Oklahoma City Short Term Rental Regulation: A Guide For Airbnb Hosts

What are short term rental (Airbnb, VRBO) regulations in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma?

In Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, the regulations governing short-term rentals, such as those on Airbnb and VRBO, are designed to ensure hosts operate their properties responsibly while maintaining the safety and integrity of residential neighborhoods. Hosts looking to engage in short-term rentals must adhere to specific guidelines set forth by the city.

To start a short-term rental business in Oklahoma City, hosts are required to obtain a home sharing license from the city, which involves an annual fee of $24. Additionally, properties located in historic preservation districts or owned by hosts with multiple rental units may need a special exception from the Board of Adjustment, accompanied by an extra $300 fee. The application process includes submitting various documents like proof of property ownership, floor plans, safety certifications, and parking availability.

Safety is a top priority, with all short-term rentals mandated to meet specific requirements, including having smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers, and providing safety information to guests. Larger rentals with more than four bedrooms may undergo a compliance review to ensure adherence to the International Building Code.

Tax obligations for short-term rental hosts in Oklahoma City involve Airbnb collecting and remitting a 5.5% hotel tax for stays under 29 nights. Hosts are responsible for managing taxes for listings on other platforms or stays exceeding 29 nights. Zoning regulations permit short-term rentals in residential areas, with additional considerations for Citywide Residential Districts and Historic Preservation Districts, especially regarding properties in the latter.

Enforcement of these regulations in Oklahoma City appears to be moderate, with hosts generally finding the process manageable. The city aims to strike a balance between supporting the short-term rental industry and ensuring compliance with safety standards and zoning requirements. By following these regulations, hosts can operate their short-term rentals in Oklahoma City responsibly and contribute positively to the local community.

Starting a Short Term Rental Business in Oklahoma City

To start a short-term rental business in Oklahoma City, hosts must first understand and comply with the local regulations. There are no specific state-level requirements for starting a short-term rental business in Oklahoma, as the regulations are determined at the city level.

Potential hosts in Oklahoma City need to follow the rules imposed by the local authorities, which include obtaining the necessary licenses and permits, meeting safety standards, and adhering to tax obligations. The process does not require any unique steps beyond what is typically needed to start a business in the state.

Oklahoma City has seen a growing short-term rental market in recent years, with many homeowners and investors looking to capitalize on the demand for vacation rentals and alternative accommodations. However, the city has also implemented regulations to ensure these properties are operated safely and responsibly.

The city's approach to short-term rentals is generally seen as relatively Airbnb-friendly, especially when compared to the more restrictive regulations in some other major metropolitan areas. While there are rules and requirements in place, the enforcement and impact on hosts seem to be moderate, allowing for a more welcoming environment for short-term rental operators.

Short Term Rental Licensing Requirement in Oklahoma City

In Oklahoma City, anyone operating a short-term rental property must obtain a home sharing license from the city. This license requires an annual fee of $24.

Properties located within historic preservation districts or those owned by hosts with more than one short-term rental unit may also require a special exception from the Board of Adjustment, which carries an additional $300 fee. This additional requirement is in place to help preserve the character of historic neighborhoods and ensure that short-term rentals do not become overly concentrated in certain areas.

The home sharing license application process involves submitting various documents, including proof of property ownership or primary residence, a floor plan of the rental unit, and safety certifications. This helps the city ensure that short-term rental properties meet basic safety standards and are being operated by responsible hosts.

Required Documents for Oklahoma City Short Term Rentals

The required documents to obtain a short-term rental license in Oklahoma City include:

• Home sharing application form
• Proof of property ownership or primary residence
• Floor plan of the rental unit
• Owner authorization (if applicable)
• Safety certification (smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguisher)
• Proof of available parking spaces

These requirements are in place to help the city monitor and regulate the short-term rental market, ensuring that properties are safe and that hosts are complying with local regulations.

The application process is relatively straightforward, and many hosts report that the city's approach is generally manageable, especially when compared to the more complex and restrictive regulations in some other cities. As long as hosts are willing to put in the effort to understand and comply with the rules, they can typically operate short-term rentals in Oklahoma City without major issues.

Oklahoma City Short Term Rental Taxes

Short-term rental hosts in Oklahoma City are subject to several tax obligations:

• Federal rental income tax
• State sales tax at 4.5%
• Local sales tax
• Local hotel/lodging tax

The local sales tax and hotel tax rates vary by city and county, so hosts must check with the local authorities to determine the applicable rates. These tax requirements are in line with those for traditional hotel and motel accommodations, ensuring that short-term rentals are contributing their fair share to the local tax base.

Hosts in Oklahoma City generally report that the tax obligations are reasonable and manageable, as long as they properly register for the necessary accounts and keep accurate records. The city's approach to taxation seems to strike a balance between ensuring compliance and not overly burdening short-term rental operators.

Oklahoma City-wide Short Term Rental Rules

Short-term rentals in Oklahoma City are generally permitted in areas zoned for residential use, but there are specific guidelines for different districts:

• Citywide Residential Districts: Short-term rentals are allowed, but hosts must obtain a home sharing license.
• Historic Preservation Districts: Short-term rentals are allowed, but hosts must obtain a special exception from the Board of Adjustment and the property must be the host's primary residence.

