Oakland County Prosecutor Issues Best Practices for Short-Term Rentals to Help Keep Communities Safe

PONTIAC, Mich. - In response to recent incidents at local short-term rental properties, Oakland County Prosecutor KAREN D. McDONALD is issuing Best Practices for Short-Term Rentals. These guidelines are intended to assist responsible landlords in ensuring their properties operate safely and as good neighbors.

"We have had two shootings at short-term rentals in Oakland County this year," said Prosecutor McDonald. "Our office is working closely with law enforcement to hold those responsible accountable. However, like any business, short-term rentals have a responsibility to their communities. These best practices are intended to help landlords be good neighbors."

The Oakland County Prosecutor's Office's best practices include 10 common-sense recommendations for short-term rentals:

1. Guest Identification and Verification

2. Prohibition of Parties and Events

3. Occupancy Limits

4. Exterior Security Cameras

5. Noise Monitoring

6. Designated Local Responsible Contact

7. Property Security and Crime Prevention

8. Reservation Screening

9. Guest Rules and Acknowledgment

10. Cooperation with Law Enforcement and Regulatory Authorities

"Local communities have the right to decide short-term rental ordinances for themselves," said Prosecutor McDonald. "Our guidelines are based on rules and recommendations that have been implemented elsewhere in the country. They are intended as a framework to help municipalities and responsible landlords keep neighborhoods safe."

The Oakland County Prosecutor's Office encourages community leaders to share the Best Practices with landlords operating in their communities. These recommendations do not have the force of law and are intended for guidance only.

Short-Term Rental Safety and Accountability Best Practices

Purpose

These guidelines are intended to promote the safe and responsible operation of short-term rental properties, protect neighboring residents from nuisance activity, and reduce the risk that short-term rentals are used for criminal activity, disorderly conduct, or unauthorized events.

1. Guest Identification and Verification

All reservations should be made by an identified individual who is at least 21 years of age.

Prior to occupancy, the booking guest should be asked to:

• Provide valid government-issued photo identification.
• Verify that the name on the reservation matches the individual occupying the property.
• Acknowledge receipt of all property rules and regulations.

Third-party bookings should be prohibited unless the occupying guest's identity is verified.

2. Prohibition of Parties and Events

Short-term rental properties should be used exclusively for lodging purposes.

The following activities should be prohibited:

• Parties.
• Events.
• Commercial gatherings.
• Ticketed events.
• Weddings, receptions, or similar celebrations.
• Any gathering exceeding the approved occupancy limit.

Violation of this provision should result in immediate termination of the rental agreement and removal from the property. Violators should be reported to booking sites such as Airbnb or Vrbo.

3. Occupancy Limits

Maximum occupancy should not exceed:

• Two (2) occupants per bedroom; plus
• Two (2) additional occupants.

Children under two years of age may be exempt from occupancy calculations at the discretion of the operator.

Guests should be advised that they may not permit additional overnight occupants beyond the approved reservation.

4. Exterior Security Cameras

Property owners should consider maintaining security cameras covering:

• Exterior entrances and exits.
• Driveways.
• Parking areas.
• Publicly accessible outdoor spaces.

All cameras should be disclosed to guests prior to occupancy.

Cameras should never be installed in:

• Bedrooms.
• Bathrooms.
• Interior living areas.
• Any location where a reasonable expectation of privacy exists.

5. Noise Monitoring

Property owners are encouraged to utilize noise-monitoring technology that measures sound levels without recording conversations.

Noise-monitoring systems should:

• Alert operators to excessive noise levels.
• Be used solely for property management and nuisance prevention purposes.
• Comply with all applicable privacy laws.

Quiet hours should be observed in accordance with local ordinances or within reasonable hours, i.e. between 10:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m.

6. Designated Local Responsible Contact

Property owners should designate a local responsible party available twenty-four (24) hours per day.

The responsible party should:

• Respond to complaints from neighbors, law enforcement, or local officials.
• Always be reachable by telephone.
• Respond to on-site incidents within sixty (60) minutes when reasonably possible.
• Possess authority to address violations and remove guests when necessary.

7. Property Security and Crime Prevention

Property owners should maintain reasonable security measures, including:

• Adequate exterior lighting.
• Functional locks on all exterior doors and windows.
• Clearly visible address numbers.
• Safe and secure access control systems.

Owners are encouraged to utilize smart locks that generate unique access codes for each reservation.

8. Reservation Screening

Property operators should maintain procedures to identify potentially high-risk reservations.

Operators should consider denying reservations for:

• False or incomplete guest information.
• Refusal to provide identification.
• Prior documented violations.
• Evidence suggesting the property may be used for unauthorized parties, criminal activity, or other prohibited purposes.

All screenings must be conducted in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, including fair housing and anti-discrimination regulations.

9. Guest Rules and Acknowledgment

Prior to check-in, guests should receive written notice of:

• Occupancy limits.
• Parking requirements.
• Noise restrictions.
• Trash disposal procedures.
• Visitor limitations.
• Consequences for policy violations.

Guests should be required to acknowledge receipt of these rules in writing before obtaining access to the property.

10. Cooperation with Law Enforcement and Regulatory Authorities

Property owners and operators should cooperate with lawful requests from law enforcement and regulatory agencies.

Owners should:

• Maintain current registration and licensing as required by law.
• Provide emergency contact information to applicable authorities.
• Retain reservation records consistent with applicable law.
• Take corrective action when violations occur.

Ordinances should make clear that repeated violations may result in suspension, revocation, or non-renewal of authorization to operate a short-term rental property.

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