Page one of the new Short-Term Rental fact sheet.
As the legislature goes in to session this week, the Michigan Municipal League is hearing there’s interest in the House to take up House Bill 4722. Discussions will be happening TODAY. Contact your Representative to oppose HB 4722!
The legislation seeks to eliminate a municipality’s ability to regulate short-term vacation rentals. It does not include any compromises local government groups have put forth seeking a middle ground. As the market proliferation of short-term rentals continues unabated, it is clear Michigan needs a balanced compromise. House Bill 4722 is not it!
According to a recent survey, the vast majority of Michigan residents—89%—are concerned about the effects short-term rentals will have on the prices and availability of housing, and nearly 80% believe that their local municipality should have a say over rules and regulations for short-term rentals. The survey provides compelling data that House Bill 4722 is missing the mark and not in tune with what Michigan residents want.
Page two of the new Short-Term Rental fact sheet.
The League will continue to adamantly oppose this zoning preemption legislation that destroys the integrity of neighborhoods, but we remain ready to work with all interested parties on a solution that provides a sensible compromise for Michigan communities, the economy and tourism industry while safeguarding property rights and the quality of life for residents.
As part of this willingness to compromise, the League and several other groups and organizations put forth new bills that balance the necessity for communities to provide proper regulation and oversight over commercial enterprises in their neighborhoods while continuing to allow short-term rental properties in all communities.
The new bills – House Bills 5465 and 5466 – are supported by a coalition of organizations representing local government, public safety, the restaurant and lodging industry, economic development and more. The compromise legislation was initiated as an alternative to the harmful HB 4722, currently on the House floor, which eliminates all authority for municipalities to zone for short-term rentals and creates a top-down, one-size-fits-all approach for every community in the state.
The new bills balance the needs of both sides, allowing community oversight while ensuring property owner’s rights.
“Residents turn to their locally elected officials when an issue arises, so these bills are a needed compromise to allow for municipalities to have reasonable oversight over short-term vacation rentals,” stated the League’s Jennifer Rigterink, in a joint press release sent to the media last week. “The existing legislation ties local officials’ hands, rendering them virtually powerless. A balanced approach is needed and what these bills bring forward.”
View our fact-sheet that compares HB 4722 to the new short-term rental legislation supported by the Michigan Municipal League, Michigan Townships Association, and other organizations. View our recent blog for more details on the compromise legislation and view our short-term rental resource page here.
Jennifer Rigterink is a legislative associate for the League handling economic development, land use and municipal services issues. She can be reached at [email protected] or 517-908-0305.