Columbus vs Nashville

Ohio Legal with Permit | Tennessee 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
Nashville, Tennessee
Status Legal but Limited
Permit Fee $313 permit fee
Tax Rate 6% Short-Term Rental Property Tax + state/local sales tax
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $50/day for operating without permit; civil penalties up to $500,000 for repeated violations

Columbus has more favorable STR regulations overall.

Permits & Licensing

Columbus charges $75/year (primary residence); $150/year (non-primary) for STR licensing, while Nashville charges $313 permit fee. Columbus renewal is annual, and Nashville renewal is annual. Overall, Columbus has a more permissive regulatory environment (Legal with Permit) compared to Nashville (Legal but Limited).

Tax Obligations

In Columbus, hosts pay 5.1% Columbus lodging excise tax + 7.5% Ohio sales tax. In Nashville, hosts pay 6% Short-Term Rental Property Tax + state/local sales tax. Both cities benefit from automatic platform tax collection through Airbnb and similar services, simplifying compliance for hosts.

Day Limits & Restrictions

Neither city imposes an annual day limit on short-term rentals, giving hosts year-round flexibility.

Fines & Enforcement

Hosts operating without a permit in Columbus face penalties including Up to $250 fine and/or 30 days imprisonment per violation. In Nashville, violations can result in $50/day for operating without permit; civil penalties up to $500,000 for repeated violations. 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 →

Nashville Overview

Owner-occupied permits allowed in all zones. Non-owner-occupied permits frozen — no new applications accepted in most residential zones since 2015. Existing non-owner permits are non-transferable.

Contact: Nashville Codes Department — (615) 862-6590

Full Nashville guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it easier to Airbnb in Columbus or Nashville?
Columbus is classified as "Legal with Permit" while Nashville is "Legal but Limited." Columbus's permit fee is $75/year (primary residence); $150/year (non-primary) compared to $313 permit fee in Nashville. Overall, Columbus has a more host-friendly regulatory environment.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Columbus or Nashville?
Columbus charges 5.1% Columbus lodging excise tax + 7.5% Ohio sales tax, while Nashville charges 6% Short-Term Rental Property Tax + state/local sales tax.
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Columbus: Up to $250 fine and/or 30 days imprisonment per violation. Nashville: $50/day for operating without permit; civil penalties up to $500,000 for repeated violations. Both cities actively enforce STR regulations, so proper licensing is essential.
Do Columbus and Nashville have day limits for Airbnb?
Columbus has no annual day limit. Nashville has no annual day limit.
Which city is better for first-time Airbnb hosts — Columbus or Nashville?
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. Nashville charges $313 permit fee with 6% Short-Term Rental Property Tax + state/local sales tax. Automatic tax collection in Columbus and Nashville makes compliance easier for beginners.