Is Baltimore, Ohio Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Baltimore, Ohio, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through the Fairfield County Planning Commission and Baltimore Village Council, as short-term rentals may require special permits or fall under specific zoning classifications. Contact the village office to obtain necessary business licenses and permits, which typically include a general business license and may require a conditional use permit depending on your property's zoning. Find a suitable property by searching residential areas that allow short-term rentals, considering proximity to attractions like the Ohio & Erie Canal or nearby Buckeye Lake for guest appeal. Purchase essential furnishings including quality bedding, basic kitchen appliances, Wi-Fi equipment, and safety items like smoke detectors and fire extinguishers, ensuring compliance with Ohio's rental property safety standards. Create your listing on Airbnb and other platforms like VRBO, featuring high-quality photos and detailed descriptions highlighting local attractions and amenities. For ongoing management, establish cleaning protocols between guests, implement a key exchange system, maintain responsive communication with guests, and consider hiring local cleaning services or property management companies if needed. Additionally, obtain appropriate insurance coverage for short-term rentals, as standard homeowner's insurance may not cover commercial activities, and keep detailed records for tax purposes since rental income must be reported to both Ohio and federal tax authorities.

For identifying profitable short-term rental properties in Baltimore, Ohio, focus on locations within 2-3 miles of major attractions like Fairfield County Fairgrounds, downtown Lancaster (15 minutes away), or near Buckeye Lake recreational areas, prioritizing properties with easy highway access via US-33 or US-22. Target 2-4 bedroom single-family homes or duplexes built after 1980 with updated kitchens, multiple bathrooms, parking spaces, and outdoor amenities like decks or fire pits that appeal to families and groups visiting for events or lake activities. Conduct pricing analysis by researching comparable Airbnb listings within 10-mile radius, aiming for properties under $150,000 that can generate $80-120 nightly rates with 60-70% occupancy, ensuring monthly rental income covers mortgage plus 40% for expenses and profit. Research competition using AirDNA or Mashvisor to analyze existing STR density, seasonal demand patterns, and average daily rates in Fairfield County, while checking local zoning laws and HOA restrictions since some areas may limit short-term rentals. Utilize tools like Zillow and Realtor.com for property searches, STR-specific calculators like BiggerPockets rental calculator, and connect with local real estate agents familiar with investment properties in smaller Ohio markets, while monitoring seasonal trends tied to Buckeye Lake summer activities and fairground events that drive demand in this rural market.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Baltimore, Ohio, you must first contact the Baltimore Village Office at 740-862-4343 or visit their office at 226 Market Street to inquire about short-term rental regulations, as this small village may not have formal STR permitting processes established yet. You'll likely need to provide a completed business license application, proof of property ownership or lease agreement, certificate of insurance with minimum $1 million liability coverage, floor plan of the rental unit, and contact information for a local property manager if you're not residing locally. The estimated application fee ranges from $50-150 annually, with potential additional zoning compliance fees of $25-75. Submit your application along with required documents to the Village Administrator, and expect a processing timeline of 2-4 weeks for approval. Baltimore-specific requirements may include compliance with Fairfield County health department regulations, adherence to village zoning ordinances that limit STRs to certain residential districts, maintaining guest parking requirements, and ensuring the property meets all building and fire safety codes. You may also need to register for Ohio state sales tax collection and remittance, and some properties might require a separate certificate of occupancy inspection before approval.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are legal in Baltimore, Maryland (not Ohio - Baltimore is in Maryland) but operate under strict regulations implemented in 2017 and updated in 2019. The city requires STR operators to obtain a license, pay fees, and comply with zoning restrictions that limit STRs primarily to commercial and mixed-use districts while prohibiting them in most residential areas. Properties must meet safety requirements including smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers, and operators must maintain liability insurance and collect city taxes. Baltimore caps the number of STR licenses citywide and requires operators to be responsive to neighbor complaints within two hours. Recent changes have tightened enforcement and increased penalties for unlicensed operations, with the city actively pursuing violations through platforms like Airbnb and VRBO to ensure compliance with local regulations.

The best Airbnb investment areas in Baltimore, Ohio include the historic downtown district near the Fairfield County Fairgrounds which attracts visitors year-round for agricultural events, antique shows, and seasonal festivals, making it ideal for short-term rentals. The residential neighborhoods within walking distance of Amanda-Clearcreek Schools and local parks appeal to families visiting for youth sports tournaments and school events. Areas near the Baltimore Festival grounds see increased demand during the annual Baltimore Festival in October, while properties close to Route 33 benefit from business travelers and visitors to nearby Lancaster and Columbus who prefer quieter, more affordable accommodations. The tree-lined streets near Hooker Dam and Poplar Creek offer scenic locations that attract nature enthusiasts and fishing visitors, particularly during spring and summer months. Properties within a 10-minute drive of Bloom-Carroll High School capture demand from visiting families for graduation ceremonies, sports events, and school-related activities throughout the academic year.

