Columbus vs Washington DC

Ohio Legal with Permit | District of Columbia 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
Washington DC, District of Columbia
Status Legal but Limited
Permit Fee $104.50 for 2-year license
Tax Rate 14.5% combined (sales tax on accommodations + transient lodging tax)
Day Limit 90 days/year
Renewal Every 2 years
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $500 first violation; $2,000 second; $6,000 third + license revocation

Columbus has more favorable STR regulations overall.

Permits & Licensing

Columbus charges $75/year (primary residence); $150/year (non-primary) for STR licensing, while Washington DC charges $104.50 for 2-year license. Columbus renewal is annual, and Washington DC renewal is every 2 years. Overall, Columbus has a more permissive regulatory environment (Legal with Permit) compared to Washington DC (Legal but Limited).

Tax Obligations

In Columbus, hosts pay 5.1% Columbus lodging excise tax + 7.5% Ohio sales tax. In Washington DC, hosts pay 14.5% combined (sales tax on accommodations + transient lodging tax). Both cities benefit from automatic platform tax collection through Airbnb and similar services, simplifying compliance for hosts.

Day Limits & Restrictions

Washington DC 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 Washington DC, violations can result in $500 first violation; $2,000 second; $6,000 third + license revocation. 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 →

Washington DC Overview

Primary residence only (must qualify for Homestead Deduction). Hosted stays have no day cap. Vacation rentals (unhosted) capped at 90 nights/year. Must carry $250K liability insurance.

Contact: DC DLCP Short-Term Rental Hotline — (202) 221-8550

Full Washington DC guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it easier to Airbnb in Columbus or Washington DC?
Columbus is classified as "Legal with Permit" while Washington DC is "Legal but Limited." Columbus's permit fee is $75/year (primary residence); $150/year (non-primary) compared to $104.50 for 2-year license in Washington DC. Overall, Columbus has a more host-friendly regulatory environment.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Columbus or Washington DC?
Columbus charges 5.1% Columbus lodging excise tax + 7.5% Ohio sales tax, while Washington DC charges 14.5% combined (sales tax on accommodations + transient lodging tax).
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Columbus: Up to $250 fine and/or 30 days imprisonment per violation. Washington DC: $500 first violation; $2,000 second; $6,000 third + license revocation. Both cities actively enforce STR regulations, so proper licensing is essential.
Do Columbus and Washington DC have day limits for Airbnb?
Columbus has no annual day limit. Washington DC limits STRs to 90 nights per year.
Which city is better for first-time Airbnb hosts — Columbus or Washington DC?
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. Washington DC charges $104.50 for 2-year license with 14.5% combined (sales tax on accommodations + transient lodging tax). Automatic tax collection in Columbus and Washington DC makes compliance easier for beginners.