Omaha, Nebraska Short Term Rental Regulations

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Reviewed by Karolyn Hutson

Last updated August 23, 2023

Omaha Short-Term Rental Regulations

Information is maintained by the community to provide helpful insights and links to local regulations, HostScouts does not provide legal or investment advice.

City Code of Ordinances

The City of Omaha regulates short-term rentals and classifies Bed and breakfasts as short-term rentals. Bed and breakfast are a single-family residential structure operated as a hotel which may or may not be the owner's primary residence, offering individual sleeping rooms, and the owner provides meals for transients and is classified as an R-1 Occupancy in the IBC.  See ARTICLE XI. - SHORT TERM RENTAL for more information.

Business License Requirements

To obtain a license from the city for the operation of a bed and breakfast, the applicant must apply to the permits and inspections division on the form(s) provided for the appropriate occupancy classification. Each occupancy classification will have specific requirements that must be met before issuing such a license. In addition to the license required, a separate certificate of occupancy shall be required for all bed and breakfasts.

Building and Housing Standards

Omaha has rules and regulations that specify minimum building, design, maintenance standards, habitability, health, and safety requirements. Some rules and regulations that apply to residential and non-residential properties may apply to your listing.  Consult the Planning Department for more information.

Tourist and Local Taxes

The City of Omaha imposes a 1.5% sales tax on all transactions subject to state sales tax.

Other Rules

It is also essential to understand and abide by other contracts or rules that bind you, such as leases, condo boards, co-op rules, HOA rules, or rules established by tenant organizations. Please read your lease agreement and check with your landlord if applicable. Visit the  City of Omaha for more information.
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  • Short Term City Rating
    6.0
  • Competition

    4.6
  • Real Estate Cost

    8.5
  • STR Regulations

    8.0
  • Seasonality

    4.8
  • Rental Rates

    3.9

Omaha, Nebraska Quick Stats

Short-term rentals have gained a lot of traction in the last few years. The trends and statistics of this sector are constantly changing, and having access to accurate data is essential for making sound investment decisions.

Population
486,051
STR License Required
Yes
Tourist Season
County
Douglas
Airports
Eppley Airfield (OMA)
Fremont Municipal Airport (FET)
Review our Omaha Nebraska short-term rental analytics guide, including rates, property types and other metrics

Want to learn more about Omaha?

Hostscouts has you covered. Our guides for this city cover topics that can help you research cities across the US quickly and easily.

Check out our Omaha rental analytics guide if you're interested in data on the Omaha rental market.

City Activities

Review the popular activities that hosts include in their property positing in Omaha.

City Attractions

The most popular local and regional landmarks hosts usually include in their Airbnb or Vrbo property listings.

Omaha Rental Rates & Fees

Explore nightly rates that hosts list their properties and the average fees for pets and additional guests.

Property Types & Sizes

What are the most popular property sizes for rent? Research whether a 1, 2, or 3 bedroom best fits Omaha guests.

Interested in other Nebraska cities?

Check out the Nebraska short term rental regulations directory 

What makes Omaha a great place to invest?

  • Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium: Omaha's world-renowned Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is a must-visit attraction for all ages. Home to the largest indoor rainforest exhibit in the United States, visitors can explore diverse ecosystems such as the Lied Jungle, the Scott Aquarium, and the Desert Dome. The zoo also features an IMAX theater, a butterfly and insect pavilion, and a state-of-the-art children's adventure area.
  • Old Market Entertainment District: The Old Market is Omaha's historic heart, offering a charming blend of cobblestone streets, unique shops, art galleries, and an array of dining options. This lively district is perfect for a leisurely stroll, enjoying local street musicians, or taking a horse-drawn carriage ride. It also hosts numerous events throughout the year, including the Omaha Farmer's Market, art walks, and outdoor concerts.
  • College World Series: Omaha has been the proud host of the NCAA Men's College World Series since 1950. Held each June at TD Ameritrade Park, this event brings together the best college baseball teams in the country for a thrilling competition. Visitors can revel in the excitement of the games and experience the camaraderie of the participating teams and their fans.
  • Outdoor Recreation at the Missouri River: Omaha's close proximity to the Missouri River offers endless opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. Enjoy kayaking, canoeing, or fishing on the river, or explore the extensive trail system along the riverfront. The Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge, a stunning cable-stayed bridge, connects Omaha to Council Bluffs, Iowa, and offers breathtaking views of the river and skyline.
  • Fontenelle Forest and Lauritzen Gardens: Omaha's natural beauty shines through its parks and gardens, with Fontenelle Forest and Lauritzen Gardens being two prime examples. Fontenelle Forest, a 1,400-acre nature reserve, offers miles of hiking trails, birdwatching opportunities, and a boardwalk through wetlands. Lauritzen Gardens, a 100-acre botanical garden, boasts a wide variety of plant collections, a model railroad garden, and seasonal displays that are sure to delight visitors throughout the year.

