Grand Rapids, Michigan Short Term Rental Regulations
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Reviewed by Karolyn Hutson
Last updated August 23, 2023
Grand Rapids Short-Term Rental Regulations
Information is maintained by the community to provide helpful insights and links to local regulations, HostScouts does not provide legal or investment advice.
City Code of Ordinances
Grand Rapids allows short-term rentals, but they are subject to regulations. Currently, Grand Rapids only issues 200 licenses for one-room rentals per year and only rent one and limit visitors to two people at a time, and the property host must be in residence while renting the space.Business License Requirements
The property host must register for a Home Occupation One-Room Rental License. For more information on how to Apply for a Home Occupation One-Room Rental License.Building and Housing Standards
Grand Rapids has rules and regulations that specify minimum building, design, maintenance standards, habitability, health, and safety requirements. Some rules and regulations that apply to residential and non-residential properties may apply to your listing. Consult the Development Center for more information.Tourist and Local Taxes
Short-term rentals might also be subjected to the city, state, and county sales tax and are liable for payment as established by the city, state and county law.Other Rules
It is also essential to understand and abide by other contracts or rules that bind you, such as leases, condo boards, co-op rules, HOA rules, or rules established by tenant organizations. Please read your lease agreement and check with your landlord if applicable. Visit the City of Grand Rapids for more information.Is something not quite right? Registered users can suggest changes to this guide.
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Short Term City Rating6.3
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Competition
8.1 -
Real Estate Cost
8.2 -
STR Regulations
4.0 -
Seasonality
5.5 -
Rental Rates
5.7
Grand Rapids, Michigan Quick Stats
Short-term rentals have gained a lot of traction in the last few years. The trends and statistics of this sector are constantly changing, and having access to accurate data is essential for making sound investment decisions.
- Population
- 198,917
- STR License Required
- Yes
- Tourist Season
- County
- Kent
- Airports
- Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR)
- West Michigan Regional Airport (KBIV)
Want to learn more about Grand Rapids?
Hostscouts has you covered. Our guides for this city cover topics that can help you research cities across the US quickly and easily.
Check out our Grand Rapids rental analytics guide if you're interested in data on the Grand Rapids rental market.
Review the popular activities that hosts include in their property positing in Grand Rapids.
The most popular local and regional landmarks hosts usually include in their Airbnb or Vrbo property listings.
Explore nightly rates that hosts list their properties and the average fees for pets and additional guests.
What are the most popular property sizes for rent? Research whether a 1, 2, or 3 bedroom best fits Grand Rapids guests.
Interested in other Michigan cities?
Check out the Michigan Airbnb rules directory
What makes Grand Rapids a great place to invest?
- Vibrant Art Scene: Grand Rapids is often referred to as "Beer City, USA" and is known for its thriving arts and cultural scene. As home to the renowned ArtPrize event, visitors can explore a diverse array of contemporary art in various mediums across the city. The city also boasts a multitude of art galleries, museums, and performance venues, including the Grand Rapids Art Museum and the Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts.
- Craft Beer Capital: With over 80 breweries in the area, beer enthusiasts will find themselves in a paradise of flavorful experiences. Embark on the Grand Rapids Beer City Ale Trail to sample award-winning brews, attend brewery tours, and learn about the art of craft beer production. Many breweries also offer excellent food pairings, adding to the overall experience.
- Outdoor Adventures: The natural beauty of Grand Rapids and its surrounding areas offers a plethora of opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. Kayak or canoe on the Grand River, hike or bike the extensive trail networks, such as the Fred Meijer White Pine Trail State Park, or visit Millennium Park, one of the largest urban parks in the region with beaches, trails, and picnic areas.
- Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park: Spanning 158 acres, this unique attraction combines art and nature in a breathtaking setting. Visitors can explore themed gardens, enjoy the tranquility of water features, and marvel at the impressive sculpture collection. The park also hosts a variety of seasonal exhibits, concerts, and educational programs, ensuring a captivating experience for all ages.
- Rich History: Immerse yourself in the rich history of Grand Rapids by visiting its numerous museums and historical sites. Explore the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum, the Grand Rapids Public Museum, and the Grand Rapids African American Museum & Archives to learn about the region's fascinating past and its influence on the present.
