Overview: Are short-term rentals allowed in Livonia, MI?

Explicit answer: Short-term rentals are allowed in Livonia, but only if they are licensed and inspected as “rental dwellings” under the City’s existing ordinances. There is no separate, STR‑specific licensing regime adopted in Livonia. The City Attorney has stated that all rentals—regardless of term length—are regulated by Livonia’s rental licensing and inspection code, and operating any rental without a license is illegal. The City considered dedicated STR ordinance amendments in 2019 and 2021, but did not adopt them; thus, STRs operate under the standard rental property rules.

How to start a short-term rental business in Livonia

Livonia treats STRs as rental dwellings. To operate legally, follow the City’s rental program workflow:

1. Confirm zoning and suitability of the property for rental use; ensure no deed restrictions or HOA prohibitions conflict with STR use.
2. Obtain a Livonia rental license and pass an initial inspection to receive a Certificate of Compliance before any occupancy.
3. Prepare the unit to meet the City’s Property Maintenance Code (IPMC 2012 with City amendments) and technical standards:
   • Smoke alarms per code.
   • GFCI protection in required locations.
   • Dryer venting compliance (one flexible length; UL‑approved foil‑backed tape or clamps; no screws/pop rivets).
   • Furnace/boiler CO leak certification every three years by a licensed mechanical contractor.
4. Schedule inspections:
   • Initial inspection before first occupancy.
   • Annual inspections thereafter.
   • Also required at change of tenants and change of ownership.
5. Pay all fees at application; non‑refundable.
6. Comply with access and inspection procedures (see “Tenant Access and Inspections”).
7. Operate safely and maintain compliance. Address violations promptly. Fees apply for missed appointments or work not ready.

Required documents, permits, licenses, and guidelines

Livonia requires a rental license and Certificate of Compliance. Under the City’s rental program, the following also apply:

• Rental license and annual inspection: required for all single‑family, two‑family, multi‑family, and group home rentals; license renews annually or at title transfer.
• Certificate of Compliance: obtained following an inspection; occupancy is prohibited without both the license and certificate.
• Technical and safety standards:
  • Dryer venting: UL‑approved foil‑backed tape or clamps only; single flexible duct length allowed; rest solid duct; no screws/pop rivets.
  • Smoke alarms (detectors): required in each sleeping room or immediate vicinity, and on each floor level (including basement) for existing buildings constructed before Nov. 6, 1974 not undergoing alterations.
  • GFCI outlets: required in outdoors, bathrooms, garages (by year of construction as specified), kitchens (since 1987), and laundry areas (since 2005).
  • Furnace/boiler certification: CO leak testing every three years by a licensed mechanical contractor (no permit required).
  • Property Maintenance Code: the City adopts IPMC 2012 with City amendments; the Guidebook is not exhaustive.
• Permits: certain repairs/improvements may require permits; permits inactive for six months are canceled.
• Inspection scheduling: call 734‑466‑2580; initial inspection typically needs more time; renewal/follow‑up often ~20 minutes.
• Occupancy load: per State of Michigan standard used by the City—225 sq ft for the first person, 70 sq ft for each additional person. Bathrooms and closets are excluded from the floor‑area calculation.
• Documentation: keep contractor certifications, inspection records, and license/inspection receipts; provide access to inspector per lease provisions.
• Fees (non‑refundable):
  • Licenses:
    • One family / Group home: $45.00
    • Two family: $55.00
    • Multi‑family: $55.00 per building plus $10.00 per unit over two units
  • Inspections:
    • One family / Group home: $60.00
    • Two family: $90.00
    • Multi‑family: $75.00 per building plus $6.00 per unit
  • Re‑inspection: $45.00 per occurrence (e.g., missed appointment or work not ready)

Specific regulations for short-term rentals in Livonia (city), Wayne County, and Michigan (state)

• Livonia (city): STRs are treated as rental dwellings under the standard licensing and inspection code. Annual licensing and inspections, plus inspections at tenant change or ownership change, are required. No STR‑specific ordinance has been adopted; thus, no dedicated STR license exists.
• Wayne County (county): The sources provided do not specify county-level ordinances that apply to STRs in Livonia; verify any county lodging taxes or additional licensing with county authorities.
• Michigan (state): Michigan municipalities retain authority over local zoning and health/safety requirements for rental housing. State preemption proposals to limit local STR regulation have been advanced and opposed by municipal groups; check current law before listing, as this policy landscape can change.

Tenant access and inspections

• If the lease includes a Right of Entry clause, the owner must provide the inspector access and notify/ schedule with the tenant.
• If no Right of Entry clause exists, the owner must notify the tenant and make a good‑faith effort to obtain permission; refusals may result in the inspector obtaining a warrant to enter. With a warrant or in emergency conditions, entry may occur at any time. Tenants may also request inspections via complaints.

Contact information (Livonia Inspections Department)

• Phone: 734‑466‑2580
• Location: City of Livonia Inspection Department (refer to City website for address/office hours; the Guidebook is issued by this Department)
• Notes: Inspections typically schedule out about one month; specific time slots are assigned starting at 9:30 a.m. with the last appointment at 3:30 p.m.

Compliance operations and common pitfalls

• Exterior: ensure address numbers ≥3 inches, remove debris/trash, maintain structures (porches, steps, railings), roof and flashing, gutters/downspouts, siding/trim, windows/doors/ hardware, foundation and drainage.
• Interior: maintain structural elements, walls/floors, stairs/rails, door hardware, floor coverings; ensure compliance with occupancy limits; remove unauthorized basement bedrooms.
• Plumbing: maintain hot water systems and plumbing; repair/replace fixtures; install approved vacuum breakers.
• Heating: ensure functional furnaces/heating units; maintain vent systems; obtain licensed contractor certification every three years for units over three years old (age based on final inspection approval date).
• Electrical: maintain service; install/replace GFCI in required locations; remove extension cords used as permanent wiring; maintain panel clearance; install ground strap across water meter; install/replace smoke detectors immediately outside bedrooms and on each level.
• Selling a rental property: provide purchase agreement; outstanding violations should be addressed; City will cancel pending inspections and schedule follow‑up; title transfers require Property Transfer Affidavit and Homestead Affidavit to the Assessor’s Office; after closing, provide records to the Inspection Department; property removed from rental program once clear.

Source links

• City of Livonia Rental Guide (Inspection Department): livonia.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4294/Rental-Guide-PDF
• Hometown Life article on Livonia’s STR position (2021): www.hometownlife.com/story/news/local/livonia/2021/04/12/city-attorney-livonias-ordinances-already-regulate-airbnb-vrbo-rentals/7197587002/
• CMDA Law article on STR legal status under Michigan law: cmda-law.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/CMDA-Article-Gwyn-Short-Term-Lease-Agreements.pdf
• Scribd page for “Town of Livonia short-term rental law proposal” (not enacted): www.scribd.com/document/421982500/Town-of-Livonia-short-term-rental-law-proposal
• Michigan Municipal League resources on STRs and local control: blogs.mml.org/wp/short-term-rentals/