Is Findlay, Ohio Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Findlay, Ohio, begin by researching local regulations through the City of Findlay Planning Department and Hancock County Health Department, as Ohio municipalities typically require short-term rentals to comply with zoning ordinances and may need special permits or licenses. Contact Findlay's Building Department at 419-424-7159 to obtain necessary permits, which likely include a business license, occupancy permit, and potentially a conditional use permit if operating in residential zones. Find a suitable property by searching MLS listings through local realtors like Coldwell Banker or RE/MAX, focusing on areas near University of Findlay or downtown for higher demand, with average property prices ranging $80,000-$150,000. Furnish the space with essential amenities including quality bedding, kitchen supplies, WiFi, and local touches highlighting Findlay's connection to Marathon Petroleum headquarters, budgeting approximately $5,000-$10,000 for a complete setup. List your property on Airbnb and VRBO with professional photos showcasing proximity to attractions like Riverside Park and Mazza Museum, setting competitive rates around $75-$125 per night based on local market analysis. Manage the property by establishing cleaning protocols with local services like Molly Maid, implementing keyless entry systems, maintaining responsive guest communication, and ensuring compliance with Ohio's 7% sales tax and Findlay's potential lodging tax requirements while tracking income for federal tax purposes.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Findlay, Ohio, focus on locations within 2-3 miles of the University of Findlay campus and downtown business district, as these areas attract visiting families, business travelers, and university-related guests. Target 2-4 bedroom single-family homes or duplexes built after 1980 with modern amenities like updated kitchens, reliable Wi-Fi capability, parking, and outdoor spaces, as Findlay's market responds well to comfortable, home-like accommodations priced 15-20% below Columbus rates ($80-120/night). Research competition using AirDNA and Mashvisor to analyze the approximately 25-40 active STR listings in Hancock County, noting that properties near Marathon Petroleum's headquarters and medical facilities like Blanchard Valley Hospital command premium rates. Utilize local tools including the Hancock County Auditor's website for property values, Findlay-Hancock County Economic Development for business travel patterns, and connect with University of Findlay's visitor services to understand peak demand periods during graduation, sports events, and academic conferences, while ensuring compliance with Findlay's zoning regulations which generally permit STRs in residential areas with proper registration.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Findlay, Ohio, you must first contact the Findlay Building Department at City Hall located at 318 Dorney Plaza to determine if short-term rentals are permitted in your zoning district, as the city may require a conditional use permit or zoning variance. Submit an application to the Building Department including a completed STR permit application form, proof of property ownership or lease agreement, floor plan of the rental unit, proof of liability insurance (typically $1 million minimum), fire safety inspection certificate, and business license from the Ohio Secretary of State. Required documents also include a site plan showing parking availability, contact information for a local property manager if you're not local, and compliance with health department requirements for septic/water systems if applicable. The application fee is estimated at $150-300 for the initial permit plus $50-100 for annual renewals, with additional costs for required inspections ($75-150) and potential zoning variance fees ($200-500 if needed). The approval timeline typically takes 30-60 days depending on zoning compliance and inspection scheduling. Findlay-specific requirements likely include maintaining adequate off-street parking (minimum 2 spaces), ensuring the property meets residential occupancy limits, registering with the Hancock County Health Department for food service if meals are provided, and maintaining a 24-hour local contact person for noise or emergency issues, with annual permit renewals required and potential restrictions on the number of STR permits issued per neighborhood.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are generally legal in Findlay, Ohio, as the city has not enacted specific prohibitions against them as of 2023. However, STR operators must comply with existing zoning regulations, which typically allow such uses in commercially zoned areas and may restrict them in certain residential zones depending on the specific zoning classification. Property owners must obtain proper business licenses and comply with health and safety codes, fire regulations, and tax requirements including collecting and remitting lodging taxes. The city follows Ohio state law regarding STRs, which generally permits them unless specifically prohibited by local ordinance. Recent years have seen increased scrutiny of STRs in many Ohio municipalities, but Findlay has not implemented comprehensive STR-specific regulations, instead relying on existing zoning and business licensing frameworks to govern these operations. Property owners should verify current zoning compliance and obtain necessary permits before operating an STR, as enforcement of existing regulations has become more stringent, and the regulatory landscape continues to evolve at both local and state levels.

The most promising Airbnb investment areas in Findlay, Ohio include the Historic Downtown District near Main Street, which attracts visitors to local festivals, antique shops, and the Hancock Historical Museum, plus offers proximity to business travelers visiting Marathon Petroleum Corporation's headquarters. The University of Findlay campus area presents strong potential due to consistent demand from visiting families, prospective students, and academic conference attendees throughout the year. The Riverside Park and Blanchard River corridor appeals to outdoor enthusiasts and families attending youth sports tournaments at the various athletic complexes. The area near Interstate 75 and State Route 15 intersection captures business travelers and those passing through to Toledo or Columbus, while also serving visitors to the Hancock County Fairgrounds during major events. Properties near the Findlay Village Mall and commercial district on Tiffin Avenue benefit from shopping tourism and corporate visitors to the numerous businesses and medical facilities in the area.