Additionally, all short-term rentals in Oklahoma City must comply with safety requirements, such as installing smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers. These rules are in place to ensure the safety of both guests and the surrounding community.

The city's approach to zoning and safety regulations appears to be balanced, aiming to support the short-term rental industry while also addressing concerns about the potential impact on residential neighborhoods and historic areas. Hosts who are willing to navigate the application process and meet the safety standards can generally operate their short-term rentals without major obstacles.

Does Oklahoma City Strictly Enforce STR Rules?

Oklahoma City appears to be relatively Airbnb-friendly compared to some other cities. While the city has implemented regulations, such as the home sharing license requirement, the enforcement and impact on hosts seem to be moderate.

Some Airbnb hosts on Reddit and Bigger Pockets forums have reported operating in Oklahoma City without major issues, though they emphasize the importance of understanding and complying with the local regulations. One host on the Bigger Pockets forum noted that the $24 annual license fee and safety requirements were reasonable, though the special exception process for non-primary residences could be more challenging.

Similarly, on the Reddit r/Airbnb subreddit, an Oklahoma City host mentioned that the city's regulations were generally manageable, but emphasized the importance of understanding the zoning requirements and obtaining the necessary licenses and permits. This suggests that while there are regulations in place, the city is not overly restrictive or aggressive in its enforcement, allowing hosts to operate short-term rentals with relative ease, as long as they follow the established rules.

The overall sentiment from Airbnb hosts in Oklahoma City seems to be that the city is relatively accommodating to short-term rental operators, especially when compared to the more stringent regulations in some other major markets. While there are certainly requirements and responsibilities that hosts must fulfill, the city's approach appears to strike a balance between supporting the industry and addressing community concerns.

How to Start a Short Term Rental Business in Oklahoma City

• Determine if your property is located in a zone that allows short-term rentals and review the specific regulations for your area. This includes understanding any zoning restrictions or historic preservation district requirements.
• Obtain the required home sharing license from the city by submitting the necessary documents and paying the $24 annual fee. This includes providing proof of property ownership or primary residence, a floor plan of the rental unit, and safety certifications.
• If your property is located in a historic preservation district or you own multiple short-term rental units, apply for a special exception from the Board of Adjustment and pay the $300 fee. This additional step helps ensure the character of historic neighborhoods is maintained.
• Ensure your property meets all safety requirements, such as installing smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and a fire extinguisher. These safety measures are mandatory for all short-term rentals in Oklahoma City.
• Register for the appropriate federal, state, and local tax accounts to comply with tax obligations, including federal rental income tax, state sales tax, and any applicable local sales or hotel/lodging taxes.
• Consider partnering with a property management company, such as Awning, to help navigate the regulatory landscape and manage your short-term rental business. This can be especially helpful for first-time hosts or those with multiple properties.

The process of starting a short-term rental business in Oklahoma City may require some additional effort compared to other cities, but the overall regulatory environment appears to be relatively host-friendly. By understanding and complying with the local rules, hosts can successfully operate short-term rentals in the city.

Who to Contact in Oklahoma City about Short Term Rental Regulations and Zoning?

For questions or inquiries about short-term rental regulations and zoning in Oklahoma City, you can contact:

Oklahoma City Planning Department
420 W. Main Street, Suite 900
Oklahoma City, OK 73102
Phone: (405) 297-2574
Email: planninginfo@okc.gov

The planning department can provide detailed information on the city's short-term rental regulations, the application process for licenses and permits, and any zoning or historic preservation district requirements that may apply to your property.

They can also assist with navigating the local regulatory landscape and ensuring you are in compliance with all applicable rules.Hosts are encouraged to reach out to the planning department early in the process of starting a short-term rental business, as they can help guide you through the necessary steps and ensure you are properly set up to operate in accordance with the city's regulations.

What do Airbnb Hosts in Oklahoma City on Reddit and Bigger Pockets Think about Local Regulations?

On the Bigger Pockets real estate forum, some Oklahoma City Airbnb hosts have shared their experiences navigating the local regulations. One host noted that the $24 annual license fee and safety requirements were reasonable, though the special exception process for non-primary residences could be more challenging.

Similarly, on the Reddit r/Airbnb subreddit, an Oklahoma City host mentioned that the city's regulations were generally manageable, but emphasized the importance of understanding the zoning requirements and obtaining the necessary licenses and permits. This host indicated that as long as hosts are willing to comply with the regulations, they can generally operate short-term rentals in Oklahoma City without major issues.

Overall, the feedback from Airbnb hosts in Oklahoma City suggests that the city's approach to short-term rental regulations is relatively host-friendly, especially when compared to the more restrictive environments in some other major markets. While there are certainly requirements and responsibilities that hosts must fulfill, the general sentiment is that the city's regulations are reasonable and manageable, allowing for a more welcoming environment for short-term rental operators.