Are you interested in using your residence as a short-term rental on a home sharing platform?

If so, starting today, you will be required to first obtain a short-term rental permit from the city of Columbus Licensing Section.

“Short-term rentals offer an important service for visitors to Columbus. The licensing allows us to make sure the needs of neighborhoods, hosts and guests are able to be addressed,” said Mayor Andrew J. Ginther.

To get a valid permit, applicants must apply in person at the Department of Public Safety License Section at 4252 Grove Road.

Applicants must submit a signed and notarized Short-Term Rental Application and pay the related fees, according to city officials.

The Application fee is $20.

The permit cost for a person’s primary residence is $75 per calendar year. The permit cost for any non-primary residence is $150 each per calendar year.

The Short-Term Rental Application requires proof of ID, general liability insurance, a copy of the lease agreement for short-term rental and confirmation that the host and short-term rental are in compliance with all applicable local, state and federal laws and regulations, according to city officials.

Renters are encouraged to obtain licenses immediately, but fines will not be implemented for a one-month grace period.

For more information, including documents for the Short-Term Rental Application, Background, please visit the city of Columbus Licensing Section website.