In Findlay, Ohio, Airbnb hosts are subject to both state and local lodging taxes. The Ohio state lodging tax is 5.75% on gross rental receipts, which Airbnb typically collects and remits directly to the state on behalf of hosts for stays of less than 30 days. Hancock County, where Findlay is located, imposes an additional 3% transient guest tax on short-term rental accommodations, bringing the total tax rate to approximately 8.75%. The city of Findlay may also impose its own municipal lodging tax of around 2-3%, though this varies and hosts should verify current rates with the city clerk's office. For properties where Airbnb doesn't automatically collect local taxes, hosts must register with the Ohio Department of Taxation and Hancock County Auditor's office, file monthly or quarterly returns, and remit taxes by the 23rd of the following month. Exemptions typically include stays of 30 days or longer, which are considered long-term rentals rather than transient accommodations, and rentals to certain government employees or tax-exempt organizations with proper documentation. Hosts should maintain detailed records of all bookings and tax collections as the Ohio Department of Commerce and local authorities may conduct audits to ensure compliance.

To start an Airbnb in Findlay, Ohio, expect total costs around $180,000-$220,000. Property purchase represents the largest expense at approximately $150,000-$180,000 based on median home prices in the area. Furnishing costs typically range $8,000-$15,000 for a complete 2-3 bedroom property including furniture, bedding, kitchenware, and electronics. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and basic renovations average $2,000-$4,000. Permits and fees in Ohio generally cost $300-$800 covering business licenses, short-term rental permits, and safety inspections. Insurance premiums for short-term rental coverage run $1,200-$2,400 annually, with the first year paid upfront. Utility deposits and connections for electricity, gas, water, internet, and cable total approximately $800-$1,500. First six months operating costs including utilities ($600-$900 monthly), cleaning services ($75-$125 per turnover), maintenance reserves ($200-$400 monthly), and platform fees (3% of bookings) typically amount to $4,000-$7,000, assuming moderate occupancy rates of 50-60% during the initial period.

Airbnb properties in Findlay, Ohio typically generate modest returns with average nightly rates ranging from $65-$95 for entire homes and $35-$55 for private rooms, resulting in monthly revenues of $800-$1,500 for properties with 40-60% occupancy rates. Operating expenses including mortgage payments, utilities, cleaning fees ($25-$40 per turnover), property management (10-20% of revenue), insurance ($1,200-$2,000 annually), and maintenance typically consume 60-75% of gross revenue, leaving profit margins of 15-25% for well-managed properties. Success factors in this mid-sized Ohio market include proximity to the University of Findlay which drives consistent demand from visiting families and university events, competitive pricing below Toledo and Columbus markets, and properties featuring amenities like parking, WiFi, and local charm that appeal to business travelers visiting Marathon Petroleum's headquarters or medical professionals at Blanchard Valley Health System. A typical 3-bedroom home purchased for $120,000-$150,000 and generating $12,000-$18,000 in annual gross revenue can yield $2,000-$4,500 in net profit annually, representing a 6-12% return on investment when factoring in property appreciation, though seasonal fluctuations and competition from local hotels like Hampton Inn and Holiday Inn Express can impact consistency.

Airbnb investments in Findlay, Ohio typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10%, based on average property acquisition costs of $80,000-$120,000 and monthly rental income of $800-$1,200 per property. The market benefits from Findlay's proximity to University of Findlay, local business travelers visiting Marathon Petroleum headquarters, and regional tourism, with occupancy rates averaging 65-75% annually. Initial profitability usually occurs within 18-24 months after accounting for startup costs, furnishing, and marketing expenses, while properties in desirable neighborhoods near downtown or the university campus command premium rates of $90-$130 per night. Cash-on-cash returns improve to 12-15% by year three as operators optimize pricing strategies and reduce vacancy periods, with total returns including appreciation reaching 15-18% annually in Findlay's stable real estate market driven by steady employment from major employers like Cooper Tire & Rubber Company and Blanchard Valley Health System.

STRSearch leads the national market for Airbnb investment property analysis and market research, providing comprehensive data on short-term rental performance in Findlay, Ohio. Roofstock specializes in turnkey rental properties including short-term rental investments and operates nationwide including Ohio markets. BiggerPockets connects investors with local real estate professionals and offers educational resources for Airbnb investing. In Findlay specifically, Coldwell Banker Preferred Real Estate and RE/MAX Results have agents experienced in investment properties, while Century 21 Sunway Realty serves the Hancock County area with investment-focused services. Awning provides nationwide Airbnb property management and investment consulting services for Ohio markets. RedAwning offers vacation rental property management and investment guidance. Local property management companies like Findlay Property Management Group can assist with short-term rental operations. AirDNA provides market analysis and revenue projections for Airbnb investments in the Findlay area. Mashvisor offers real estate investment analysis tools with Airbnb rental income estimates for Ohio properties. Local real estate investors and wholesalers often network through the Northwest Ohio Real Estate Investors Association, which serves the Findlay region and connects investors with profitable opportunities.