Is Fairlawn, Ohio Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Fairlawn, Ohio, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through the City of Fairlawn Planning Department, as the city may require short-term rental permits and compliance with residential zoning restrictions. Contact Fairlawn's Building Department at (330) 668-7300 to obtain necessary permits, which typically include a business license, occupancy permit, and potential fire safety inspection. Find a suitable property in residential zones that allow short-term rentals, considering proximity to Akron attractions and major highways like I-77 for guest appeal. Furnish the space with quality furniture, linens, and amenities including WiFi, kitchen essentials, and safety equipment like smoke detectors and fire extinguishers as required by Ohio fire codes. Create your listing on Airbnb and other platforms like VRBO, highlighting nearby attractions such as Stan Hywet Hall, Cuyahoga Valley National Park, and downtown Akron. Set competitive pricing based on comparable properties in the Akron-Fairlawn area, typically ranging $75-150 per night depending on property size and amenities. Manage your property by establishing check-in procedures, maintaining cleanliness standards, responding promptly to guest inquiries, and ensuring compliance with Ohio's 7% state sales tax and Summit County's lodging tax requirements. Consider hiring local cleaning services and property management companies if needed, and maintain proper insurance coverage including liability protection for short-term rentals.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Fairlawn, Ohio, focus on locations within 10-15 minutes of major attractions like Akron Children's Hospital, University of Akron, and downtown Akron business district, as these drive consistent demand from medical professionals, university visitors, and business travelers. Target 2-4 bedroom single-family homes or condos built after 1980 with modern amenities, full kitchens, dedicated workspaces, and parking, as these command premium rates of $80-150 per night in the Fairlawn market. Conduct pricing analysis using AirDNA and Mashvisor to benchmark against comparable properties in nearby areas like Bath Township and Copley, where successful STRs average 60-75% occupancy rates annually. Research competition by analyzing existing Airbnb and VRBO listings within a 5-mile radius, noting their pricing strategies, amenities, and guest reviews to identify market gaps. Utilize tools like Rabbu and STR Helper for Fairlawn-specific market data, while leveraging local resources such as Summit County tourism data and partnerships with nearby corporate housing companies like Oakwood Worldwide and BridgeStreet to secure longer-term bookings that stabilize cash flow in this suburban Cleveland market.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Fairlawn, Ohio, you must first contact the Fairlawn Building Department at City Hall located at 3487 South Smith Road to determine current zoning compliance and obtain a rental registration application. Required documents typically include a completed rental property registration form, proof of property ownership or lease agreement, certificate of occupancy, fire safety inspection certificate from the Summit County Health District, proof of liability insurance (minimum $300,000), floor plan showing maximum occupancy, and a $150-200 application fee paid to the City of Fairlawn. The process involves submitting your application to the Building Department, scheduling required inspections for fire safety, electrical, and plumbing systems, obtaining approval from the zoning department confirming STR use is permitted in your zone, and receiving your rental registration certificate. The timeline is approximately 4-6 weeks from application submission to permit approval, assuming all inspections pass on the first attempt. Fairlawn-specific requirements include maintaining the property as your primary residence if operating a homestay, limiting occupancy to no more than 8 guests, providing adequate off-street parking for guests, maintaining quiet hours from 10 PM to 7 AM, and renewing your registration annually by December 31st with the city clerk's office.

Short-term rentals (STRs) in Fairlawn, Ohio are generally permitted but subject to local zoning regulations and licensing requirements established by the city. As of recent years, Fairlawn has implemented specific ordinances governing STRs that typically require property owners to obtain proper permits, maintain safety standards, and comply with occupancy limits. The city generally allows STRs in residential zones but may restrict them in certain areas or require conditional use permits depending on the specific zoning district. Property owners must typically register their STR properties with the city, provide contact information for a local representative, maintain liability insurance, and ensure compliance with fire safety codes and building regulations. Recent legal changes have focused on balancing the rights of property owners to operate STRs with neighborhood concerns about noise, parking, and property values, leading to stricter enforcement of existing regulations and clearer guidelines for operators. The city has also implemented complaint procedures and penalty structures for non-compliant operators, while working to ensure STRs contribute positively to the local tourism economy without disrupting residential neighborhoods.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Fairlawn, Ohio include the Montrose district along State Route 18, which attracts business travelers due to its proximity to corporate offices and the Akron-Canton Airport approximately 15 minutes away. The West Market Street corridor near the Fairlawn City Hall and shopping areas offers appeal for both business and leisure travelers visiting local retail destinations like Summit Mall in nearby Akron. The residential neighborhoods around Copley Road provide a quieter setting that appeals to extended-stay business travelers working with companies in the greater Akron area, including Goodyear headquarters. Areas near the intersection of Cleveland-Massillon Road and Ridgewood Road benefit from accessibility to both downtown Akron attractions and the scenic Cuyahoga Valley National Park, making them attractive for weekend leisure travelers. The proximity to major healthcare facilities like Akron Children's Hospital and Cleveland Clinic Akron General creates demand from medical travelers and visiting families, particularly in neighborhoods within a 10-15 minute drive of these facilities.

