Columbus, OH Short-Term Rentals: Primary-Residence-Only Rule (2026)

City Code § 598.04(B) requires a short-term rental host to be either the dwelling's owner or a 'permanent occupant.' Under § 598.01(R), a permanent occupant is someone who resides in the dwelling more than 51% of the calendar year; that dwelling becomes their 'primary residence' as defined in § 598.01(T), documented by two of: vehicle registration, driver's license, tax records, lease, or utility bill. Because ownership alone satisfies the host requirement, Columbus does not confine short-term rentals to owner-occupied primary residences, a non-resident owner can still obtain a Chapter 598 permit, subject to the application, background-check, and calls-for-service rules.