Home Sharing: Michigan’s Next Property Rights Battle

Renting out the family summer cottage is a common practice in Michigan, and with today’s technologies, it’s easier than ever, empowered by services like AirBnB, HomeAway, VRBO and more. These short-term rentals mean vacationers can find a place much more easily and inexpensively, while owners can earn some extra money. It seems like a win-win.

Not everyone agrees. Some in the accommodations and tourism industries aren’t happy with the increased competition and are advocating for limiting people’s rights to rent out their homes. Some homeowner associations are pushing back as well. And while cities like Detroit and Grand Rapids have mostly embraced home sharing, some local governments have restricted and even banned the practice.

In Lansing, the Legislature has introduced bills in the House and Senate that would affirm homeowners' rights to use their property for short-term rentals and prevent local governments from banning it. This event will feature a panel that address the variety of issues raised by home sharing and discuss the proposed solutions.

Christina Sandefur is executive vice president at the Goldwater Institute. She develops policies and litigates cases advancing health care freedom, free enterprise, private property rights, free speech and taxpayer rights. Christina is a graduate of Michigan State University College of Law and Hillsdale College.

Elaine Page and Kelli Fickel are lifelong residents of Holland, Michigan, who frequently rent out their properties to short-term renters. Elaine owns a home in downtown Holland that she updated herself and rents out to travelers. She also owns Caela Scott Bridal, a local bridal and formal wear shop. Kelli is the owner of Cobblestone Cottage, a vacation home in Holland.

Brian Westrin serves as the Michigan Realtors® Director of Public Policy & Legal Affairs. He did his undergraduate work at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge and earned his law degree at Michigan State University School of Law, graduating in 2004. His role at Michigan Realtors® encompasses a concentration in Fair Housing Law and Education, RESPA Compliance and Education, policing Unlicensed Real Estate Practice, Mortgage Fraud, and Publications and is an active lobbyist at the Capitol in Lansing. Brian also facilitates meetings of the Realtors® Legal Action Committee and handles all requests made for legal action fund assistance.

Lunch is free and is included with reservations. Please register online here. 

If you have any questions or need more information, please contact us at 989-698-1905 or events@mackinac.org.