Is Bath, Ohio Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Bath, Ohio, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through Bath Township's zoning department, as short-term rentals may require special permits or fall under specific residential use categories. Contact the Summit County Health Department to understand any health and safety requirements, and check with Bath Township about business licensing requirements, which typically cost $25-50 annually. Find a suitable property by searching residential areas that allow short-term rentals, focusing on single-family homes or condos near Cuyahoga Valley National Park attractions, with properties ranging from $150,000-400,000 in the area. Obtain necessary permits including a business license from Bath Township, potential zoning variance if required, and ensure compliance with Ohio's transient occupancy regulations. Furnish the property with quality basics including comfortable beds, linens, kitchen essentials, WiFi, and safety equipment like smoke detectors and fire extinguishers, budgeting $5,000-15,000 for initial furnishing. Create your Airbnb listing with professional photos, competitive pricing around $80-150 per night based on local market rates, and highlight proximity to hiking trails, Blossom Music Center, and Cleveland attractions. Manage the property by establishing cleaning protocols between guests, responding promptly to inquiries, coordinating check-ins/check-outs, and maintaining the property regularly while collecting Ohio's 5.75% sales tax plus any local lodging taxes that may apply in Summit County.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Bath, Ohio, focus on properties within 2-3 miles of Cuyahoga Valley National Park and near the Towpath Trail, as these locations attract outdoor enthusiasts and tourists year-round. Target 2-4 bedroom homes built after 1980 with modern amenities, full kitchens, outdoor spaces, and parking, as families and groups comprise the primary market segment. Analyze comparable STR properties using AirDNA and Mashvisor to identify optimal pricing between $120-200 per night, with seasonal adjustments for peak summer and fall foliage periods when demand increases 30-40%. Research competition within a 5-mile radius using Airbnb and VRBO searches, noting that properties offering unique features like hot tubs, fire pits, or proximity to hiking trails command premium rates. Utilize tools like Rabbu and STR Helper for market analysis, monitor Summit County tourism data through the Akron/Summit Convention & Visitors Bureau, and leverage local Facebook groups and real estate platforms like MLS to identify emerging neighborhoods with strong rental potential but limited STR supply.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Bath, Ohio, you must first contact the Bath Township Zoning Department at their administrative offices located at 3694 West Bath Road to determine if short-term rentals are permitted in your specific zoning district, as many residential areas may require conditional use permits or zoning variances. Submit a completed short-term rental application (available from the township office) along with required documents including property deed, site plan showing parking areas, floor plan indicating maximum occupancy, proof of liability insurance (typically $1 million minimum), and contact information for a local property manager if you're an absentee owner. Pay the application fee of approximately $150-300 plus any additional zoning hearing fees if required (estimated $500-800). The township will review your application for compliance with setback requirements, parking provisions (usually 2 spaces minimum), and occupancy limits based on bedroom count and septic capacity. Schedule required inspections with Summit County Health Department for septic systems and well water testing if applicable, and obtain fire safety inspection from Bath Township Fire Department. The approval process typically takes 30-60 days depending on whether public hearings are required, and annual renewal fees of approximately $100-200 apply. You must also register with the Ohio Department of Commerce for tax collection purposes and may need additional permits from Summit County if operating as a business, with final approval contingent on meeting all township noise ordinances, waste management requirements, and neighbor notification procedures.

Short-term rentals (STRs) in Bath, Ohio are generally legal but subject to local zoning regulations and restrictions. Bath Township, located in Summit County, allows STRs in certain residential zones but requires operators to obtain proper permits and comply with safety requirements including smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and occupancy limits. The township prohibits STRs in some residential districts to preserve neighborhood character and requires a minimum separation distance between rental properties. Recent changes around 2022-2023 have tightened regulations requiring annual registration, neighbor notification processes, and stricter enforcement of noise ordinances and parking requirements. Properties must meet building code standards and operators face penalties for violations including potential permit revocation. The legal framework balances property owner rights with community concerns about traffic, noise, and neighborhood stability.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Bath, Ohio include the Village Center district near Bath Road and Cleveland-Massillon Road, which attracts visitors to the historic Bath Township area and provides easy access to Akron-Canton Airport for business travelers. The Ghent Road corridor is attractive due to its proximity to the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, drawing outdoor enthusiasts and tourists year-round for hiking, biking, and seasonal activities. The area near Bath Elementary and the township's recreational facilities appeals to families visiting for youth sports tournaments and school events. Properties along Ira Road benefit from their central location between Akron and Cleveland, making them ideal for business travelers and medical tourists visiting nearby healthcare facilities. The residential neighborhoods near Bath Country Club attract visitors attending golf events and corporate retreats, while areas close to the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail see consistent demand from cyclists and nature tourists exploring the regional trail system.