Grand Rapids Nearby Cities
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14 miles away
- Rating: 7.0
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26 miles away
- Rating: 6.7
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Local Real Estate
How expensive is the real estate in Grand Rapids?
The cost of real estate can vary widely depending on the location, size, and features of the property, as well as market conditions. The median home value in Grand Rapids has increased 5% over the past year, and the average price per square foot is $214, which is lower than the national average.
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Median Sale Price
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$301,286
5% YoY
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Median per Square Foot
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$214
12% YoY
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Average Monthly Rent
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$1,637
5% YoY
The most common terms hosts include in their listings for Grand Rapids, Michigan
Common terms for Grand Rapids short term rental listings.
When potential guests are scrolling through listings on Airbnb, they’re looking for certain essential information to help them decide if your property is the right fit for their needs. As a host, ensuring that your listing includes all the relevant information that guests will be looking for is vital.
Some of the must-have elements of a property description include:
- Location: Guests will want to know where your property is located in relation to popular attractions, public transportation, and other points of interest.
- Amenities: What amenities does your property offer? Be sure to list all features guests can access, such as a pool, hot tub, parking, etc.
- Informative: The average listing in Grand Rapids has a description approximately 1,390 words long. Make sure yours is long enough to describe your property but doesn't require your potential guest to read a novel.
After reviewing more than 619 listings in Grand Rapids, we've consolidated the most common terms on the word cloud. The larger text represents a term that is used more often. The top ten mentioned terms are Grand Rapids, Downtown, Downtown Grand, Place, Stocked, Feel, Coffee, Main, Quiet, and Secure.
What are the most popular tourist activities in Grand Rapids?
Whether renting a house, an apartment, or a room, you should include popular tourist activities in your posting. The most common choices mentioned on property listings in Grand Rapids involve going to the City Centre, Museums, the Zoo, Adventure Activities, and Outlet Shopping. When you write your listing, have a section with recommended activities near the property to give your guests an idea of what is available.
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City Centre
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Museums
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Zoo
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Adventure Activities
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Outlet Shopping
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Hiking
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Swimming
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Cycling
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Antiquing
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Kayaking
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Health Spa
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Boating
Local Attractions
What attractions do hosts highlight to guests?
There are quite a few popular attractions in Grand Rapids, including Van Andel Arena, DeVos Performance Hall, Downtown Market, Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park, and Woodland Mall. Below we've included the most popular local and regional landmarks hosts usually include in their Airbnb or Vrbo property listings. Many hosts like to show off lesser-known regional landmarks visitors might not have heard of.
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Regional Landmark
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Van Andel Arena
Included on nearly all listings
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Regional Landmark
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DeVos Performance Hall
Included on nearly all listings
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Regional Landmark
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Downtown Market
Included on nearly all listings
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Regional Landmark
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Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park
Included on nearly all listings
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Regional Landmark
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John Ball Zoo
Included on nearly all listings
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Regional Landmark
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Gerald R. Ford Museum
Included on nearly all listings
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Local Landmark
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Meijer Corporate Headquarters
Included on nearly all listings
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Local Landmark
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Grand Rapids Children's Museum
Included on nearly all listings
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Regional Landmark
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DeltaPlex Arena and Conference Center
Included on 91% of listings
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Local Landmark
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Public Museum of Grand Rapids
Included on 83% of listings
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Regional Landmark
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Grand Rapids Art Museum
Included on 54% of listings
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Regional Landmark
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Woodland Mall
Included on 32% of listings
What’s the weather like in Grand Rapids, Michigan?
The weather is generally milder than the national average, with an average high temperature of around 58°, while the average low is about 41°. It has normal rainfall, averaging about 28 inches per year, compared to the national average of about 27 inches. Snowfall can be rather heavy, averaging less than 24 inches per year. The humidity levels in Grand Rapids are generally lower than the national average, and the city tends to be a bit cloudy for most of the year.
Winter
December through February
22° Low 33° High
Spring
March through May
39° Low 58° High
Summer
June through August
61° Low 80° High
Fall
September through November
43° Low 60° High
Cities Near Grand Rapids
Grand Rapids, Michigan, is located in Kent County. Some cities that are located nearby include:
