Ohio Airbnb and Short-Term Rental Regulations (2026 Guide)

Ohio's Lake Erie islands, Hocking Hills State Park, and major cities like Columbus and Cleveland create a diverse and growing STR market with opportunities across very different guest profiles. Whether you already own a vacation rental in Ohio or are evaluating your first investment, understanding the regulatory landscape is essential. STR laws in Ohio vary significantly by city and county — and getting compliance wrong can mean fines, forced delistings, or lost income.

This guide covers Ohio's approach to short-term rental regulation at the state level, then breaks down the rules in key markets investors and hosts need to know. Regulations as of 2026 — always verify current rules directly with your local municipality before listing.

If you'd like help navigating STR compliance in Ohio, Awning's property management team operates in Put-in-Bay, Hocking Hills, and Columbus and helps hosts stay compliant while maximizing revenue.

How Ohio Defines a Short-Term Rental

For regulatory and tax purposes, a short-term rental in Ohio is generally defined as a residential property rented for 30 consecutive days or fewer. Any rental longer than this threshold is typically treated as a long-term rental and subject to different rules.

Does Ohio Require a Statewide STR License?

Ohio does not have a statewide STR licensing requirement. Local municipalities regulate STRs, with significant variation between urban markets and resort areas.

Ohio Short-Term Rental Taxes

Ohio imposes a 5.75% state sales tax on STR income, plus county lodging taxes typically ranging from 3–6%. Cuyahoga County (Cleveland) adds a 5.5% county lodging tax. Airbnb collects and remits state and many local taxes automatically.

Regardless of which booking platform you use, it is your responsibility as a host to ensure all applicable taxes are collected and remitted correctly. Failure to comply can result in penalties, back taxes, and potential loss of your ability to operate.

STR Regulations by City in Ohio

Below are the key STR markets in Ohio and their current regulatory requirements. City regulations change frequently — check with your local planning or licensing department for the most current rules before investing.

Put-in-Bay / Ottawa County

Put-in-Bay on South Bass Island requires a Short-Term Rental Permit from the Village. The island's limited housing stock and strong summer tourism mean strict occupancy and noise ordinances are enforced, especially during peak weekend events.

Columbus

Columbus requires STR operators to register with the city and obtain a Certificate of Zoning Clearance. The city distinguishes between owner-occupied and investment STRs and enforces parking, occupancy, and noise standards.

Hocking Hills area

The Hocking Hills region (Logan, Nelsonville) has lighter STR regulation at the county level, making it one of Ohio's most investor-accessible markets. Basic registration and tax collection are required.

Key Questions to Ask Before Listing an STR in Ohio

• Does your city or county require an STR permit or license?
• Are there caps on the number of STR permits in your neighborhood or zone?
• Is your property owner-occupied or non-owner-occupied — and does that distinction affect your eligibility?
• What occupancy, noise, and parking rules apply to your specific property?
• Which taxes are you responsible for collecting and remitting vs. what the platform handles?
• Does your HOA or condo association allow short-term rentals?

The Bottom Line

Ohio's STR regulatory environment ranges from investor-friendly rural counties to tightly regulated resort towns and urban cores. Understanding the specific rules in your target market — not just at the state level — is what determines whether your rental operates smoothly or faces costly disruptions.

Staying on top of changing regulations is one of the most valuable things a professional property manager brings to your operation. Awning manages short-term rentals in Put-in-Bay, Hocking Hills, and Columbus and monitors local regulatory changes so you don't have to. Reach out to learn how we can help you operate compliantly and profitably in Ohio.