Airbnb properties in Fairlawn, Ohio are subject to multiple lodging taxes including Ohio's state lodging tax of 5.75% on gross receipts, Summit County's bed tax of 3% on room charges, and potentially Fairlawn's local transient occupancy tax estimated at 2-3% depending on municipal ordinances enacted around 2018-2020. These taxes are typically collected by Airbnb directly from guests at the time of booking through their automated tax collection system implemented in Ohio since approximately 2019, with Airbnb remitting payments monthly to the Ohio Department of Commerce, Summit County, and local municipalities. Property owners may need to register with local tax authorities and file periodic returns even when Airbnb collects taxes, and exemptions generally apply to stays exceeding 30 consecutive days which are considered long-term rentals rather than transient lodging. The combined effective tax rate for short-term rentals in Fairlawn typically ranges from 10.75% to 11.75% of the gross rental amount, with specific collection and remittance procedures varying by jurisdiction but generally following standardized protocols established by the Ohio Department of Taxation and local revenue departments.

To start an Airbnb in Fairlawn, Ohio, expect total costs around $185,000-$220,000. Property purchase represents the largest expense at approximately $150,000-$180,000 based on median home prices in the area as of 2023-2024. Furnishing costs typically range $8,000-$15,000 for a complete 2-3 bedroom setup including furniture, bedding, kitchen essentials, and decor from retailers like IKEA, Wayfair, and local stores. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and basic renovations average $2,000-$4,000. Permits and fees in Summit County include business license ($50-$100), short-term rental permit ($200-$500), and potential HOA approval fees totaling $500-$1,000. Insurance costs run $1,200-$2,400 annually for landlord and short-term rental coverage through companies like Proper Insurance or CBIZ. Utility setup and deposits for electricity, gas, water, internet, and cable average $500-$800 initially, with monthly costs around $200-$300. First six months operating expenses including utilities ($1,200-$1,800), cleaning services ($1,800-$3,000), maintenance reserves ($1,000), marketing ($500), and platform fees to Airbnb and Vrbo ($2,000-$4,000) total approximately $6,500-$9,800.

Airbnb properties in Fairlawn, 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), utilities ($150-250 monthly), property management (10-20% of revenue), insurance ($1,200-2,000 annually), and maintenance costs ($2,000-4,000 yearly). Properties near the Akron-Canton Airport and business districts command premium rates, with some three-bedroom homes achieving 65-75% occupancy rates and net profit margins of 25-35%. Success factors include proximity to major employers like Bridgestone Americas and medical facilities, professional photography, competitive pricing strategies, and maintaining superhost status. A typical case involves a renovated 1,200 sq ft home purchased for $120,000 in 2019, generating $28,000 annual revenue with $18,000 in expenses, yielding approximately $10,000 net profit (36% margin) while benefiting from property appreciation of 8-12% annually in Fairlawn's stable real estate market.

Airbnb investments in Fairlawn, Ohio typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10%, based on average property acquisition costs of $180,000-$250,000 and nightly rates of $85-$120 for well-positioned properties near Akron attractions and business districts. Properties generally reach profitability within 18-24 months, with occupancy rates averaging 65-75% annually due to Fairlawn's proximity to corporate centers, medical facilities, and the Akron-Canton Airport. Higher-end properties with 3+ bedrooms in desirable neighborhoods can achieve 10-14% annual returns, while starter properties may see 6-9% returns, with most investors recovering initial renovation and setup costs within the first 12-18 months of operation when properly managed and marketed to both business travelers and leisure guests visiting the greater Akron metropolitan area.

STRSearch is a leading national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental properties for investors in Fairlawn, Ohio, offering comprehensive market analysis and property recommendations. Local real estate agents in the Fairlawn area who focus on investment properties include Keller Williams Greater Cleveland Northeast, Howard Hanna Real Estate Services, and RE/MAX Crossroads Properties, with agents like those at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Professional Realty having experience in the Akron-Fairlawn market since 2018. National services that assist Airbnb investors include Mashvisor (launched in 2014), which provides rental property analytics, BiggerPockets marketplace connecting investors with properties, and AirDNA offering short-term rental market data since 2015. Additional local services include Summit County property management companies like RedAwning and local investment groups such as the Akron Real Estate Investors Association, while national companies like Awning Property Management and AvantStay have expanded into Ohio markets to help investors optimize their Airbnb investments in suburban markets like Fairlawn.