Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 28, 2025
Media Contact:
Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association Opposes New Short-Term Rental Bills
LANSING, MI — The Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association is opposing newly introduced short-term rental legislation (House Bills 5138-5140). The below statement can be attributed to Justin Winslow, President & CEO of the MRLA.
“For nearly a decade, the MRLA has been steadfast in its support of a statewide approach to short-term rental regulation that improves consumer safety and fosters a level playing field with Michigan’s hotel industry.
While the MRLA welcomes Airbnb’s decision to finally answer the call to action, their idea of a solution to short-term rental regulation amounts to a long-term tax increase on Michiganders and is a crippling threat to our state's hospitality industry. If enacted, the only thing Michigan will have achieved is a dysfunctional system that exacerbates neighborhood degradation without solving concerns over safety, housing or basic fairness.
The MRLA opposes House Bills 5138-5140 as introduced because we all deserve better than this. A superior legislative solution that more fairly addresses the negative impacts caused by Michigan's short-term rental market and supports Pure Michigan tourism funding through tax parity is forthcoming and we encourage our state's leaders to consider that fact before taking any action on these flawed bills.”
“For nearly a decade, the MRLA has been steadfast in its support of a statewide approach to short-term rental regulation that improves consumer safety and fosters a level playing field with Michigan’s hotel industry.
While the MRLA welcomes Airbnb’s decision to finally answer the call to action, their idea of a solution to short-term rental regulation amounts to a long-term tax increase on Michiganders and is a crippling threat to our state's hospitality industry. If enacted, the only thing Michigan will have achieved is a dysfunctional system that exacerbates neighborhood degradation without solving concerns over safety, housing or basic fairness.
The MRLA opposes House Bills 5138-5140 as introduced because we all deserve better than this. A superior legislative solution that more fairly addresses the negative impacts caused by Michigan's short-term rental market and supports Pure Michigan tourism funding through tax parity is forthcoming and we encourage our state's leaders to consider that fact before taking any action on these flawed bills.”
About the Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association
Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association (MRLA) is the recognized leader of Michigan's hospitality industry, providing essential services to the foodservice and lodging community. Founded in 1921 as the Michigan Restaurant Association and now known as the MRLA, the Association represents over 5,500 Michigan foodservice and lodging establishments. The industry plays an integral role in Michigan's economy, employing more than 450,000 people and creating nearly $44.6 billion in annual sales. For more information, visit www.mrla.org and www.detroitrla.org.
Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association (MRLA) is the recognized leader of Michigan's hospitality industry, providing essential services to the foodservice and lodging community. Founded in 1921 as the Michigan Restaurant Association and now known as the MRLA, the Association represents over 5,500 Michigan foodservice and lodging establishments. The industry plays an integral role in Michigan's economy, employing more than 450,000 people and creating nearly $44.6 billion in annual sales. For more information, visit www.mrla.org and www.detroitrla.org.
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