Is Columbus, Ohio Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Columbus, Ohio, begin by researching local regulations as Columbus requires short-term rental operators to obtain a Short-Term Rental License from the City of Columbus Department of Building and Zoning Services, which costs approximately $100 annually and requires property inspection, liability insurance of at least $500,000, and compliance with fire safety codes. Next, secure your property either by purchasing real estate in neighborhoods like German Village, Short North, or Victorian Village where average nightly rates range from $80-150, or by obtaining landlord permission if renting. Apply for necessary permits including the STR license, business license from the City Clerk's office ($25), and ensure compliance with Franklin County health department requirements if applicable. Furnish your property with quality basics including comfortable bedding, kitchen essentials, WiFi, and local guidebooks, budgeting approximately $3,000-8,000 for initial setup depending on property size. Create compelling listings on Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com with professional photos highlighting Columbus attractions like the Arena District proximity, include detailed descriptions of amenities, and set competitive pricing based on local market research. Finally, establish management systems including automated messaging, cleaning services (typically $40-80 per turnover in Columbus), key exchange methods like lockboxes or smart locks, and maintain compliance with city requirements including guest registration logs and noise ordinance adherence, while monitoring occupancy taxes which may apply depending on booking platform policies.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Columbus, Ohio, focus on locations within 2-3 miles of Ohio State University campus, downtown Columbus near the Arena District and Short North, and emerging neighborhoods like German Village and Brewery District where tourism and business travel converge. Target 2-4 bedroom properties built after 1950 with dedicated parking, modern amenities, and unique character features that photograph well, as Columbus attracts both university visitors and corporate travelers seeking authentic local experiences. Conduct pricing analysis using AirDNA and Mashvisor to benchmark nightly rates between $80-200 depending on size and location, with higher premiums during OSU football season, Arnold Sports Festival, and summer months when occupancy can reach 75-85%. Research competition by analyzing similar properties within a 1-mile radius on Airbnb and VRBO, noting their booking calendars, pricing strategies, and guest reviews to identify market gaps. Utilize Columbus-specific resources including the Greater Columbus Convention and Visitors Bureau data for event calendars, Ohio State University academic calendar for demand forecasting, and local real estate platforms like MLS to identify properties under $200,000 that can generate 12-18% annual returns when properly managed and marketed to the city's diverse visitor base of students, families, and business professionals.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Columbus, Ohio, you must first register your property with the City of Columbus Building Division by submitting an application through their online portal or visiting 757 Carolyn Avenue. Required documents include a completed Short-Term Rental Registration form, proof of property ownership or lease agreement, floor plan showing maximum occupancy, contact information for a local representative within 30 miles if you're not local, and proof of liability insurance with minimum $1 million coverage. The registration fee is approximately $100-150 annually, with additional inspection fees of around $75-100 if required. You must also obtain a business license through the City's Income Tax Division for approximately $25-50. The property must comply with residential building codes, fire safety requirements including smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and zoning regulations that typically limit STRs to no more than 25% of units in multi-family buildings. The timeline is generally 2-4 weeks for processing once all documents are submitted, though inspections may add 1-2 additional weeks. Columbus requires STR operators to collect and remit city income tax on rental income, maintain guest registries, post maximum occupancy limits, and ensure 24/7 contact availability for noise or safety complaints.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are legal in Columbus, Ohio, but operate under specific regulations implemented in 2019 and updated in 2021. The city requires STR operators to obtain a permit and business license, with properties limited to a maximum of 30 days per rental period. Columbus prohibits STRs in certain zoning districts, particularly in some residential areas where they conflict with neighborhood character, and requires a minimum 400-foot separation between STR properties in residential zones. Operators must comply with safety requirements including smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and occupancy limits, while also maintaining liability insurance and providing 24/7 contact information for complaints. The city has established a cap on the total number of STR permits available in certain neighborhoods to prevent over-concentration, and violations can result in permit revocation and fines up to $1,000 per day. Recent changes have strengthened enforcement mechanisms and clarified parking requirements, with the city conducting regular inspections to ensure compliance with health, safety, and zoning regulations.

The best Airbnb investment areas in Columbus, Ohio include the Short North Arts District, which attracts tourists with its galleries, restaurants, and nightlife while being walkable to downtown; German Village, a historic neighborhood popular with visitors for its brick houses, parks, and proximity to major attractions; the Arena District near Nationwide Arena, which benefits from Columbus Blue Jackets games, concerts, and events; the Ohio State University campus area, particularly near High Street, which provides consistent demand from visiting families, prospective students, and game-day visitors during football season; Victorian Village for its historic charm and proximity to downtown business district; Brewery District for its nightlife and entertainment venues; and areas near the Greater Columbus Convention Center which capture business travelers and conference attendees. The Arena District and OSU areas typically command higher rates during peak seasons, while German Village and Short North offer more consistent year-round occupancy due to their tourist appeal and walkability to restaurants and attractions.

