Is Airbnb legal in Columbus?

Airbnb Regulations in Columbus (2024)

In 2024, Columbus has established a structured regulatory framework for short-term rentals, ensuring compliance, safety, and community standards while recognizing the significance of this sector to the local economy.

Key Regulations:

1. Permit Requirement: Anyone wishing to operate a short-term rental must obtain a short-term rental permit from the Department of Public Safety, which includes an application fee of $20 and a permit cost of $75 for primary residences or $150 for non-primary residences.

2. Background Checks: Hosts must complete a Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI) background check to ensure public safety.

3. Display and Renewal: The short-term rental permit must be visibly displayed at the rental property and renewed annually. Hosts are responsible for timely renewal to avoid penalties.

4. Tax Compliance: Hosts are required to collect and remit applicable excise taxes, including lodging tax, to the city on a monthly basis.

5. Zoning and Compliance: Hosts must adhere to zoning regulations and ensure that their rental meets the city's health and safety standards, including maintenance of smoke detectors and fire safety equipment.

6. Distinctions in Residence Types: There are different requirements for primary and non-primary residences, which affect the type of permit and applicable fees.

7. Community Relations: Hosts are encouraged to maintain good relationships with neighbors by following community rules, establishing clear house rules for guests to minimize disturbances, and ensuring their activities do not disrupt the neighborhood's quality of life.

8. Penalties for Non-Compliance: Non-compliance can result in fines up to $500 for repeated violations, and hosts may face inspections from city authorities to verify adherence to regulations.

9. Impact on Affordable Housing: Regulations aim to balance the economic benefits of short-term rentals with the potential impact on affordable housing availability and community integrity, addressing concerns about the conversion of long-term rentals into more profitable short-term options.

Columbus' short-term rental regulations are designed to integrate Airbnb and similar platforms into the community while ensuring safety and compliance, thus promoting a positive experience for both hosts and guests.