10 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 1 city in Hamilton County, Ohio.
Verified from official government sources
Hamilton County itself issues no short-term-rental operating permit. Whether you need one depends on your city, village, or township. Cincinnati, the county seat, does require a city registration before you operate an STR.
Hamilton County sets no STR-specific noise rule. Guests must follow your city or township's general noise ordinance and quiet hours. Cincinnati expects STR operators to ensure guests comply with local nuisance and noise laws.
This is the real county-level rule. Ohio law (ORC 5739.09) lets a county levy a lodging excise tax, and Hamilton County's total lodging tax is 7.5%, charged to every transient guest. Cincinnati adds its own 7% STR excise tax.
ORC 5739.09(A)(1)
A board of county commissioners may, by resolution adopted by a majority of the members of the board, levy an excise tax not to exceed three per cent on transactions by which lodging by a hotel is or is to be furnished to transient guests.
Hamilton County imposes no short-term-rental parking rule. Off-street parking, driveway, and on-street limits are set by your city or township zoning code. Check Cincinnati or your suburb's parking and residential-use standards.
Hamilton County sets no STR occupancy cap. Cincinnati limits guests by bedroom and floor area: a studio caps at 2 guests, and rooms allow 2 guests per bedroom with square-footage minimums for larger groups. Other suburbs vary.
Hamilton County does not mandate short-term-rental insurance. Cincinnati's registration requires building, safety, and fire-code certification rather than a set liability policy. Hosts should still carry adequate coverage and check platform protections.
Hamilton County places no cap on the number of nights a property may be rented short-term. Cincinnati's registration does not impose an annual night limit. Any night cap would be a specific municipal ordinance.
Hamilton County has no county-wide STR registry. Cincinnati requires all operators to register each unit with the City before operating; registration lasts three years and is non-transferable. Other suburbs set their own rules.
Hamilton County does not require a host to be present during a short-term stay. Cincinnati permits whole-home, unhosted rentals once registered but requires a local contact reachable to respond to issues. Suburbs may differ.
Hamilton County does not require STRs to be an owner's primary residence. Cincinnati allows non-owner-occupied and investor STRs so long as they register. Any primary-residence limit would come from a specific city or township.
1 cities in Hamilton County have their own short-term rentals rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
See every category we cover for Hamilton County — parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.
Hamilton County Ordinance Hub →