Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in White Lake, MI?

YES — Short-term rentals are allowed in White Lake Township, Michigan. However, they are subject to strict regulatory requirements. White Lake Township requires all rental properties (including short-term rentals) to be registered, inspected, and certified before they can be legally operated. This certification is mandatory and must be obtained from the Township Building Official after a successful inspection that confirms compliance with all applicable codes and ordinances.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in White Lake Township

Starting a short-term rental business in White Lake Township requires following a structured process that begins with registration and mandatory inspection:

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Property Preparation: Ensure your property meets all safety, health, and building code requirements before applying for registration.

2. Complete Registration: Submit the Rental Property Registration Form along with the required fee payment.

3. Schedule Inspection: After registration and payment, schedule your mandatory inspection within the required timeframe.

4. Pass Inspection: The Township Building Official will conduct an inspection to verify compliance with all applicable codes and ordinances.

5. Receive Certification: Upon successful inspection, you will receive your property certification, allowing you to legally operate your short-term rental.

6. Maintain Compliance: Continue to comply with all ongoing requirements, including potential re-inspections and any changes to township ordinances.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Mandatory Requirements:

1. Property Registration

• Document: Rental Property Registration Form
• Source: Available on the White Lake Township website
• Requirement: Must be completed and submitted with payment before inspection scheduling

2. Property Inspection

• Requirement: Mandatory inspection within 45 days of registration
• Inspector: Conducted by Township Building Official
• Purpose: Verify compliance with township codes and ordinances

3. Property Certification

• Issuer: Township Building Official
• Requirement: Must be valid and current to operate any rental property
• Renewal: Requirements for renewal not specified in available documents

4. Supporting Documentation

• Document: Rental Ordinance Brochure with Inspection Checklist
• Content: Contains detailed inspection checklist and ordinance requirements
• Use: Guide for property preparation and compliance understanding

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Township-Level Requirements (White Lake Township):

Registration and Certification Requirements:

• No owner or agent may lease, rent, use, operate, or occupy any rental property within White Lake Township boundaries without a valid property certification
• Certification is issued exclusively by the Township Building Official
• Properties must be inspected and found compliant with township codes and ordinances
• Inspections are mandatory and must occur within 45 days of registration

Inspection Availability:

• Tuesdays: 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
• Wednesdays: 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
• Thursdays: 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
• Fridays: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
• Note: Inspections are scheduled only after rental registration form completion and payment

State-Level Requirements (Michigan):

Tax Obligations:

• Michigan state law requires payment of 6% use tax on the total rental amount
• This includes all charges: rental fees, cleaning fees, service fees, and any other associated costs
• Hosts are responsible for collecting and remitting this tax to the state

General Compliance Requirements:

• Property and housing codes apply to all rental properties
• Safety and cleanliness standards must be maintained
• Noise and nuisance regulations must be observed
• Local zoning requirements must be followed

Additional Considerations:

Homeowners Associations and Condo Associations:

• Some HOAs or condo boards in White Lake may have additional rules regarding short-term rentals
• Property owners should review their association's governing documents before listing
• Association rules may be more restrictive than township requirements

Contact Information for Local Authority

White Lake Township Building Department

Primary Contact:

• Phone: (248) 698-3300, Extension 2
• Email: permits@whitelaketwp.com

Physical Address:

• 7525 Highland Rd
• White Lake, MI 48383

Department Hours:

• Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

For General Township Information:

• Main Phone: (248) 698-3300
• Website: www.whitelaketwp.com

Important Links to Source Pages

1. White Lake Township Rental Program Information

• URL: www.whitelaketwp.com/building/page/rental-program-information
• Contains: Registration requirements, inspection schedules, contact information

2. Rental Property Registration Form (PDF)

• URL: www.whitelaketwp.com/sites/default/files/fileattachments/building/page/24178/rental_property_registration_form.pdf
• Contains: Official registration form for rental properties

3. Rental Ordinance Brochure with Inspection Checklist (PDF)

• URL: www.whitelaketwp.com/sites/default/files/fileattachments/building/page/24178/rental_ordinance_brochure_with_inspection_checklist.pdf
• Contains: Detailed inspection checklist and ordinance requirements

4. Chapter 8, Section 7 - Rental Property (Code of Ordinances)

• URL: library.municode.com/mi/white_lake_chrtr_township,_%28oakland_co.%29/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=COOR_CH8BUBURE_ARTVIIREPR_S8-160PU
• Contains: Official township code regarding rental properties

5. White Lake Township Code of Ordinances (Complete)

• URL: www.municode.com/library/mi/white_lake_chrtr_township,_%28oakland_co.%29/codes/code_of_ordinances
• Contains: Complete township ordinances and regulations

Investment Recommendations and Compliance Notes

Critical Compliance Points:

1. Do not operate without certification — Operating without proper registration and certification is a violation of township ordinances
2. Budget for inspection timing — Schedule inspections promptly as they must occur within 45 days of registration
3. Prepare thoroughly — Use the inspection checklist to ensure your property meets all requirements before scheduling
4. Monitor tax obligations — Factor in the 6% Michigan use tax when calculating your rental pricing and margins
5. Verify HOA restrictions — Check with your homeowners association or condo board for any additional restrictions

Best Practices for STR Success in White Lake:

• Maintain detailed records of all compliance efforts
• Establish relationships with local contractors familiar with township codes
• Consider engaging professional property management companies experienced with White Lake regulations
• Stay informed about potential future ordinance changes through township communications
• Build relationships with neighbors to address any concerns proactively

This guide provides the foundational information needed to legally operate a short-term rental in White Lake Township. Always verify current requirements with the township directly, as regulations may change over time.