Athens, OH local landlord rules
State law also applies. See Ohio landlord-tenant law.
Quick facts
| Topic | At a glance |
|---|---|
| Rental licensing / registration | Yes. |
| Short-term rentals (Airbnb) | Short-term rentals need the same city permit as other rentals: a rental dwelling, short-term rental or rooming house permit from the Offi… |
Details & sources
Rental licensing / registration
Yes. Any residential property rented out, or occupied by someone other than the owner for more than six months in a calendar year, needs a rental dwelling, short-term rental or rooming house permit from the Office of Code Enforcement (§ 29.03.01). The permit is issued after an inspection, made within 30 days of applying (§ 29.03.02). Applicants must show zoning compliance (§ 29.03.03), the permit states the maximum number of occupants (§ 29.03.04), and sellers must report a change of ownership within five days (§ 29.03.06). Permits are renewed every year on January 2, with a late fee if unpaid on March 1 (§ 29.03.07). Fees are set by ordinance, and permits issued after July 1 pay half (§ 29.03.08).
Verified Source: Athens City Code § 29.03.01, § 29.03.02, § 29.03.03, § 29.03.04, § 29.03.06, § 29.03.07, § 29.03.08 (amending ordinance text) · last checked 2026-10-16
Back to quick facts ↑Short-term rentals (Airbnb)
Short-term rentals need the same city permit as other rentals: a rental dwelling, short-term rental or rooming house permit from the Office of Code Enforcement, issued after an inspection and renewed every January 2 (§§ 29.03.01, 29.03.02, 29.03.07). Traditional hotels and motels are excluded.
Verified Source: Athens City Code § 29.03.01, § 29.03.02, § 29.03.07 (amending ordinance text) · last checked 2026-10-16
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