. Recordkeeping
   • Keep detailed records of nightly rates, fees, taxes collected, and inspection or permit documents. It makes filings and any audits smoother.

Taxes explained simply

Michigan typically requires you to collect and remit a 6% state tax on stays under 30 days. Sometimes platforms collect and remit taxes for hosts, but coverage varies by place and platform. Airbnb has described its evolving tax-collection practices in public filings, which is a good reminder to verify your own setup for Hartland listings by checking platform policies and your payout settings. If you want a source for how platform tax-collection works, see Airbnb’s SEC filing discussion of tax collection.

Check these two things before accepting bookings:

• Will your platform collect and remit Michigan’s 6% tax on your behalf for your exact listing location?
• Do any local lodging or accommodation taxes apply at the county or township level? Use the Livingston County services page to reach the Treasurer’s Office and confirm.

Who to call in Hartland

• Hartland Township Planning Department - zoning and permits: 810-632-7498, and the Planning and Ordinances page.
• Livingston County Building Department - building permits and inspections: find contacts via the county services page.
• Hartland Deerfield Fire Authority - safety and inspections: reach via the Township planning page above.
• Michigan Department of Treasury - registration and tax filing: see the Michigan lodging tax summary for what to confirm.

Common pitfalls to avoid

• Assuming it is legal because others are doing it. Always verify with Hartland Township Planning.
• Overlooking HOA rules. Association covenants can be stricter than local code.
• Relying on platform tax collection without checking. Confirm whether taxes are collected for your listing’s exact location.
• Skipping safety steps. Document smoke/CO detectors, fire extinguishers, and exits if inspections apply.
• Ignoring how rules evolve. Michigan communities update STR rules regularly - for example, Ann Arbor tightened rules, as explained in this Michigan STR rules overview.

Thinking about buying a Hartland property to host?

If you plan to buy with STR income in mind, confirm zoning and HOA limits before you write an offer. Ask about parking, trash service, and noise expectations. Run realistic numbers that account for occupancy, seasonal demand, cleaning, insurance, and taxes. A local manager or reliable contact is a smart move even when not required.

If you want a property that fits both your lifestyle and your income plan, the Broadwell Homes Team can help you evaluate options, coordinate due diligence, and market your home when it is time to sell or lease.

FAQs

Is it legal to list my Hartland house on Airbnb?

• It depends on your property’s zoning and any HOA or deed restrictions, so start with the Hartland Township Planning and Ordinances page and your HOA documents if applicable.

Do I need permits or inspections for a Hartland short-term rental?

• Check with Hartland Township for zoning or special use permits and with Livingston County’s Building Department and the Hartland Deerfield Fire Authority for any inspections, using the county services page to locate contacts.

What taxes apply to short-term rentals in Hartland, MI?

• Michigan typically applies a 6% state tax to stays under 30 days, and you should confirm any local lodging taxes with the County or Township; see the Michigan lodging tax summary for an overview.

Does Airbnb collect Michigan taxes for me if my listing is in Hartland?

• Sometimes, but not always - verify whether your platform collects and remits for your exact jurisdiction and listing, and review Airbnb’s general tax-collection approach as described in its SEC filing.

What happens if a neighbor complains about my Hartland short-term rental?

• Many communities use fines or permit actions to address nuisance issues; have a local contact, clear house rules, and coordinate with Township Planning for guidance via the Planning and Ordinances page.

Will my homeowner insurance cover short-term rental use in Hartland?

• Not always - ask your insurer about STR coverage or endorsements, and note that some Michigan bill proposals have discussed minimum insurance for STRs, such as those referenced in HB 5438 on LegiScan.