DEARBORN, Mich. – Dearborn officials are considering a ban on short-term rentals in residential areas, sparking debate among homeowners about property rights and neighborhood preservation.
Update: Dearborn City Council passes short-term Airbnb rental ban in residential neighborhoods
The proposed changes would prohibit services like Airbnb in single-family homes and residential zones, restricting them to commercial districts.
“I don’t think it’s a bad idea, but I think you gotta keep the landlord in mind,” said Abe Al-Busaid, who lives near Ford and Schafer streets. Al-Busaid, who has considered converting his property into a short-term rental, believes the restrictions may be too severe.
“This neighborhood is family oriented, so when other families come to visit relatives, I would assume they would want to stay in a house and not a hotel,” Al-Busaid said.
Opposition to short-term rentals has grown among residents who cite disruptions to residential life. Rita Leap Heart Coleman recounted a recent incident where neighbors called police about a large party at a nearby rental property.
“I don’t like to have Airbnb in my neighborhood because the potential for people renting them just for parties and then disrupting our peace and quiet, it gets a little crazy,” Coleman said. “You have cars all over. I don’t want to have it in my area.”
City officials defend the proposed restrictions, saying they align with measures taken by other municipalities nationwide. “We believe that limiting short-term rentals to commercial areas, like our downtown districts, will protect housing stock for residents, including long-term renters; alleviate noise and other nuisances in quiet neighborhoods; and still offer options to those seeking to book or profit from short-term stays,” said a Dearborn representative. “We are joining cities across the country in creating updated regulations to meet challenges these businesses may present.”
Al-Busaid suggests an alternative approach focused on enforcement rather than outright bans. “I think that’s a little tough. I can’t see why a single family can’t be in a double and vice versa,” he said. “With a certain mandate, we should be fine. If it’s a repeat offender for block parties, there should be a little city interference in that.”