Is Kent, Ohio Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Kent, Ohio, begin by researching local zoning laws through the Kent Planning Department, as the city requires short-term rentals to comply with residential zoning restrictions and may require a home occupation permit or conditional use permit depending on your property type. Contact Kent's Building Department at 330-678-8109 to obtain necessary permits, including potential occupancy permits and safety inspections, while ensuring compliance with Ohio's fire safety codes which typically require smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers. Find a suitable property in residential areas that allow short-term rentals, focusing on neighborhoods near Kent State University or downtown Kent for higher demand, with properties typically ranging from $80,000-$200,000 for single-family homes. Furnish the space with essential amenities including Wi-Fi, basic kitchen supplies, linens, towels, and comfortable furniture, budgeting approximately $3,000-$8,000 for initial furnishing depending on property size. List your property on Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com with professional photos highlighting proximity to Kent State University, downtown attractions, and outdoor activities at nearby parks like Fred Fuller Park, setting competitive rates around $60-$120 per night based on local market analysis. Manage your property by establishing cleaning protocols between guests, maintaining responsive communication with renters, implementing keyless entry systems, and considering hiring local property management companies like Vacasa or RedAwning if you prefer hands-off management, while keeping detailed records for tax purposes and maintaining compliance with Ohio's 7% lodging tax requirements.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Kent, Ohio, focus on locations within 1-2 miles of Kent State University campus, particularly near downtown Kent and along major corridors like East Main Street and South Water Street, as student housing demand and university events drive consistent occupancy. Target 3-4 bedroom single-family homes or duplexes built after 1980 with modern amenities, parking spaces, and outdoor areas that appeal to visiting families, prospective students, and business travelers. Analyze pricing by researching comparable Airbnb listings in Kent averaging $80-120 per night, with premium properties near campus commanding $100-150 during peak university periods like graduation, homecoming, and move-in weekends. Study competition using AirDNA and Mashvisor to identify the approximately 50-75 active STR properties in Kent, noting that most successful listings maintain 65-75% occupancy rates with strong performance during the academic year (August-May). Utilize tools like Rabbu, BiggerPockets calculators, and local MLS data through Realtor.com to identify properties under $150,000 that can generate $1,500-2,500 monthly revenue, while monitoring Kent City Council regulations and connecting with local property management companies familiar with university rental cycles and seasonal demand fluctuations.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Kent, Ohio, you must first contact the Kent Building Department at 930 Overholt Road or call (330) 678-8109 to determine specific short-term rental licensing requirements, as Ohio municipalities individually regulate STRs. You'll typically need to submit a completed short-term rental application form, provide proof of property ownership or lease agreement with landlord consent, submit a detailed floor plan of the rental unit, provide proof of liability insurance (usually $1 million minimum), pass a safety inspection including smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and obtain a business license from the City of Kent Finance Department. Required documents generally include a valid driver's license, property deed or lease, insurance certificate, emergency contact information for a local representative within 30 minutes of the property, and parking plan documentation. Application fees typically range from $100-300 for the initial permit plus $50-150 for annual renewals, with additional inspection fees of approximately $75-125. The timeline usually takes 4-6 weeks from application submission to permit approval, including scheduling and completing the required safety inspection. Kent-specific requirements likely include maintaining the property's residential character, limiting occupancy to 2 people per bedroom plus 2 additional guests, providing adequate off-street parking, and ensuring 24/7 local contact availability for noise or emergency issues.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are legal in Kent, Ohio, but operate under specific regulations established by the city. Kent requires STR operators to obtain a business license and comply with zoning restrictions that primarily limit short-term rentals to commercial and mixed-use districts, while generally prohibiting them in single-family residential neighborhoods. The city implemented these regulations around 2019-2020 in response to concerns from residents and the proximity to Kent State University, which created unique challenges with student housing and neighborhood character. Current restrictions include occupancy limits, parking requirements, noise ordinances, and mandatory registration with the city, along with requirements for local contact persons available 24/7. Properties must meet safety standards including smoke detectors and fire extinguishers, and operators face penalties for violations including potential license revocation. The regulations were designed to balance the economic benefits of short-term rentals with protecting residential neighborhoods from over-commercialization, particularly given the city's college town dynamics and the need to maintain housing stock for long-term residents and students.

The best Airbnb investment areas in Kent, Ohio center around Kent State University and downtown Kent, particularly the neighborhoods within walking distance of campus such as the areas along East Main Street, South Water Street, and the historic downtown district. These locations attract consistent demand from visiting parents during university events, prospective students touring campus, and business travelers visiting the university or nearby companies like Davey Tree Expert Company. The Franklin Mills/Riveredge area offers good potential due to its proximity to both the university and the Cuyahoga River Trail system, appealing to outdoor enthusiasts and families visiting students. The neighborhoods near Kent State Golf Course provide a quieter setting that attracts visitors attending golf tournaments and university conferences. Areas close to the Kent Historical Society and standing stone monuments draw heritage tourists, while properties near the downtown business district benefit from corporate travelers visiting local businesses and the university's research facilities, with peak seasons during graduation, homecoming, and major university events throughout the academic year.