Airbnb properties in Bath, Ohio are subject to Ohio's state lodging tax of 5.75% on gross rental receipts, which applies to all short-term rentals under 30 days. Summit County, where Bath is located, imposes an additional 3% county lodging tax, bringing the total occupancy tax rate to 8.75%. These taxes are typically collected by Airbnb directly from guests at the time of booking through their automated tax collection system, which began in Ohio around 2019. Airbnb remits these taxes quarterly to the Ohio Department of Commerce and Summit County on behalf of hosts, though individual hosts should verify their registration status with local authorities. The city of Bath itself does not impose additional municipal lodging taxes as of 2023. Exemptions generally apply to stays of 30 days or longer, which are considered long-term rentals rather than transient accommodations, and certain government or charitable organization bookings may qualify for exemptions with proper documentation.

To start an Airbnb in Bath, Ohio, the total estimated costs would be approximately $285,000-$320,000. Property purchase represents the largest expense at $250,000-$275,000 based on median home prices in the Bath area as of 2023-2024. Furnishing costs typically range $15,000-$25,000 for a complete 2-3 bedroom home including furniture, bedding, kitchenware, and décor to create an attractive rental space. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and basic renovations or improvements average $3,000-$5,000. Permits and fees in Summit County include short-term rental registration ($150-$300), business license ($50-$100), and potential HOA approval costs totaling approximately $500-$1,000. Insurance for short-term rentals runs $1,500-$2,500 annually, with the first year requiring upfront payment. Utility setup and deposits for electricity, gas, water, internet, and cable services cost roughly $500-$800 initially, with monthly utilities averaging $200-$300. First six months of operating costs including utilities ($1,200-$1,800), cleaning supplies and services ($600-$1,200), maintenance reserves ($1,000), marketing ($300-$500), and platform fees total approximately $4,000-$6,000, bringing the complete startup investment to the estimated range.

Airbnb properties in Bath, Ohio typically generate annual revenues between $15,000-$35,000 for entire home listings, with average daily rates ranging from $80-$150 depending on property size and amenities. Operating expenses generally consume 40-60% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($30-50 per turnover), property management (10-20% of revenue), utilities ($150-300 monthly), insurance ($1,200-2,000 annually), and maintenance costs averaging $2,000-4,000 yearly. Profit margins typically range from 15-35% after all expenses, with successful properties near Cuyahoga Valley National Park or featuring unique amenities like hot tubs achieving higher occupancy rates of 60-75% versus the market average of 45-55%. Properties within 10 miles of Akron or Cleveland command premium pricing due to business traveler demand, while rural Bath locations rely heavily on weekend leisure guests and seasonal fluctuations. Success factors include professional photography, responsive host communication, consistent 4.8+ star ratings, and strategic pricing during peak seasons like fall foliage and summer hiking months, with top-performing hosts in the area reporting net profits of $8,000-$18,000 annually on properties valued between $200,000-$400,000.

Airbnb investments in Bath, Ohio typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10%, depending on property type and location within the township. Properties near Bath Nature Preserve or close to Akron metropolitan area command higher occupancy rates of 65-75% annually, with average daily rates between $85-120 for entire homes and $45-65 for private rooms. Initial investment recovery and profitability usually occurs within 18-24 months for well-positioned properties, with gross rental yields averaging $18,000-28,000 annually for typical 2-3 bedroom homes purchased in the $180,000-250,000 range. Market factors including proximity to University of Akron, seasonal demand from outdoor recreation visitors, and corporate travelers to nearby Summit County businesses contribute to steady booking patterns, though winter months typically see 20-30% lower occupancy rates compared to spring and summer peak seasons.

STRSearch is a national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental investment properties and provides market analysis for Airbnb investments in Bath, Ohio. Local real estate agents in the Akron-Bath area who work with investors include Keller Williams Greater Cleveland Northeast, Howard Hanna Real Estate Services, and RE/MAX Crossroads Properties, with agents like those at Cutler Real Estate Group focusing on investment properties in Summit County. National services include Awning (formerly RedAwning) which offers full-service Airbnb property management and acquisition assistance, Roofstock which specializes in single-family rental investments that can be converted to short-term rentals, and BiggerPockets marketplace connecting investors with local professionals. Additional local services include Summit County property management companies like Renters Warehouse and local investment groups such as the Akron Real Estate Investors Association. National platforms like Mashvisor provide market analysis and property recommendations for Bath's short-term rental market, while companies like AirDNA offer data analytics to identify the most profitable Airbnb investment opportunities in the area.