Columbus Short Term Rental Regulation: A Guide For Airbnb Hosts

What are short term rental (Airbnb, VRBO) regulations in Columbus, Ohio?

The city of Columbus, Ohio has implemented a comprehensive set of regulations governing the operation of short-term rental (STR) properties, such as those listed on platforms like Airbnb and VRBO. These regulations are designed to ensure the safety and well-being of both guests and the surrounding community, while also providing a framework for hosts to legally operate their STR businesses.

Starting a Short Term Rental Business in Columbus

To start a short-term rental business in Columbus, Ohio, hosts must adhere to specific regulations and requirements set by the city. Here is a detailed guide based on the information from the provided sources:

• Obtain a Short-Term Rental Permit: In Columbus, hosts are required to obtain a valid permit for each dwelling approved as a short-term rental. This permit is essential for both owners and permanent occupants who wish to operate short-term rentals. The permit application process involves providing proof of identity, residency, and property ownership.
• Open a Business Account with the Columbus Division of Taxation: Hosts must open a business account with the Columbus Division of Taxation to facilitate the collection and remittance of the 5.1% lodging excise tax on any income earned from short-term rental bookings. This account is necessary for submitting and paying the monthly lodging excise tax.
• Obtain a BCI Background Check: As part of the application process, hosts are required to obtain a BCI background check. This check ensures that hosts meet the necessary safety and security standards set by the city.
• Comply with Local, State, and Federal Laws: Hosts must confirm compliance with all local, state, and federal laws related to short-term rentals. By signing the short-term rental application, hosts acknowledge their understanding and commitment to abiding by these regulations.
• Individual Permit for Each Listing: Each short-term rental property in Columbus requires an individual permit. For hosts with multiple listings, a separate permit is needed for each property. This means that if a host operates multiple short-term rental units, they must obtain a permit for each unit.
• Display the Valid Permit: Once approved, hosts must prominently display the valid short-term rental permit inside the rental property so that guests can easily see it. This display serves as a confirmation to guests that the property is operating legally within the city's regulations.

By following these steps and ensuring compliance with the regulations outlined by the City of Columbus, hosts can successfully start and operate a short-term rental business in the area.

Short Term Rental Licensing Requirement in Columbus

According to the search results, the key points regarding the short-term rental licensing requirement in Columbus, Ohio are:

• Anyone who hosts short-term stays (fewer than 30 nights at a time) in Columbus needs to obtain a short-term rental permit from the Department of Public Safety. 134
• The permit application process involves providing proof of identity, residency, and property ownership, as well as a notarized affidavit confirming compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. 1234
• The permit is non-transferrable, meaning each short-term rental property requires its own individual permit. 2
• Hosts must display the valid permit number in their short-term rental listing. 2
• Failure to obtain the required permit can result in enforcement actions by the city. 1

In summary, the short-term rental licensing requirement is a crucial component of Columbus' regulatory framework for the short-term rental industry. Hosts must go through the application process and obtain a permit before they can legally offer their properties for short-term stays in the city.

Required Documents for Columbus Short Term Rentals

To obtain a short-term rental permit in Columbus, hosts must provide several key documents, including:

• Proof of identity
• Two proofs of residency if registering a primary residence (e.g. motor vehicle registration, tax documents, utility bill)
• Proof of property ownership if registering a secondary residence
• A notarized affidavit confirming compliance with all applicable laws and regulations
• Tax information or consent for the Columbus Tax Department to share tax information

Columbus Short Term Rental Taxes

In addition to the permit requirements, Columbus also imposes a 5.1% lodging excise tax on all income earned from short-term rental bookings. Hosts are required to open a business account with the Columbus Division of Taxation to facilitate the collection and remittance of this tax.

Columbus wide Short Term Rental Rules

Beyond the licensing and tax obligations, Columbus enforces a range of rules and regulations related to the construction, design, maintenance, habitability, health, and safety standards of short-term rental properties. Hosts must ensure that their listings comply with the city's building, housing, and fire prevention codes to operate legally.

In addition to the licensing and tax requirements, Columbus enforces various rules and regulations related to the construction, design, maintenance, habitability, health, and safety standards of short-term rental properties. 12

Hosts must ensure their short-term rental listings comply with the city's building, housing, and fire prevention codes. This includes meeting all applicable safety and zoning requirements. 12

By signing the short-term rental permit application, hosts confirm that they have read, understand, and are in compliance with all local, state, and federal laws related to short-term rentals. 2

The city provides links to the relevant sections of the Columbus Code of Ordinances covering health, sanitation, safety, fire prevention, zoning, building, and housing codes that short-term rental hosts must adhere to. 2

Hosts are required to deactivate any indoor surveillance devices during a short-term rental guest's stay and cannot intercept, listen to, monitor, or record any activity inside the rental. 2

Does Columbus Strictly Enforce STR rules? Is Columbus Airbnb friendly?

Based on discussions on forums like Bigger Pockets and Reddit, it appears that Columbus takes a relatively strict approach to enforcing its short-term rental regulations. Some hosts report facing challenges in navigating the permit application process and complying with the various rules, which can be time-consuming and burdensome.

However, Columbus is generally considered more Airbnb-friendly compared to some other major cities. While the regulations exist, the city seems to recognize the value of short-term rentals and is working to balance the interests of hosts, guests, and the broader community. Some hosts have found ways to successfully operate within the regulatory framework, despite the challenges.

How to Start a Short Term Rental Business in Columbus

To start a short-term rental business in Columbus, hosts should follow these steps:

• Open a business account with the Columbus Division of Taxation to facilitate the collection and remittance of the 5.1% lodging excise tax.
• Obtain a BCI background check, as required by the Department of Public Safety.
• Gather the required documentation, including proof of identity, residency, and property ownership.
• Submit a short-term rental permit application to the Department of Public Safety.
• Once approved, add your registration number to your short-term rental listing.
• Ensure your property complies with all applicable building, housing, and fire safety codes.
• Collect and remit the 5.1% lodging excise tax on all short-term rental income.

Who to contact in Columbus about Short Term Rental Regulations and Zoning?

For questions about short-term rental regulations or the application process in Columbus, you can contact the Department of Public Safety at:

Email: ShortTermRentals@columbus.gov

Phone: (614) 645-8366

What do Airbnb hosts in Columbus on Reddit and Bigger Pockets think about local regulations?

On the Bigger Pockets forum, some Columbus Airbnb hosts have expressed frustration with the city's strict enforcement of short-term rental regulations, particularly the permit application process and the requirement to collect and remit the lodging tax. They have reported challenges in navigating the bureaucratic hurdles and the potential for hefty fines if they fail to comply.

However, other hosts on Reddit have noted that while the regulations can be burdensome, they appreciate the city's efforts to balance the interests of the short-term rental industry and the broader community. Some hosts have found ways to successfully operate within the regulatory framework, acknowledging the importance of ensuring the safety and well-being of both guests and the surrounding neighborhoods.

Overall, the sentiment among Columbus Airbnb hosts seems to be a mix of frustration with the strict enforcement of regulations and an understanding of the city's rationale for implementing these rules. While the regulatory environment can be challenging, some hosts have managed to thrive within the system, highlighting the potential for short-term rentals to coexist with the city's broader goals and priorities.