Are there rental limits in Kent?

Strict 2-unrelated-person occupancy limit in single-family residential districts (R-1).

What should Kent hosts know about annual inspections are mandatory for?

Annual inspections are mandatory for all rental units.

What are the key requirements for Kent hosts?

A local property representative must be present for the licensing inspection.

What should Kent hosts know about combined tax rate for stays?

Combined tax rate for stays under 30 days is 13%.

Kent, Ohio Short-Term Rental Regulation Guide

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Verified: Feb 10, 2026

Summary

Short-term rentals in Kent, Ohio are regulated under the city's Residential Rental Licensing Program and are subject to both city and county transient occupancy taxes.

Restriction Level

⚠️

Moderate

Score: 8 (restrictive)

Why this classification:

•Permit required
•Reporting required
•No night cap
•No primary residence requirement
•Tenants can host

In Plain English

To host an STR in Kent, you must apply for a Residential Rental License through the Community Development Department and pass a safety inspection. Stays are limited by a strict zoning rule that allows no more than two unrelated people to stay in a single-family dwelling. Hosts must also collect and pay a combined 6% lodging tax in addition to standard sales taxes.

At a Glance

Permit Required

Yes

Night Limit

None

Primary Residence

Not Required

Total Tax Rate

0.1%

Permit Fee

$100

Processing Time

2-4 weeks

4 Things Hosts Often Miss

Regulation Details

Eligibility(5)

•Kent allows STRs in the following property types: Single Family, Two-Family (Duplex), Multi-unit.
•Kent does NOT require the property to be a primary residence. Investment properties are allowed.
•Kent allows tenants to host STRs. Requirements: The property owner is ultimately responsible for the rental license and tax remittance.

Requirements(12)

•Kent STR warning: Combined tax rate for stays under 30 days is 13%.
•Kent does not require liability insurance for STR hosts, but it is strongly recommended.
•Kent STR warning: Annual inspections are mandatory for all rental units.
•Kent: A local property representative must be present for the licensing inspection.

Application Process(8)

•Kent extended permit requirement: $5 per bedroom in addition to the $100 base building fee

Fees & Costs(1)

•Kent charges a registration fee of $100 (annual). Extended/additional fee: $5 ($5 per bedroom in addition to the $100 base building fee).

Taxes(4)

•Kent: Combined tax rate for stays under 30 days is 13%.
•Kent charges a Transient Occupancy Tax of 0.03%. This applies to stays under 30 days. Hosts are responsible for collecting and remitting this tax. Note: Airbnb remits state/county taxes but city-level TOT usually requires direct remittance to the Kent Tax Commissioner.
•Ohio has a state sales tax of 0.0575% that applies to STR rentals.

Limits & Restrictions(5)

•Kent occupancy calculation: Maximum of 2 unrelated persons per dwelling unit in most residential zones. Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.
•Kent limits STRs to a maximum of 2 guests. Formula: Maximum of 2 unrelated persons per dwelling unit in most residential zones
•Kent enforces quiet hours: 10pm - 7am.

Safety Requirements(1)

•Kent requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, fire inspection, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Smoke alarms in each bedroom and on every level, One fire extinguisher per habitable floor, Carbon monoxide detectors required if gas or attached garage, No upholstered furniture on exterior porches.

Penalties(3)

•Kent: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.
•Kent: Serious or repeated STR violations can result in criminal charges, not just fines.

Exemptions(2)

•Kent exempts the following from STR regulations: long-term rentals (30+ days), extended stays.
•Kent: Rentals of 30+ days are generally NOT considered short-term rentals and may be exempt from STR regulations (but may have other requirements).

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Disclaimer

Regulatory information is AI-researched 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.

Other Ohio Markets

Cincinnati

Ohio

Moderate

The City of Cincinnati requires all short-term rental operators to register annually and pay a $75 fee. The city imposes a 7% total tax (4% city excise + 3% county lodging tax) on stays under 30 days, which is typically collected by major platforms.

Permit required

0.1% total tax

Athens

Ohio

Moderate

Athens requires short-term rental operators to obtain an annual rental permit from the Office of Code Enforcement and pay a 3% city transient guest tax.

Permit required

0.1% total tax

Dayton

Ohio

Permissive

Dayton does not currently have specific short-term rental regulations or a dedicated permit system, though the city is actively monitoring the market for future legislation.

Permit required

0.1% total tax

Brooklyn

Ohio

Permissive

The City of Brooklyn, Ohio, does not currently have a dedicated ordinance governing short-term rentals (STRs). While STRs are unregulated at the municipal level, hosts must still comply with general building codes, noise ordinances, and municipal income tax requirements.

Kent

Baseline Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

4 Things Hosts Often Miss

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Regulation Details

Eligibility(5)

Requirements(12)

Application Process(8)

Fees & Costs(1)

Taxes(4)

Limits & Restrictions(5)

Safety Requirements(1)

Penalties(3)

Exemptions(2)

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Step-by-Step Application Guide

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Frequently Asked Questions

Related Content

Other Ohio Markets

Cincinnati

Athens

Dayton

Brooklyn

Kent

Baseline Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

4 Things Hosts Often Miss

Step-by-Step Application Guide

Upgrade to Pro

Frequently Asked Questions

1Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in Kent?

2What is the TOT tax rate in Kent?

3Are there occupancy limits for Kent short-term rentals?

4What are the penalties for non-compliance in Kent?

Related Content

Other Ohio Markets

Cincinnati

Athens

Dayton

Brooklyn