Is Jenison, Michigan Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Jenison, Michigan, begin by researching local regulations through Ottawa County and Georgetown Township offices, as Jenison falls under Georgetown Township jurisdiction, where short-term rentals typically require a special use permit and must comply with zoning ordinances that may restrict rentals in certain residential areas. Obtain necessary permits including a business license from Georgetown Township (approximately $50-100), a Michigan sales tax license from the state, and ensure compliance with fire safety codes which may require smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers. Find a suitable property by purchasing or leasing in areas zoned for short-term rentals, focusing on neighborhoods near Grand Valley State University or downtown Grand Rapids (15 minutes away) for higher demand, with property prices ranging from $150,000-300,000 for typical homes. Furnish the space with quality furniture, linens, kitchen essentials, WiFi, and local amenities guides, budgeting $5,000-15,000 for a complete setup depending on property size. List your property on Airbnb, VRBO, and other platforms with professional photos, competitive pricing ($75-150/night based on local market), and detailed descriptions highlighting proximity to GVSU, Grand Rapids attractions, and Lake Michigan beaches. Manage the property by establishing cleaning protocols between guests, responding promptly to inquiries, coordinating check-ins/check-outs, maintaining the property regularly, and keeping detailed records for tax purposes while ensuring compliance with Michigan's 6% sales tax on short-term rentals and potential local accommodation taxes.

To identify profitable STR properties in Jenison, Michigan, focus on locations within 10-15 minutes of Grand Valley State University's Allendale campus and downtown Grand Rapids, as these areas attract both student families and business travelers. Target 3-4 bedroom single-family homes or condos built after 1990 with modern amenities like updated kitchens, multiple bathrooms, parking, and outdoor spaces, as families visiting GVSU students and corporate travelers prefer comfortable, home-like accommodations. Analyze pricing by researching comparable Airbnb listings in nearby Allendale, Georgetown Township, and western Grand Rapids suburbs, aiming for nightly rates between $120-180 depending on size and amenities, with higher premiums during GVSU events, graduation weekends, and summer months. Conduct competition research using AirDNA and Mashvisor to assess occupancy rates and revenue potential in the 49428 zip code area, noting that Jenison has limited hotel options which creates opportunity for STR properties. Utilize tools like Rabbu, STR Helper, and local MLS data through Realcomp to identify properties under $300,000 that can generate 12-18% annual returns, while monitoring GVSU's academic calendar and Grand Rapids' business travel patterns to optimize pricing and availability strategies.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Jenison, Michigan, you must first contact the Georgetown Township Planning Department since Jenison falls under Georgetown Township jurisdiction, located at 1515 Baldwin Street, Jenison, MI 49428, or call (616) 669-1970. You'll need to submit a Special Land Use application along with required documents including a site plan showing the property layout, proof of property ownership or lease agreement, floor plans indicating maximum occupancy, parking plan showing adequate spaces, and a detailed operational plan describing management procedures. The application fee is typically around $500-750 plus additional review fees of approximately $200-400. Required documents also include a certificate of occupancy, fire safety inspection certificate, and proof of liability insurance with minimum $1 million coverage. Georgetown Township requires STRs to maintain a maximum occupancy of 2 people per bedroom plus 2 additional guests, provide one parking space per bedroom, have a local contact person available 24/7 within 30 minutes of the property, and comply with noise ordinances with quiet hours from 10 PM to 8 AM. The property must pass health and safety inspections, maintain proper waste management, and display the permit number in all advertising. The review process typically takes 60-90 days including public notice periods and potential Planning Commission review. Once approved, permits are valid for one year and must be renewed annually with a renewal fee of approximately $200-300, and you must also register with the state of Michigan and obtain any required tax licenses.

Short-term rentals (STRs) in Jenison, Michigan are generally legal but subject to local zoning regulations and restrictions imposed by Georgetown Township, which governs the area. The township has implemented zoning ordinances that typically allow STRs in certain residential districts with proper permits and compliance with safety requirements, though they may be prohibited or restricted in some neighborhoods through homeowners association rules or specific zoning designations. Property owners must obtain proper licensing, meet fire safety standards, provide adequate parking, and ensure the rental doesn't create nuisance issues for neighbors. Recent years have seen increased scrutiny and potential tightening of regulations as communities balance tourism revenue with residential character preservation, with Georgetown Township periodically reviewing and updating its STR policies to address noise complaints, parking issues, and neighborhood compatibility concerns.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Jenison, Michigan include the Georgetown Township residential neighborhoods near 20th Avenue and Baldwin Street, which attract business travelers visiting nearby Grand Rapids corporate offices and medical facilities like Spectrum Health. The areas around Jenison High School and along Chicago Drive offer good potential due to proximity to family events, school activities, and easy highway access for visitors. Properties near Millennium Park and the Georgetown Ice Center draw sports families and outdoor enthusiasts year-round. The historic downtown Jenison area along Port Sheldon Road appeals to visitors seeking small-town charm while remaining close to Grand Rapids attractions. Neighborhoods near the Grand River provide scenic appeal for weekend getaways and fishing enthusiasts. The areas around Georgetown Township offices attract government contractors and business visitors, while properties near major retailers along Chicago Drive benefit from shopping-related stays and their proximity to Grand Valley State University, drawing visiting families and prospective students.

