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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Cincinnati, OH

Last verified: March 2026 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

STRs are residential units rented for fewer than 30 days. Registration is required prior to operation, with building caps applied: no limit for buildings with 4 or fewer units, and one additional STR allowed for every 4 additional units. Operators must post the registration number and a Short Term Rental Advisory in the unit and maintain records for 3 years.

How to Obtain a Permit

1. Submit an online application via the City's OpenCounter portal including unit details and operator contact info. 2. Pay the $250 registration fee at the time of application. 3. Upon approval (within 30 days), print and display the permit and advisory in the unit. Registration must be renewed every 3 years.

Regulatory Updates — Cincinnati

Proposed and recent legislation

PassedNovember 2022

Cincinnati Rental Dwelling License for STRs

City requires annual rental dwelling license for all STRs; safety inspection, egress compliance, smoke/CO detector requirements, and basic habitability standards must be met.

PassedJune 2024

Hamilton County Tourism Tax STR Registration

County updated tourism tax to explicitly cover STRs; operators must register with the county finance office and remit collected taxes monthly.

ProposedOctober 2025

Ohio HB 329 Statewide STR Licensing

Proposed Ohio legislation would create a statewide STR licensing framework; may modify or supplement Cincinnati's current rental dwelling license requirements. Status pending in the Ohio General Assembly.

Official Resources

Official Cincinnati STR regulation source

Local Resources & Advocacy

Cincinnati USA TourismLocal

Local tourism organization supporting Cincinnati's hospitality sector including vacation rental operators who accommodate visitors to attractions and events.

Ohio Hotel and Lodging AssociationStatewide

Statewide lodging industry association that monitors Ohio STR legislation including HB 329 and provides guidance for compliant operations.

Vacation Rental Management AssociationNational

National trade association offering education, advocacy, and resources for professional vacation rental managers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in Cincinnati, OH?
STRs are residential units rented for fewer than 30 days. Registration is required prior to operation, with building caps applied: no limit for buildings with 4 or fewer units, and one additional STR allowed for every 4 additional units. Operators must post the registration number and a Short Term Rental Advisory in the unit and maintain records for 3 years.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Cincinnati?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Cincinnati. 1. Submit an online application via the City's OpenCounter portal including unit details and operator contact info. 2. Pay the $250 registration fee at the time of application. 3. Upon approval (within 30 days), print and display the permit and advisory in the unit. Registration must be renewed every 3 years.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Cincinnati?
1. Submit an online application via the City's OpenCounter portal including unit details and operator contact info. 2. Pay the $250 registration fee at the time of application. 3. Upon approval (within 30 days), print and display the permit and advisory in the unit. Registration must be renewed every 3 years.
What does Cincinnati require for STR operation?
An annual city rental dwelling license with safety inspection (egress compliance, smoke/CO detectors, habitability standards) plus Hamilton County tourism tax registration and monthly remittance. License must be displayed in the property.
What taxes apply to Cincinnati STRs?
Ohio state sales tax (5.75%) and Hamilton County tourism tax apply. Register with the Ohio Department of Taxation and Hamilton County. Airbnb and VRBO may collect and remit state and local taxes on your behalf — verify your platform tax arrangement.
Could Ohio state legislation change Cincinnati's STR requirements?
Possibly. Ohio HB 329 proposes a statewide STR licensing framework that could supplement or modify city-level requirements. If enacted, Cincinnati operators may need to comply with both city and state licensing. Monitor the Ohio General Assembly for updates.
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Disclaimer

This information is for general reference only and may not reflect the most current regulations. STR regulations change frequently. Always verify requirements with official local government sources before operating a short-term rental.

Last verified: March 2026 · Suggest a correction