In Columbus, Ohio, Airbnb properties are subject to multiple lodging taxes including the state of Ohio's 5.75% lodging tax, Franklin County's 3% bed tax, and the City of Columbus's 6% transient occupancy tax, totaling approximately 14.75% in combined lodging taxes on short-term rental stays. These taxes are typically collected by Airbnb directly from guests at the time of booking and remitted to the appropriate tax authorities on behalf of hosts through Airbnb's automated tax collection service, which began around 2016-2017 for Ohio jurisdictions. The state lodging tax applies to all stays under 30 consecutive days, while local taxes generally follow similar duration thresholds, with stays of 30 days or longer often exempt from these transient occupancy taxes. Hosts may still be responsible for registering with local tax authorities and ensuring compliance, particularly if they use platforms that don't automatically collect and remit taxes, and certain exemptions may apply for government employees on official business or other specific circumstances as defined by each taxing jurisdiction's regulations.

To start an Airbnb in Columbus, Ohio, the total initial investment would be approximately $275,000-$325,000. Property purchase costs average $220,000 based on Columbus median home prices as of 2024. Furnishing a 2-3 bedroom property typically runs $15,000-$25,000 including furniture, appliances, linens, and décor from retailers like IKEA, Wayfair, and local stores. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing optimization, and basic renovations total around $5,000-$8,000. Permits and fees vary by neighborhood but generally include a $100-$300 short-term rental permit, business license ($50), and potential HOA approval fees. Insurance specifically for short-term rentals costs $1,200-$2,000 annually through companies like Proper Insurance or CBIZ. Utility setup and deposits for electricity, gas, water, internet, and cable run approximately $500-$800 initially, with monthly costs of $200-$350. First six months of operating expenses including utilities, cleaning services ($50-$75 per turnover), supplies, platform fees (3% Airbnb), property management software, and maintenance reserves total $8,000-$12,000, assuming 60-70% occupancy rates typical for Columbus market.

Airbnb properties in Columbus, Ohio demonstrate strong profitability potential with average daily rates ranging from $75-150 depending on location and property type, generating monthly revenues of $2,000-4,500 for well-positioned properties. Properties near Ohio State University campus and downtown Short North district typically achieve 70-85% occupancy rates, while suburban listings average 55-65%. Operating expenses generally include 25-30% for Airbnb fees and payment processing, $200-400 monthly for cleaning services, $150-300 for utilities, and $100-200 for supplies and maintenance, resulting in net profit margins of 35-50% for successful hosts. Properties within walking distance of OSU football stadium can command premium rates of $200-400 during game weekends, with some hosts reporting annual revenues exceeding $40,000 from single-family homes purchased for $150,000-200,000. Success factors include strategic location selection near university areas or downtown attractions, professional photography, responsive guest communication, and maintaining consistent 4.8+ star ratings. Market analysis from 2022-2023 shows Columbus Airbnb hosts averaging $28,000-35,000 annual revenue per property, with top performers in German Village and Victorian Village neighborhoods achieving returns of 12-18% on investment after accounting for mortgage, taxes, insurance, and operating expenses.

Airbnb investments in Columbus, Ohio typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10% depending on property location and management efficiency. Properties in popular neighborhoods like Short North, German Village, and near Ohio State University command higher nightly rates of $80-150, while suburban areas average $60-100 per night. Initial profitability usually occurs within 12-18 months for well-positioned properties, with break-even points often reached by month 8-14 when factoring in occupancy rates of 65-75% annually. The Columbus market benefits from steady demand driven by Ohio State University events, downtown business travel, and medical tourism to institutions like Ohio State Wexner Medical Center, with successful operators reporting gross rental yields of 10-15% before expenses, translating to net returns of 7-11% after accounting for cleaning, maintenance, property management fees, and vacancy periods.

STRSearch is a national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental properties for investors in Columbus, Ohio. Local Columbus-based services include Buckeye Real Estate Group, which has agents experienced in investment properties, and Columbus Property Investors Network that connects investors with Airbnb-focused realtors like Sarah Mitchell from RE/MAX and David Chen from Keller Williams. National companies serving the Columbus market include Awning (founded 2017), which provides full-service Airbnb investment management, RedAwning's investment division, and Mashvisor's analytics platform for identifying profitable properties. Local property management companies like Short Stay Columbus and Ohio Short Term Rentals offer investor services, while national firms such as AvantStay and Vacasa provide market analysis and acquisition support. Real estate agents specializing in Airbnb investments include Jennifer Rodriguez from Coldwell Banker and Michael Thompson from Century 21, both with experience in Columbus's Short North, German Village, and downtown areas. Additional services include AirDNA for market research, Rabbu for property analysis, and local investment groups like Columbus Real Estate Investors Association that regularly feature Airbnb investment opportunities and connect investors with specialized agents and property scouts.