Columbus, Ohio Short Term Rental Regulations
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Reviewed by Karolyn Hutson
Last updated August 23, 2023
Columbus 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
Short-term rental is a rental of all or a portion of your home for less than 30 nights. The maximum number of guestrooms for a short-term rental is five (5). To determine the number of guests legally allowed to occupy your short-term rental, see Columbus Housing Code Chapter 4541.01 addressing sleeping area requirements. Additional Resources:- 2022 Owner Compliance Reminder
- Short-term Rental Requirements
- Background Check Application
- FAQs
- Amended Ordinance
Business License Requirements
All property hosts should apply for a Short-Term Rental Application.Building and Housing Standards
Columbus 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 Adopted Building Codes for more information.Tourist and Local Taxes
A short-term rental host shall comply with the city of Columbus's short-term rental excise taxes as required.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 Columbus website for more information.Is something not quite right? Registered users can suggest changes to this guide.
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Short Term City Rating6.3
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Competition
4.5 -
Real Estate Cost
7.5 -
STR Regulations
8.0 -
Seasonality
6.8 -
Rental Rates
4.8
Columbus, Ohio 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
- 905,748
- STR License Required
- Yes
- Tourist Season
- County
- Franklin
- Airports
- Port Columbus International Airport (CMH)
- Rickenbacker International Airport (LCK)
Want to learn more about Columbus?
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 Columbus rental analytics guide if you're interested in data on the Columbus rental market.
Review the popular activities that hosts include in their property positing in Columbus.
The most popular local and regional landmarks hosts usually include in their Airbnb or Vrbo property listings.
Explore nightly rates that hosts list their properties and the average fees for pets and additional guests.
What are the most popular property sizes for rent? Research whether a 1, 2, or 3 bedroom best fits Columbus guests.
Interested in other Ohio cities?
Check out the Ohio Airbnb rules directory
What makes Columbus a great place to invest?
- World-Class Attractions: Explore the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, home to over 10,000 animals from around the globe. Don't miss the renowned Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, which offers visitors a stunning visual journey through lush flora, art installations, and butterfly gardens.
- Thriving Arts and Culture Scene: Immerse yourself in the creative energy of Columbus with a visit to the Columbus Museum of Art, featuring an extensive collection of American and European masterpieces. Wander through the Short North Arts District, where you'll find a hub of galleries, boutiques, and eateries that celebrate local talent.
- Sports Enthusiasts' Paradise: Cheer on the NHL's Columbus Blue Jackets at Nationwide Arena, or join the roaring crowd for an electrifying Columbus Crew SC match at Lower.com Field. Ohio State University's Buckeyes football team also guarantees a thrilling game day experience at the iconic Ohio Stadium.
- Adventure Awaits in the Great Outdoors: Columbus offers a multitude of outdoor activities, from scenic bike trails along the Olentangy River to kayaking adventures on the Scioto Mile. The Scioto Audubon Metro Park, a 120-acre urban oasis, offers rock climbing, birdwatching, and stunning views of the city skyline.
- Flavors of the World: Savor the diverse culinary scene in Columbus, from artisanal ice cream at Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams to the mouth-watering tacos at Condado. Don't miss the famed North Market, where you can sample food from around the world while supporting local businesses.
- Experience the Green Heart of Ohio: Take a breath of fresh air at Highbanks Metro Park, a 1,200-acre nature reserve that boasts hiking trails, birdwatching, and picturesque picnic spots. For an unforgettable day trip, visit the Dawes Arboretum, a stunning 2,000-acre garden showcasing beautiful plant collections and tranquil walking paths.
Columbus Nearby Cities
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62 miles away
- Rating: 7.7
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65 miles away
- Rating: 7.0
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Local Real Estate
How expensive is the real estate in Columbus?
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 Columbus has increased 2% over the past year, and the average price per square foot is $230, which is lower than the national average.
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Median Sale Price
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$366,818
2% YoY
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Median per Square Foot
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$230
3% YoY
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Average Monthly Rent
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$1,510
5% YoY
The most common terms hosts include in their listings for Columbus, Ohio
Common terms for Columbus 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 Columbus has a description approximately 1,690 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 2,774 listings in Columbus, 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 Columbus, Number2022, Downtown, Perfect, Place, Spacious, Downtown Columbus, Comfortable, Quiet, and City.
What are the most popular tourist activities in Columbus?
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 Columbus involve going to the City Centre, Museums, the Zoo, Outlet Shopping, and the Health Spa. When you write your listing, have a section with recommended activities near the property to give your guests an idea of what is available.
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City Centre
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Museums
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Zoo
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Outlet Shopping
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Health Spa
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Cycling
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Casinos
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Antiquing
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Adventure Activities
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Water Parks
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Hiking
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Wildlife Viewing
Local Attractions
What attractions do hosts highlight to guests?
There are quite a few popular attractions in Columbus, including Ohio State University, Easton Town Center, Greater Columbus Convention Center, Nationwide Arena, and Historic Crew Stadium. 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.
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Well Known Attraction
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Ohio State University
Included on nearly all listings
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Regional Landmark
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Historic Crew Stadium
Included on nearly all listings
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Well Known Attraction
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Easton Town Center
Included on most listings
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Well Known Attraction
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Greater Columbus Convention Center
Included on most listings
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Well Known Attraction
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Nationwide Arena
Included on most listings
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Regional Landmark
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Ohio State Fairgrounds
Included on most listings
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Regional Landmark
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James Cancer Hospital
Included on most listings
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Regional Landmark
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Ohio State Medical Center
Included on most listings
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Regional Landmark
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Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
Included on most listings
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Regional Landmark
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Ohio Expo Center and State Fair
Included on most listings
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Regional Landmark
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Columbus Museum of Art
Included on 91% of listings
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Regional Landmark
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Lou Berliner Sports Park
Included on 89% of listings
What’s the weather like in Columbus, Ohio?
The weather is generally milder than the national average, with an average high temperature of around 62°, while the average low is about 45°. The rainfall is much heavier, averaging about 30 inches per year, compared to the national average of about 27 inches. Snowfall can be rather heavy, averaging less than 9 inches per year. The humidity levels in Columbus are generally lower than the national average, and the city tends to be a bit cloudy for most of the year.
Winter
December through February
26° Low 40° High
Spring
March through May
44° Low 63° High
Summer
June through August
64° Low 83° High
Fall
September through November
47° Low 64° High
Cities Near Columbus
Columbus, Ohio, is located in Franklin County. Some cities that are located nearby include:
