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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Ross County, OH

Last verified: 2026-05-14 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

Short-term rentals must register with the Ross County Auditor to collect and remit quarterly lodging excise taxes. In the City of Chillicothe, operators must also obtain a Transient Business License and comply with Chapter 725 of the Codified Ordinances.

How to Obtain a Permit

1. Register the property with the Ross County Auditor by submitting the Lodging Tax Registration form to the Ross-Chillicothe Convention & Visitors Bureau. 2. Apply for a Transient Business License through the Chillicothe Mayor's Office, providing a state vendor number and paying the $35/day fee. 3. Remit lodging taxes quarterly to the Ross County Auditor.

Official Resources

Official Ross County STR regulation source

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Airbnbs legal in Ross County, OH?
Yes — Airbnb and other short-term rentals are allowed in Ross County, OH, but operators must obtain a permit before listing. Short-term rentals must register with the Ross County Auditor to collect and remit quarterly lodging excise taxes. In the City of Chillicothe, operators must also obtain a Transient Business License and comply with Chapter 725 of the Codified Ordinances. "Airbnb" is a brand name; the rules on this page apply to all short-term rental platforms (Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, etc.). See the official source linked on this page for full requirements. Last verified 2026-05-14.
Are short-term rentals allowed in Ross County, OH?
Short-term rentals must register with the Ross County Auditor to collect and remit quarterly lodging excise taxes. In the City of Chillicothe, operators must also obtain a Transient Business License and comply with Chapter 725 of the Codified Ordinances.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Ross County?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Ross County. 1. Register the property with the Ross County Auditor by submitting the Lodging Tax Registration form to the Ross-Chillicothe Convention & Visitors Bureau. 2. Apply for a Transient Business License through the Chillicothe Mayor's Office, providing a state vendor number and paying the $35/day fee. 3. Remit lodging taxes quarterly to the Ross County Auditor.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Ross County?
1. Register the property with the Ross County Auditor by submitting the Lodging Tax Registration form to the Ross-Chillicothe Convention & Visitors Bureau. 2. Apply for a Transient Business License through the Chillicothe Mayor's Office, providing a state vendor number and paying the $35/day fee. 3. Remit lodging taxes quarterly to the Ross County Auditor.
Is Vrbo legal in Ross County, OH?
Yes. Vrbo operates under the same short-term rental rules as Airbnb in Ross County, OH, since regulations apply to the rental activity rather than the booking platform. A permit is required before you list on Vrbo or any other platform. Last verified 2026-05-14.
What taxes do short-term rental hosts pay in Ross County?
Short-term rental hosts in Ross County 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.
What is the latest short-term rental ordinance change in Ross County?
We are not currently tracking any recent short-term rental ordinance changes for Ross County. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.

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: 2026-05-14 · Suggest a correction