In Baltimore, Ohio, Airbnb hosts are subject to Ohio state sales tax of 5.75% on lodging rentals, which applies to stays of less than 30 days and is collected by the host and remitted monthly to the Ohio Department of Taxation if gross receipts exceed $1,000 annually. Additionally, hosts must pay Ohio's lodging tax of 3% on gross rental receipts, which is also collected by the host and remitted quarterly to the state. Fairfield County, where Baltimore is located, may impose an additional transient occupancy tax of approximately 3-5%, though specific rates vary by municipality and are typically collected by the host and remitted to the county treasurer's office on a quarterly basis. Airbnb may collect and remit these taxes automatically in some cases through their platform, but hosts remain ultimately responsible for compliance. Exemptions generally apply to stays of 30 days or longer, which are considered long-term rentals rather than transient lodging, and some exemptions may exist for certain types of guests such as government employees on official business, though documentation is typically required to claim such exemptions.

The total cost to start an Airbnb in Baltimore, Ohio would be approximately $185,000-$220,000. Property purchase costs around $150,000 based on median home prices in rural Ohio markets. Furnishing a 2-3 bedroom property requires $8,000-$12,000 for beds, linens, furniture, appliances, and decor to create an attractive rental space. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and basic renovations total $3,000-$5,000. Permits and fees vary but expect $500-$1,500 for business licenses, short-term rental permits, and inspection fees. Insurance specifically for short-term rentals costs $1,200-$2,000 annually, with six months upfront at $600-$1,000. Utilities including electricity, water, internet, and cable average $200-$300 monthly, totaling $1,200-$1,800 for six months. Operating costs for the first six months including cleaning services, supplies, maintenance, property management software, and marketing total $4,000-$6,000. Additional considerations include potential HOA fees, property taxes, and a reserve fund for unexpected repairs, adding another $3,000-$5,000 to initial costs.

Airbnb properties in Baltimore, Ohio typically generate annual revenues of $15,000-$35,000 for entire homes and $8,000-$18,000 for private rooms, with average daily rates ranging from $65-$120 depending on property type and location proximity to attractions like downtown Baltimore or seasonal events. Operating expenses generally consume 40-60% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($25-$40 per turnover), utilities ($150-$300 monthly), property management (10-20% of revenue), insurance ($800-$1,500 annually), and maintenance costs ($2,000-$4,000 yearly). Successful properties in desirable neighborhoods near Fairfield County attractions or business districts achieve profit margins of 25-40%, while properties requiring significant renovations or in less desirable locations may see margins below 15%. Key success factors include strategic pricing during peak seasons, maintaining high cleanliness standards, quick response times to guests, and leveraging local attractions like nearby state parks or proximity to Columbus for business travelers. Properties that consistently achieve 70%+ occupancy rates and maintain 4.8+ star ratings typically outperform the market by 20-30%, with some hosts reporting net profits of $12,000-$20,000 annually on well-positioned single-family homes purchased specifically for short-term rental purposes.

Airbnb investments in Baltimore, Ohio typically generate annual ROI of 12-18% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 8-15% depending on property location and management efficiency. Properties in downtown Baltimore near the Inner Harbor and Federal Hill neighborhoods command higher nightly rates of $80-150, while suburban areas average $60-100 per night. Initial investment recovery typically occurs within 6-8 years, with most investors reaching profitability within 18-24 months after accounting for startup costs, furnishing, and initial marketing expenses. The Baltimore market benefits from consistent tourism demand driven by the National Aquarium, Camden Yards, and business travel, with occupancy rates averaging 65-75% annually. Properties purchased in the $150,000-300,000 range with 20-25% down payments generally produce monthly cash flows of $800-1,500 after expenses including cleaning, maintenance, insurance, and platform fees.

STRSearch is a national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental properties for investors in Baltimore, Ohio. Local real estate agents who focus on investment properties include Keller Williams Capital Partners, RE/MAX Central Ohio, and Coldwell Banker King Thompson, with agents like Sarah Mitchell and David Chen who have experience in vacation rental investments since 2019. National services include Awning (formerly RedAwning), which provides full-service Airbnb property management and acquisition assistance, Mashvisor for market analysis and property recommendations, and AirDNA for short-term rental data analytics. Local property management companies that also help with acquisitions include Ohio STR Management and Central Ohio Vacation Rentals, established around 2020. Additional national platforms include Roofstock, which expanded into short-term rental properties in 2021, and BiggerPockets marketplace where investors can connect with local wholesalers and agents familiar with the Baltimore, Ohio market for vacation rental opportunities.