Step 1
Apply for Occupational Tax Certificate
Obtain a business license from the Revenue Division of the Finance Department. This is required before the STR permit.
1-2 weeksFree
Documents needed
- Photo ID
- E-Verify Affidavit
Cross-referenced against 0 official sources — municipal codes, planning-department pages, and government registries.
Columbus requires all short-term rental operators to obtain an annual permit, a business license, and collect an 8% local hotel-motel tax.
To host a short-term rental in Columbus, you must apply for a specific STR permit and an Occupational Tax Certificate (business license). You are required to have $500,000 in liability insurance and designate a local contact person who can respond to issues within 24 hours. The city limits occupancy to two adults per bedroom plus two additional guests.
Step-by-step guide for Columbus
Obtain a business license from the Revenue Division of the Finance Department. This is required before the STR permit.
Ensure you have a local contact person available 24/7 who lives within 50 miles of the property and can respond within 2 hours.
Apply through the Planning Department. This includes paying the annual STR fee.
Register with the Finance Department to ensure local 8% taxes are being filed monthly, even if collected by platforms.
Regulatory information is AI-researched from public city/county codes for educational purposes. Details may be outdated or incomplete. Always verify requirements directly with your city/county planning department before operating a short-term rental.
Researched & verified by Learn STR at GoStudioM