Omaha Nearby Cities

Local Real Estate

How expensive is the real estate in Omaha?

The cost of real estate can vary widely depending on the location, size, and features of the property, as well as market conditions. The median home value in Omaha has increased 8% over the past year, and the average price per square foot is $169, which is lower than the national average.

Median Sale Price

$271,445

8% YoY

Median per Square Foot

$169

7% YoY

Average Monthly Rent

$1,349

6% YoY

Property Descriptions

The most common terms hosts include in their listings for Omaha, Nebraska

Word Cloud for Omaha, Nebraska Short Term Rentals

Common terms for Omaha short term rental listings.

When potential guests are scrolling through listings on Airbnb, they’re looking for certain essential information to help them decide if your property is the right fit for their needs. As a host, ensuring that your listing includes all the relevant information that guests will be looking for is vital.

Some of the must-have elements of a property description include:

  • Location: Guests will want to know where your property is located in relation to popular attractions, public transportation, and other points of interest.
  • Amenities: What amenities does your property offer? Be sure to list all features guests can access, such as a pool, hot tub, parking, etc.
  • Informative: The average listing in Omaha has a description approximately 1,169 words long. Make sure yours is long enough to describe your property but doesn't require your potential guest to read a novel.

After reviewing more than 1,802 listings in Omaha, we've consolidated the most common terms on the word cloud. The larger text represents a term that is used more often. The top ten mentioned terms are Omaha, Old Market, Basement, Spacious, Quiet, Family, Downtown, Main, Perfect, and Place.

What are the most popular tourist activities in Omaha?

Whether renting a house, an apartment, or a room, you should include popular tourist activities in your posting. The most common choices mentioned on property listings in Omaha involve going to the City Centre, the Zoo, Museums, the Health Spa, and Swimming. When you write your listing, have a section with recommended activities near the property to give your guests an idea of what is available.

City Centre

Zoo

Museums

Health Spa

Swimming

Casinos

Adventure Activities

Antiquing

Outlet Shopping

Hiking

Cycling

Water Parks

Local Attractions

What attractions do hosts highlight to guests?

There are quite a few popular attractions in Omaha, including Henry Doorly Zoo, CHI Health Center Omaha, Charles Schwab Field Omaha, Horseshoe Council Bluffs, and University of Nebraska Medical Center. Below we've included the most popular local and regional landmarks hosts usually include in their Airbnb or Vrbo property listings. Many hosts like to show off lesser-known regional landmarks visitors might not have heard of.

Regional Landmark

University of Nebraska-Omaha

Included on nearly all listings

Regional Landmark

Westroads Mall

Included on nearly all listings

Regional Landmark

University of Nebraska Medical Center

Included on most listings

Regional Landmark

Creighton University

Included on most listings

Well Known Attraction

Henry Doorly Zoo

Included on 90% of listings

Regional Landmark

Charles Schwab Field Omaha

Included on 90% of listings

Well Known Attraction

CHI Health Center Omaha

Included on 89% of listings

Regional Landmark

Harrah's Council Bluffs Casino

Included on 89% of listings

Local Landmark

Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge

Included on 89% of listings

Regional Landmark

Ameristar Casino Hotel at Council Bluffs

Included on 88% of listings

Regional Landmark

Horseshoe Council Bluffs

Included on 86% of listings

Regional Landmark

Mid-America Center

Included on 86% of listings

What’s the weather like in Omaha, Nebraska?

The weather is generally milder than the national average, with an average high temperature of around 62°, while the average low is about 43°. It has normal rainfall, averaging about 26 inches per year, compared to the national average of about 27 inches. Snowfall can be rather heavy, averaging less than 12 inches per year. The humidity levels in Omaha are generally lower than the national average, and the city has a mix of clouds and sunshine for most of the year.

Winter

December through February

19° Low 36° High

Precipitation
1.1"
Snowfall
8.4"
Muggy Days
0.0 days
Cloudiness
50%

Spring

March through May

42° Low 63° High

Precipitation
7.9"
Snowfall
1.8"
Muggy Days
1.7 days
Cloudiness
47%

Summer

June through August

65° Low 85° High

Precipitation
10.9"
Snowfall
0.0"
Muggy Days
40.1 days
Cloudiness
30%

Fall

September through November

44° Low 63° High

Precipitation
6.0"
Snowfall
1.7"
Muggy Days
5.2 days
Cloudiness
37%