Sterling Heights, Michigan Short Term Rental Regulations

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Reviewed by Karolyn Hutson

Last updated August 23, 2023

Sterling Heights 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

The City of Sterling Heights might have regulations, standards, and restrictions that might apply to your listing.

Do your due diligence and consult a local lawyer or tax professional. Ordinances and Zoning are subject to changes and should always be confirmed with the City of Sterling Heights.

Business License Requirements

Visit the Business Licenses Department for clarification on when short-term rentals might need a business license.

Building and Housing Standards

Sterling Heights 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 Building Department 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 Sterling Heights website for more information.
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  • Short Term City Rating
    6.2
  • Competition

    6.4
  • Real Estate Cost

    7.9
  • STR Regulations

    N/A
  • Seasonality

    6.7
  • Rental Rates

    3.6

Sterling Heights, 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
134,346
STR License Required
No
Tourist Season
County
Macomb
Airports
Coleman A. Young International Airport (DET)
Oakland County International Airport (PTK)
Review our Sterling Heights Michigan short-term rental analytics guide, including rates, property types and other metrics

Want to learn more about Sterling Heights?

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 Sterling Heights rental analytics guide if you're interested in data on the Sterling Heights rental market.

City Activities

Review the popular activities that hosts include in their property positing in Sterling Heights.

City Attractions

The most popular local and regional landmarks hosts usually include in their Airbnb or Vrbo property listings.

Sterling Heights Rental Rates & Fees

Explore nightly rates that hosts list their properties and the average fees for pets and additional guests.

Property Types & Sizes

What are the most popular property sizes for rent? Research whether a 1, 2, or 3 bedroom best fits Sterling Heights guests.

Interested in other Michigan cities?

Check out the Michigan Airbnb rules directory 

What makes Sterling Heights a great place to invest?

  • Family-friendly destination: Sterling Heights, Michigan, is an ideal destination for families seeking an engaging and enjoyable vacation. The city offers a wide range of activities for visitors of all ages, including the impressive indoor trampoline park Sky Zone, where kids can bounce off the walls, and the family entertainment center Dave & Buster's, which features arcade games, delicious dining options, and virtual reality experiences.
  • Upton House Museum: History buffs will love visiting the Upton House Museum, an elegant 19th-century Victorian-style home that showcases the history of Sterling Heights and the surrounding area. Guided tours allow visitors to learn about the lives of the Upton family and appreciate the period-appropriate furnishings and decor, providing a fascinating glimpse into the past.
  • Ethnic cuisine and dining options: Sterling Heights is known for its diverse and thriving culinary scene. Visitors can sample delicious Polish, Italian, Mediterranean, and Middle Eastern cuisine, among others, at numerous local restaurants. The city's gastronomy reflects its diverse population and offers travelers a chance to experience a wide range of flavors and culinary traditions.
  • River Bends Park: This expansive park spans 850 acres and offers plenty of options for outdoor enthusiasts. With well-maintained trails for hiking, biking, and cross-country skiing, River Bends Park caters to all levels of fitness and ability. The park also features a disc golf course, picnic areas, and abundant wildlife, making it a must-visit for nature lovers.
  • Convenient access to Detroit attractions: Sterling Heights is located just a short drive from downtown Detroit, making it a great base for exploring the Motor City's many attractions. Visitors can easily access the renowned Detroit Institute of Arts, the historic Eastern Market, or catch a game at one of Detroit's iconic sports venues. Sterling Heights provides a quieter, suburban alternative to staying in the bustling city center while still offering easy access to Detroit's vibrant culture and events.

Sterling Heights Nearby Cities

Local Real Estate

How expensive is the real estate in Sterling Heights?

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 Sterling Heights has increased 5% over the past year, and the average price per square foot is $233, which is lower than the national average.

Median Sale Price

$329,447

5% YoY

Median per Square Foot

$233

5% YoY

Average Monthly Rent

$1,746

2% YoY

Property Descriptions

The most common terms hosts include in their listings for Sterling Heights, Michigan

Word Cloud for Sterling Heights, Michigan Short Term Rentals

Common terms for Sterling Heights 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 Sterling Heights has a description approximately 1,490 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 1,075 listings in Sterling Heights, 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 Royal Oak, Basement, Downtown Royal, Backyard, Comfortable, Cozy, Perfect, Place, Beautiful, and Downtown Detroit.

What are the most popular tourist activities in Sterling Heights?

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 Sterling Heights involve going to the Zoo, Outlet Shopping, Museums, Adventure Activities, and Casinos. When you write your listing, have a section with recommended activities near the property to give your guests an idea of what is available.

Zoo

Outlet Shopping

Museums

Adventure Activities

Casinos

City Centre

Health Spa

Cycling

Antiquing

Swimming

Water Parks

Ice Skating

Local Attractions

What attractions do hosts highlight to guests?

There are quite a few popular attractions in Sterling Heights, including Little Caesars Arena, Detroit Zoo, MotorCity Casino, Masonic Temple, and Detroit Institute of Arts. 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.

Regional Landmark

Royal Oak Music Theatre

Included on 63% of listings

Well Known Attraction

Detroit Zoo

Included on 60% of listings

Regional Landmark

Somerset Collection

Included on 60% of listings

Regional Landmark

Detroit Golf Club

Included on 58% of listings

Regional Landmark

Motown Museum

Included on 51% of listings

Regional Landmark

Wayne State University

Included on 51% of listings

Regional Landmark

Red Oaks Waterpark

Included on 49% of listings

Regional Landmark

Detroit Institute of Arts

Included on 47% of listings

Regional Landmark

Freedom Hill Amphitheatre

Included on 42% of listings

Regional Landmark

Masonic Temple

Included on 38% of listings

Well Known Attraction

MotorCity Casino

Included on 38% of listings

Well Known Attraction

Little Caesars Arena

Included on 37% of listings

What’s the weather like in Sterling Heights, Michigan?

The weather is generally milder than the national average, with an average high temperature of around 59°, while the average low is about 44°. It has normal rainfall, averaging about 24 inches per year, compared to the national average of about 27 inches. Snowfall can be rather heavy, averaging less than 16 inches per year. The humidity levels in Sterling Heights 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

24° Low 35° High

Precipitation
2.9"
Snowfall
12.2"
Muggy Days
0.0 days
Cloudiness
62%

Spring

March through May

41° Low 58° High

Precipitation
6.1"
Snowfall
3.1"
Muggy Days
1.0 days
Cloudiness
53%

Summer

June through August

64° Low 81° High

Precipitation
7.8"
Snowfall
0.0"
Muggy Days
22.1 days
Cloudiness
38%

Fall

September through November

46° Low 61° High

Precipitation
6.8"
Snowfall
0.4"
Muggy Days
3.8 days
Cloudiness
44%