Airbnb Hosts: Columbus STR Rules in Plain English

Thinking about listing your Columbus place on Airbnb or Vrbo? The city has clear rules for short stays, and the process is very doable when you know the steps. You want to earn income, avoid fines, and keep neighbors happy. This guide breaks down permits, safety, taxes, and enforcement in plain English with links to the official pages you need. Let’s dive in.

Who needs a Columbus STR permit

If you rent all or part of a home for fewer than 30 consecutive nights inside Columbus city limits, you generally need a City short‑term rental permit. The City’s program lives under the License Section and outlines the definition, forms, and FAQs on its Short‑Term Rental permit page. You must display your permit number in your listing and post it inside the property. If your address is near a boundary, confirm you are inside the City of Columbus and check local zoning before you apply.

How to apply: step by step

Step 1: Verify address and zoning

Confirm the property sits inside the City of Columbus and review any zoning that could affect short‑term use. Start with the City’s Short‑Term Rental permit page for maps and guidance.

Step 2: Download the application packet

Read the City’s application and checklist in full, then gather the documents it lists. The packet explains IDs, proof of ownership, and other items you will need. The License Section can answer questions and provides a dedicated email for STRs in the packet.

Step 3: Complete your background check

Columbus requires a criminal background check as part of licensing. The License Section explains how to complete a BCI/WebCheck and where to submit it on the Business Licenses & Resources page.

Step 4: Schedule safety inspections

Your unit must meet building and fire safety rules and may need inspections before a permit is issued. The Fire Prevention Bureau outlines requested inspections and minimum safety items on its Inspections Office page. Be ready to address any issues before final approval.

Step 5: Register for required taxes

Columbus levies a hotel/motel/short‑term rental excise and expects hosts to register and file with the City’s Division of Taxation. See City tax codes and filing resources on the Auditor’s Tax Codes page. You may also need to register with the State of Ohio for sales tax, depending on your setup.

Step 6: Post your permit number

After approval, put your permit number in every online listing and display it clearly inside the unit. Keep emergency contacts and guest instructions visible for quick reference.

Step 7: Set house rules and a local contact

Write simple rules for occupancy, noise, parking, and trash. Provide a local contact who can respond 24/7. The City expects hosts to manage guest behavior and will use complaints sent to 311 or the STR email listed in the City materials to start enforcement when needed.

Safety and occupancy basics

Columbus expects working smoke detectors, at least one accessible fire extinguisher, clear exits, and safe egress. Follow fire and building guidance to determine a safe maximum occupancy, then post it where guests can see it. Use the Fire Prevention Bureau’s inspections guidance to prep before your walkthrough.

The taxes you must handle

• City lodging excise: Columbus allocates a combined 5.1% hotel/motel/STR excise, documented in City Council files on Legistar. Register and file with the City Division of Taxation.
• State sales tax: Ohio’s state sales tax is 5.75%, and counties add local rates on top of that. Use a trusted lookup, such as Avalara’s state resource page, for current combined rates at your address (state lodging tax overview).
• Franklin County updates: Franklin County adjusted sales tax in 2025, which changes the combined rate on bookings. See local coverage of the change from Axios Columbus.
• Marketplaces vs. you: Some platforms may collect and remit certain taxes, but coverage varies by platform and tax type. You are still responsible for proper registration and filings with the City and State.

Enforcement and penalties to know

Columbus strengthened STR rules with amendments to Chapter 598 and new enforcement tools. The City can deny, suspend, or revoke permits for repeated problems, including a “three‑call” standard that allows action when a property generates three or more police, fire, or EMS calls within 12 months. Local reporting outlines the changes and purpose in plain English (Columbus Business First coverage).

Other grounds include repeated code violations, nuisance declarations, safety hazards, and failing to obtain or renew your permit. Complaints from neighbors through 311 or the STR email can trigger investigations, so quick, respectful responses matter.

Pro tips to stay compliant

• Keep a short house manual with occupancy limit, quiet hours, parking map, and trash day notes.
• Share a 24/7 phone number with neighbors and guests for quick fixes before issues escalate.
• Log guest stays, issues, and resolutions. Documentation helps if questions arise.
• Verify which taxes your platform collects, then file the rest on time with the City and State.
• Recheck City forms yearly to catch any rule or fee updates before renewal.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Listing without a City STR permit or background check.
• Forgetting to post your permit number in the listing and inside the unit.
• Skipping fire safety basics like working detectors and a visible occupancy notice.
• Assuming your platform handles all taxes without verifying City and State requirements.
• Ignoring 311 complaints or failing to provide a reachable local contact.

Ready to invest in a property that works for short‑term or mid‑term stays? For neighborhood‑level insight, data on demand drivers, and help buying or selling in Central Ohio, reach out to Brad Gregg. You will get responsive, local guidance that helps you make confident decisions.

FAQs

Do I need a permit to rent a room in my Columbus home for weekends?

• Yes. Columbus treats rentals under 30 nights as short‑term and expects you to get a City STR permit and post the permit number in your listing (City STR page).

What inspections or safety steps do Columbus hosts need?

• Expect fire and building safety checks, working smoke detectors, a fire extinguisher, clear exits, and a posted max occupancy before or during licensing (Fire inspections guidance).

What triggers a permit suspension or revocation in Columbus?

• Repeated issues can lead to action, including a “three‑call” rule for police, fire, or EMS calls within 12 months, plus code violations or nuisance findings (enforcement overview).

Will Airbnb collect all Columbus taxes for me?

• Sometimes platforms collect some taxes, but coverage varies; you still need to register and file as required with the City and State (City licensing resources).

What taxes apply to short‑term rentals in Columbus?

• The City levies a 5.1% lodging excise, and State sales tax is 5.75% plus county add‑ons; check current combined rates for your address and register with the City’s tax division (Legistar city excise reference, Avalara overview).

Are statewide rules changing that could override Columbus STR regulations?

• Bills have been proposed to limit local control, but a 2022 effort did not become law; always check current status if you hear about state preemption (HB563 history).