State guide · Ohio

Is rental arbitrage legal in Ohio?

Rental arbitrage can be legal in Ohio with the landlord's written consent and local compliance. Short-term rental rules in Ohio are set mainly by cities and HOAs. Columbus requires a city STR license, and for a unit nobody lives in, the owner must hold it. Mid-term stays of 30+ nights fall outside the Columbus license.

Summary reviewed October 2026. Not legal advice; confirm with the city before signing a lease.

State rules

What applies statewide.

Who regulatesCities, counties and HOAs

TaxesLocal lodging taxes apply to short stays (Columbus: 5.1%). State sales tax on lodging has applied to places with five or more rooms; confirm current treatment with the Ohio Department of Taxation.

Mid-term (30+ nights)Columbus defines an STR as a stay under 30 nights, and its lodging tax exempts stays longer than 30 days. Confirm with your city.

Landlord consentRequired. Subletting without written permission breaks most leases in every state.

Before you sign

Your checklist.

Written landlord consent covering STR, MTR or both
City permit or registration status for the address
HOA or condo bylaws reviewed
Tax accounts opened for state and local lodging taxes
STR liability insurance naming the landlord

Summary reviewed October 2026. Rules change; this is not legal advice. Confirm with the city before signing a lease.

Ohio markets

City-by-city rules and listings.

OhioColumbusLicense requiredNew guide·Rules checked Oct 2026

Ohio FAQ.

Is rental arbitrage legal in Ohio?

Yes, with landlord permission and local compliance. Short-term rental rules in Ohio are set mainly by cities and HOAs. Columbus requires a city STR license, and for a unit nobody lives in, the owner must hold it.

Do I need a permit for an Airbnb in Ohio?

It depends on the city. Columbus: license required. Mid-term stays of 30+ nights fall outside the Columbus license, but confirm with your city.

What taxes apply to short-term rentals in Ohio?

Local lodging taxes apply to short stays; Columbus charges 5.1%. State sales tax on lodging has applied to places with five or more rooms, so confirm current treatment with the Ohio Department of Taxation.

Sources.

Sources checked October 26, 2026. Codes and fees change; confirm the exact address with the city before signing.

State guideMissouri State guideTexas State guideTennessee State guideFlorida

Go further

Skip the napkin math. Get the real numbers.

Every listing on ArbiBase is landlord-approved and already underwritten with the Greenlight Engine.

See plans from $98/mo →Browse the deal board

Still deciding? Start small.

Standard is $98 a month with every listing already underwritten. Or have our team source a property for you.

Start with Standard · $98/mo →Request a Custom Search

Month to month · Cancel anytime