Columbus vs Detroit

Ohio Legal with Permit | Michigan Legal but Limited

Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.

Columbus, Ohio
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee $75/year (primary residence); $150/year (non-primary)
Tax Rate 5.1% Columbus lodging excise tax + 7.5% Ohio sales tax
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine Up to $250 fine and/or 30 days imprisonment per violation
Detroit, Michigan
Status Legal but Limited
Permit Fee $500 annual license fee
Tax Rate 6% Michigan use tax + 6% Detroit Accommodations Tax (12% combined)
Day Limit 90 days/year
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine Up to $1,000–$1,200 per violation for unlicensed operation

Columbus has more favorable STR regulations overall.

Permits & Licensing

Columbus charges $75/year (primary residence); $150/year (non-primary) for STR licensing, while Detroit charges $500 annual license fee. Columbus renewal is annual, and Detroit renewal is annual. Overall, Columbus has a more permissive regulatory environment (Legal with Permit) compared to Detroit (Legal but Limited).

Tax Obligations

In Columbus, hosts pay 5.1% Columbus lodging excise tax + 7.5% Ohio sales tax. In Detroit, hosts pay 6% Michigan use tax + 6% Detroit Accommodations Tax (12% combined). Both cities benefit from automatic platform tax collection through Airbnb and similar services, simplifying compliance for hosts.

Day Limits & Restrictions

Detroit imposes a 90-night annual limit, while Columbus has no annual cap — a significant advantage for high-volume hosts.

Fines & Enforcement

Hosts operating without a permit in Columbus face penalties including Up to $250 fine and/or 30 days imprisonment per violation. In Detroit, violations can result in Up to $1,000–$1,200 per violation for unlicensed operation. Both cities actively enforce their STR regulations, so securing proper licensing before listing is essential in either market.

Columbus Overview

Governed by Columbus Code Chapter 598; BCI background check required. Properties must be in eligible zoning district.

Contact: Dept. of Building and Zoning Services — (614) 645-8366

Full Columbus guide →

Detroit Overview

90-day annual rental cap; max 10 guests at any time; principal residence requirement. Liability insurance required and properties must pass safety inspection.

Contact: BSEED — (313) 224-2733

Full Detroit guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it easier to Airbnb in Columbus or Detroit?
Columbus is classified as "Legal with Permit" while Detroit is "Legal but Limited." Columbus's permit fee is $75/year (primary residence); $150/year (non-primary) compared to $500 annual license fee in Detroit. Overall, Columbus has a more host-friendly regulatory environment.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Columbus or Detroit?
Columbus charges 5.1% Columbus lodging excise tax + 7.5% Ohio sales tax, while Detroit charges 6% Michigan use tax + 6% Detroit Accommodations Tax (12% combined).
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Columbus: Up to $250 fine and/or 30 days imprisonment per violation. Detroit: Up to $1,000–$1,200 per violation for unlicensed operation. Both cities actively enforce STR regulations, so proper licensing is essential.
Do Columbus and Detroit have day limits for Airbnb?
Columbus has no annual day limit. Detroit limits STRs to 90 nights per year.
Which city is better for first-time Airbnb hosts — Columbus or Detroit?
For new hosts, consider the total cost of entry: Columbus charges $75/year (primary residence); $150/year (non-primary) for permits with 5.1% Columbus lodging excise tax + 7.5% Ohio sales tax in taxes. Detroit charges $500 annual license fee with 6% Michigan use tax + 6% Detroit Accommodations Tax (12% combined). Automatic tax collection in Columbus and Detroit makes compliance easier for beginners.