Akron's Short-Term Rentals: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles short-term rentals a little differently. In Akron, Ohio, there are 6 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Parking Rules

STR guests in Akron must use available off-street parking. Operators must provide parking information to guests and ensure rentals do not create neighborhood parking congestion. On-street parking follows standard city rules.

Key details: Off-Street Parking: Guests should use available spaces. Operator Duty: Provide parking information to guests. Street Parking: Subject to standard city rules. Congestion: May trigger permit conditions.

Parking violations by STR guests may result in tickets and towing. Persistent parking complaints at STR properties may be considered during permit renewal.

Noise Rules

STR guests in Akron must comply with the city's noise ordinance (Chapter 135). Operators are responsible for informing guests about quiet hours (10 PM–7 AM) and ensuring guest behavior does not disturb neighbors.

Key details: Quiet Hours: 10 PM–7 AM. Operator Duty: Written notice to guests required. Tracking: Violations tracked by property address. Revocation Risk: 3+ complaints in 12 months.

Noise violations by STR guests result in citations against the property. Three or more substantiated noise complaints within a 12-month period may trigger permit review or revocation.

Insurance Requirements

Akron Title 11 Article 37 (Ordinance 291-2022) requires every short-term rental operator to provide proof of a valid liability insurance policy covering the rental as part of the annual registration certificate application. The ordinance text, rather than fixing a numeric coverage minimum, requires that the policy comply with the minimum limits established by the Department of Neighborhood Assistance Housing Division.

Key details: Code: Title 11 Article 37. Enabling Ordinance: 291-2022. Coverage Type: Liability policy required. Minimum Limit: Set by Housing Division. Filing: With registration application.

Operating without the proof of liability insurance required by Article 37 prevents issuance or renewal of the STR registration certificate. Continued operation without registration is enforceable under Article 37's escalating penalty structure ($100 first offense, escalating to $1,000 for a third violation within twelve months) and may result in suspension or revocation of the certificate by the Department of Neighborhood Assistance.

Occupancy Limits

Akron's short-term rental ordinance (Title 11, Article 37 of the Codified Ordinances, enacted by Ordinance 291-2022) caps overnight occupancy at two adults per bedroom plus four additional persons. Owner-applicants must declare bedroom count and maximum occupancy on the annual STR registration application filed with the Department of Neighborhood Assistance Housing Division.

Key details: Code: Title 11 Article 37. Enabling Ordinance: 291-2022. Occupancy Formula: 2 adults/bedroom + 4. Annual Permit Fee: $250. Renewal Deadline: January 31.

Exceeding the two-per-bedroom-plus-four cap or hosting unpermitted events violates Title 11 Article 37 and is enforced by the Akron Department of Neighborhood Assistance Housing Division. The city's published penalty schedule starts at $100 for a first offense, escalating to $1,000 for a third or subsequent violation within twelve months, and may include suspension or revocation of the STR registration certificate.

Permit Requirements

Akron requires short-term rental operators to register with the city and obtain an annual permit. Properties must pass a housing code inspection before receiving a permit. A 24-hour local contact within Akron is required for all STR listings.

Key details: Permit: Annual registration required. Inspection: Housing code inspection required. Local Contact: 24/7 within Akron city limits. Listing: Must display permit number. Occupancy: Based on bedroom count.

Operating an STR without a permit may result in fines and cease-and-desist orders. Properties failing inspection cannot operate until deficiencies are corrected. Repeat violations may lead to permit revocation.

Taxes & Fees

Akron STR operators must collect and remit lodging taxes on rental income. Summit County levies a lodging excise tax in addition to Ohio state sales tax. Operators must register with the Ohio Department of Taxation.

Key details: State Tax: Ohio sales tax required. County Tax: Summit County lodging excise tax. Registration: Ohio Department of Taxation vendor's license. Filing: Monthly or quarterly.

Failure to collect and remit taxes results in penalties, interest, and back-tax assessments. The state may revoke vendor's licenses for non-compliance.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Akron actively enforces its taxes & fees requirements.

The Bottom Line

Akron's short-term rentals rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Akron is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Akron can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.