In Jenison, Michigan, Airbnb hosts are subject to Michigan's 6% state sales tax on short-term rental accommodations, which is automatically collected by Airbnb and remitted to the state on behalf of hosts for stays under 30 days. Additionally, Ottawa County imposes a 5% accommodations tax on short-term rentals, which Airbnb also collects and remits directly to the county. The City of Jenison does not impose a separate local lodging tax beyond the county requirement. Hosts must register with the Michigan Department of Treasury if they plan to collect taxes independently, though most rely on Airbnb's automatic collection system. Properties rented for 30 days or longer are generally exempt from these transient accommodation taxes and are treated as regular rental properties. The combined effective tax rate for short-term rentals in Jenison is approximately 11% (6% state + 5% county), with Airbnb handling collection and remittance for both taxes when bookings are made through their platform, while hosts using other platforms or direct bookings must register and remit taxes quarterly to both the state and Ottawa County.

To start an Airbnb in Jenison, Michigan, expect total costs around $285,000-$320,000. Property purchase represents the largest expense at $250,000-$280,000 based on median home prices in the area. Furnishing costs typically range $15,000-$25,000 for a complete 3-bedroom setup including furniture, appliances, linens, and décor. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and basic renovations average $3,000-$5,000. Permits and fees vary but budget $500-$1,500 for business licenses, short-term rental permits, and inspection fees required by Kent County and local municipalities. Insurance premiums for short-term rental coverage cost approximately $2,000-$3,000 annually. Utility deposits and setup fees total around $500-$800 for electricity, gas, water, internet, and cable services. First six months operating costs including utilities ($1,200), cleaning supplies ($300), maintenance reserves ($1,000), marketing ($500), and property management software ($300) add roughly $3,300 to initial investment requirements.

Airbnb properties in Jenison, Michigan typically generate annual revenues between $15,000-$35,000 for entire homes, with average daily rates ranging from $80-$150 depending on property size and amenities. Operating expenses generally consume 40-60% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($30-50 per turnover), property management (10-20% of revenue), utilities ($150-300 monthly), insurance ($1,200-2,000 annually), and maintenance costs ($2,000-4,000 yearly). Properties within 15 minutes of Grand Rapids or near popular attractions like Craig's Cruisers achieve higher occupancy rates of 60-75% compared to 40-55% for standard residential properties. A typical 3-bedroom home purchased for $200,000 in Jenison can generate net profits of $8,000-$18,000 annually (representing 4-9% cash-on-cash returns), with success factors including proximity to Grand Valley State University (driving demand during academic events), professional photography, responsive host communication, and amenities like hot tubs or game rooms. Properties near the Thornapple River or with unique features like fire pits consistently outperform standard suburban rentals, while hosts who maintain Superhost status through consistent 4.8+ ratings achieve 15-25% higher booking rates than average competitors in the West Michigan market.

Airbnb investments in Jenison, Michigan typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10% based on current market conditions. Properties in this Grand Rapids suburb benefit from proximity to major employers like Steelcase and medical facilities, with average daily rates of $85-120 and occupancy rates around 65-75% annually. Initial investment recovery and profitability usually occurs within 18-24 months, assuming a 20-25% down payment on properties valued between $180,000-280,000. The market shows steady demand from business travelers, medical visitors to nearby Spectrum Health facilities, and leisure guests exploring the greater Grand Rapids area, with peak seasons during summer months and fall color tours generating 15-20% higher rates than winter periods.

STRSearch is a leading national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental properties for investors looking in Jenison, Michigan. Local real estate agents like Keller Williams Grand Rapids North and Coldwell Banker Schmidt Realtors have agents experienced in investment properties and vacation rentals in the Jenison area. National services include AirDNA for market analysis and revenue projections, Mashvisor for property analytics, and RedAwning for short-term rental property listings. Local property management companies such as West Michigan Property Management and Lakeshore Vacation Rentals can assist with both acquisition and ongoing management of Airbnb properties. Additional national resources include BiggerPockets for investor networking, Awning for short-term rental property loans, and Vacasa which offers both property management and acquisition services. Local mortgage brokers like Lake Michigan Credit Union and Mercantile Bank provide financing options specifically for investment properties in the greater Grand Rapids area including Jenison.