You may have heard the news: Michigan State House Bill 4722—originally the “Ban the Ban” on Short-Term Rentals (STRs)—has been revised and passed out of the State House and onto the Michigan State Senate as of late October. This movement of House Bill 4722 has inspired much controversy and additional legislation's consideration in the form of Michigan Senate Bill 547 (prohibits the banning of short-term rentals, maintains that locals can regulate all other aspects, implements a registry along with other requirements), and Michigan State House Bills 5465 and 5466 (these bills also prohibit the banning of short-term rentals, create a short-term rental registry as well as adding a tax and additional health and safety based requirements).
Our local association and our membership have long held and expressed that reasonable regulation of Short Term Rentals is what is best for our communities, our community members, and the real estate industry. In fact, when the full Aspire North Membership was surveyed in July 2020, of 146 respondents, 81.5% of our members expressed support for reasonable regulation of STRs or unrestricted STR operation with 17.8% of our members supporting strict regulation of STRs or no allowance of STRs.
At the end of the day, short-term rentals are a tool. A tool for community property owners, visitors, and communities. A tool that is not inherently good or bad on its own. It is our responsibility to ensure that this tool provides the best outcomes for our communities. So I call on our members to take action! Lend your voice to this important issue through the Michigan REALTORS Call For Action on House Bill 4722, and join us this Thursday, Nov. 18th at 3 pm on Zoom for a Legislative Update on all Short-Term Rental Legislation under consideration. Members can find registration information in their email or on the REALTORS Only Facebook Group. Call the main office or contact connor@aspirenorthrealtors.com with any questions! Your voice is crucial to supporting reasonable regulation that protects the rights of citizens and the communities we love and care for. I look forward to hearing from you.
