What are the key requirements for Athens hosts?

The local emergency contact MUST live in Athens County.

What are the permit fees in Athens?

Property owners living more than 50 miles away must pay an extra $25 annual fee per unit.

What are the key requirements for Athens hosts?

City transient taxes (3%) must be remitted manually to the Auditor; platforms do not always handle this portion.

What zoning rules apply to STRs in Athens?

Rentals in R-1 and R-2 zones are strictly limited to 3 unrelated persons regardless of house size.

Athens, Ohio Short-Term Rental Compliance Guide

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Regulation details

Sourced from official code

Eligibility5 rules

Athens: You can have a co-host or property manager help manage your listing.
Athens: Your HOA can prohibit short-term rentals even if the city allows them. Check your CC&Rs before applying.
Athens allows tenants to host STRs. Requirements: Tenants must have written owner consent and obtain a permit
Athens allows STRs in the following property types: Single Family, Multi-Family, Condo, Townhouse.

Requirements12 rules

Athens STR warning: City transient taxes (3%) must be remitted manually to the Auditor; platforms do not always handle this portion.
Athens STR warning: Rentals in R-1 and R-2 zones are strictly limited to 3 unrelated persons regardless of house size.
Athens STR warning: Property owners living more than 50 miles away must pay an extra $25 annual fee per unit.

Application process9 rules

Athens STR permit - Step 3: Submit Permit Application and Fee. Complete the Short Term Rental permit application with the Office of Code Enforcement and pay the annual fee. Required documents: Proof of Insurance, Local Contact Information. Time: 1-2 weeks. Cost: 175.

Fees & costs2 rules

Athens charges a registration fee of $175 (annual). Extended/additional fee: $25 (Additional fee per unit for owners residing 50+ miles outside the city (Ord 0-94-25)).
Athens: Property owners living more than 50 miles away must pay an extra $25 annual fee per unit.

Taxes4 rules

Athens charges a Transient Guest Tax of 0.03%. This applies to stays under 30 days. Hosts are responsible for collecting and remitting this tax. Note: Operators must remit quarterly to the City Auditor; electronic remittance is not currently accepted.
Ohio has a state sales tax of 0.0575% that applies to STR rentals.

Limits & restrictions4 rules

Athens: Rentals in R-1 and R-2 zones are strictly limited to 3 unrelated persons regardless of house size.
Athens enforces quiet hours: 10pm-7am.
Athens limits stays to a maximum of 29 nights.
Athens occupancy calculation: 70 sq ft for the first occupant; 50 sq ft for each additional occupant (ACC 29.17.02). Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.

Safety requirements1 rule

Athens requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, fire inspection, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, 10-year non-replaceable battery smoke detectors, Annually inspected 2A10BC fire extinguisher, Local emergency contact must reside in Athens County.

Penalties3 rules

Athens: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.
Athens enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: $150 fine. Second offense: Variable fine based on code section. Third offense: Permit revocation. Permit may be revoked for violations. Criminal penalties may apply.

Exemptions2 rules

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

Athens

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Frequently asked questions

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Summary

Restriction level

Why this classification

In plain English

At a glance

4 things hosts often miss

Regulation details

How to get permitted

Upgrade to Pro

Frequently asked questions

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

2What is the TOT tax rate in Athens?

3Are there residency requirements for Athens hosts?

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

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