In Kent, Ohio, Airbnb hosts are subject to multiple lodging taxes including the state of Ohio's 5.75% lodging tax on stays under 30 days, Portage County's 3% lodging tax, and Kent's local lodging tax of approximately 3-6%. The Ohio Department of Commerce collects the state lodging tax, while Portage County administers its own collection system, and the City of Kent handles local tax collection through its finance department. Hosts must register with each taxing authority, file monthly or quarterly returns depending on volume, and remit taxes by the 23rd of the following month for state taxes and within 30 days for local taxes. Airbnb automatically collects and remits Ohio state lodging taxes for hosts but local county and municipal taxes typically require separate registration and remittance by the host. Exemptions generally apply to stays of 30 days or longer, certain government and nonprofit travelers, and in some cases guests using lodging for medical treatment, though specific exemption criteria vary by jurisdiction and hosts should verify current requirements with each tax authority as rates and procedures can change.

The total cost to start an Airbnb in Kent, Ohio would be approximately $175,000-$200,000. Property purchase costs around $140,000 based on Kent's median home price as of 2023. Furnishing a 2-3 bedroom property would cost $8,000-$12,000 including beds, linens, kitchen essentials, living room furniture, and decor. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and basic renovations would be $2,000-$3,000. Permits and fees including business license, short-term rental permit, and inspection fees would total $500-$800. Insurance including landlord and short-term rental coverage would cost $1,500-$2,000 annually. Utility deposits and connections for electricity, gas, water, internet, and cable would be $800-$1,200. First six months operating costs including utilities ($600/month), cleaning services ($100 per turnover), maintenance ($200/month), property management software ($50/month), and marketing would total approximately $6,000-$8,000, assuming 60-70% occupancy rates typical for Kent's market near Kent State University.

Airbnb properties in Kent, Ohio show moderate profitability potential with average daily rates ranging from $75-120 depending on proximity to Kent State University and property type. Properties near campus typically generate $2,000-3,500 monthly during the academic year but experience significant seasonal fluctuations during summer months, dropping to $800-1,500 monthly. Operating expenses including mortgage, utilities, cleaning fees, Airbnb service charges, insurance, and maintenance typically consume 60-70% of gross revenue, leaving profit margins of 30-40% for well-managed properties. Success factors include strategic location within walking distance of Kent State University, competitive pricing during peak periods like graduation and football games, professional photography, and maintaining high cleanliness standards. A typical 3-bedroom house purchased for $150,000 with $30,000 in renovations can generate approximately $28,000-35,000 annually in gross revenue, yielding net profits of $8,000-14,000 after expenses, representing an 8-12% return on investment. Properties targeting university visitors, parents, and business travelers to nearby Akron perform best, while those relying solely on leisure tourism face greater challenges due to limited local attractions beyond the university.

Airbnb investments in Kent, Ohio typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10%, primarily driven by Kent State University's student population and visiting families. Properties near campus command $80-120 per night during peak periods (football games, graduation, move-in weeks) and $50-80 during regular academic periods, with occupancy rates averaging 65-75% annually. Initial investment for a 3-bedroom property ranges $120,000-180,000, generating gross annual revenues of $18,000-28,000 after accounting for seasonal fluctuations and summer vacancy periods. Operating expenses including cleaning, maintenance, utilities, insurance, and platform fees typically consume 40-50% of gross revenue, leaving net annual income of $9,000-15,000. Most investors achieve break-even within 18-24 months and reach full profitability by year 3, with properties appreciating 3-5% annually in Kent's stable university market, though success heavily depends on proximity to campus and property condition.

STRSearch is a national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental properties for investors looking in Kent, Ohio. Local real estate agents like those at Keller Williams Greater Cleveland Northeast and RE/MAX Crossroads Properties have experience helping investors find Airbnb-suitable properties in the Kent market. National services include Awning, which provides end-to-end Airbnb investment services, and Mashvisor, offering rental property analytics and market data for Kent properties. RedAwning and AirDNA provide market analysis and revenue projections for short-term rentals in the area. Local property management companies like Ohio Property Brothers and Kent Area Property Management can assist with both acquisition and ongoing Airbnb operations. Real estate investment firms such as BiggerPockets marketplace and Roofstock occasionally feature Kent properties suitable for short-term rentals. Additionally, local agents at Howard Hanna Real Estate and Century 21 Asa Cox Homes have worked with investors seeking vacation rental properties near Kent State University and the surrounding Portage County area.