Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Columbus, MS

Airbnb listings are allowed in Columbus, MS, but with restrictions. Short-term rentals (STRs) are defined as residential dwellings or portions offered for rent for fewer than 30 consecutive days and are allowed only where listed in the City of Columbus Chart of Permitted Uses; some districts require Planning Commission permitted-use approval and Mayor & City Council approval. Operators must designate a Local Property Manager who resides in Lowndes County and is available 24/7, meet Columbus building/property-maintenance and life-safety code requirements, and post unit information (occupancy, parking, noise/trash rules, emergency contact and STR license/permit number) plus a small exterior sign with license number and contact info. A permit is required before you can host. These rules apply to all short-term rental platforms (Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, etc.) — not just Airbnb specifically. See the official source linked on this page for full requirements. Last verified 2026-05-14.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are defined as residential dwellings or portions offered for rent for fewer than 30 consecutive days and are allowed only where listed in the City of Columbus Chart of Permitted Uses; some districts require Planning Commission permitted-use approval and Mayor & City Council approval. Operators must designate a Local Property Manager who resides in Lowndes County and is available 24/7, meet Columbus building/property-maintenance and life-safety code requirements, and post unit information (occupancy, parking, noise/trash rules, emergency contact and STR license/permit number) plus a small exterior sign with license number and contact info.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Columbus. 1) Submit an STR application/permitted-use application to the Columbus Planning Department/Planning Commission including legal address and parcel ID, floor plan (bedrooms and occupancy), parking plan, trash plan, and owner and Local Property Manager contact details; pay the applicable Planning Commission/permitted-use application fee (fee schedule applies) or $125 where allowed by right. 2) Receive Planning Commission recommendation and, if required, Mayor & City Council approval; obtain a City Privilege License and register/remit state occupancy/tourism taxes. 3) Renew the STR permit annually (renewal fee stated as $50) and comply with inspections/code requirements and posting/yard-sign rules.

1) Submit an STR application/permitted-use application to the Columbus Planning Department/Planning Commission including legal address and parcel ID, floor plan (bedrooms and occupancy), parking plan, trash plan, and owner and Local Property Manager contact details; pay the applicable Planning Commission/permitted-use application fee (fee schedule applies) or $125 where allowed by right. 2) Receive Planning Commission recommendation and, if required, Mayor & City Council approval; obtain a City Privilege License and register/remit state occupancy/tourism taxes. 3) Renew the STR permit annually (renewal fee stated as $50) and comply with inspections/code requirements and posting/yard-sign rules.

Vrbo is permitted in Columbus, MS under the same restrictions that apply to Airbnb — local rules govern the rental itself, not the specific platform. You must hold a valid permit before hosting on Vrbo. Last verified 2026-05-14.

Short-term rental hosts in Columbus are typically responsible for lodging, occupancy, and applicable sales taxes — these usually apply even where hosting is allowed without a permit. Rates and remittance rules vary by jurisdiction (state, county, and city can each levy a share); confirm the current rates with the official source linked on this page. Platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo collect some taxes automatically, but the host remains liable for any not collected on their behalf.

We are not currently tracking any recent short-term rental ordinance changes for Columbus. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.