Columbia Short Term Rental Regulation: A Guide For Airbnb Hosts

What are short term rental (Airbnb, VRBO) regulations in Columbia, South Carolina?

Short term rental regulations in Columbia, South Carolina are found in the city's ordinances and codes. On April 4, 2023, Columbia City Council approved Ordinance 2023-037 establishing permitting requirements for short term rentals, defined as rentals of 30 days or less3.

The ordinance went into effect on May 4, 2023. Under the new rules, all short term rental hosts in Columbia need to obtain an annual permit from the city for each rental unit. Current hosts had 120 days from May 4 to get permitted.

Starting a Short Term Rental Business in Columbia

To start a short-term rental business in Columbia, follow these steps:

Research local regulations: Understand the zoning codes, planning codes, and ordinances that apply to your property. You can find more information on the City of Columbia's website or consult with local real estate forums and communities.

Obtain necessary permits and licenses: Ensure you have the appropriate permits and licenses to operate your short-term rental property. This may include obtaining a business license, occupancy permit, or other necessary permits.

Prepare your property: Make sure your property is clean, well-maintained, and complies with all local regulations. This may include meeting safety standards, fire safety requirements, and other building code requirements.

Set up your rental agreement: Draft a comprehensive rental agreement that outlines the terms and conditions of your rental, including payment terms, cancellation policies, and other relevant details.

Advertise your property: Promote your short-term rental property through various channels, such as online listing platforms, social media, and local marketing.

Short Term Rental Licensing Requirement in Columbia

In Columbia, South Carolina, the regulations for short-term rentals have recently been updated, and it is essential for hosts to comply with the new requirements. As of May 4, 2023, all short-term rentals in Columbia require a permit from the city, including listings on platforms like Airbnb and VRBO. The City of Columbia's Code Enforcement Division is now accepting applications for the required short-term rental (STR) property permit and license. Current operators have 120 days from the effective date to comply with the new ordinance. The annual permit costs $100 per unit for owner-occupied properties and $250 per unit for non-owner-occupied properties, with a $50 annual application fee. The permit must be renewed annually, and all current short-term rentals must comply with the new ordinance within the specified timeframe. The city has also provided a FAQ sheet that includes permit and license costs, permit requirements, and the renewal process, along with contact information for the Code Enforcement Division to assist hosts in navigating the new process248.

The new regulations aim to track the number and location of short-term rentals in the city, allowing the authorities to make informed decisions about further actions. While the city has taken steps to regulate short-term rentals, some concerns have been raised about the potential impact of an excess of Airbnbs concentrating in certain areas, leading to issues such as noise, parties, and the overall quality of life in neighborhoods37.

It is important for individuals interested in starting a short-term rental business in Columbia to be aware of these regulations and to ensure compliance to avoid potential penalties. The city's efforts to regulate short-term rentals reflect a broader trend of increased oversight and regulation in the short-term rental market. Therefore, hosts should stay informed about the evolving regulatory landscape and seek guidance from the appropriate local authorities to operate their short-term rentals in compliance with the law.

Required Documents for Columbia Short Term Rentals

In Columbia, South Carolina, short-term rental properties are required to obtain specific documents and permits to operate legally. The necessary requirements include:

Short-term rental permit: As of May 4, 2023, all short-term rentals in Columbia must have a permit from the city. The cost of the permit is $100 per year for owner-occupied units and $250 per year for non-owner-occupied units, with a non-refundable $50 annual application fee15.

Business license: In addition to the short-term rental permit, you will need a business license for your property5.

Certificate of occupancy: Ensure that your property meets all building and safety standards, and obtain a certificate of occupancy from the local authorities3.

Tax registration: Short-term rental hosts in South Carolina need to charge and remit sales and lodging taxes to the state5.

It is essential to keep these documents up-to-date and ensure compliance with local regulations to avoid potential penalties. For more information on the required documents and permits, you can refer to the City of Columbia's website or contact local authorities1

Columbia Short Term Rental Taxes

In Columbia, South Carolina, short-term rental properties are subject to various taxes, including property taxes, hotel taxes, and potentially other local taxes. Hosts are required to charge and remit sales and lodging taxes to the state. The city has been working on developing and implementing ordinances to regulate short-term rentals, and the recent passage of Ordinance No: 2023-037 has established new regulations for short-term rentals, including tax requirements. Hosts should stay informed about the evolving regulatory landscape and seek guidance from the appropriate local authorities to ensure compliance with tax obligations35.

South Carolina wide Short Term Rental Rules

In Columbia, South Carolina, the recent passage of Ordinance No: 2023-037 has established new regulations for short-term rentals (STRs), which are defined as rentals of 30 days or less. The ordinance, effective as of May 4, 2023, requires operators to obtain a permit from the city to list or rent out short-term rentals. The nonrefundable application fee and annual permit costs are $50 and $100 per unit for owner-occupied properties, and $250 per unit for non-owner-occupied properties. The city has also limited the number of rental reservations to one at a time for each short-term rental unit. The regulations are designed to strike a balance between the interests of long-term residents and the local short-term rental industry. The city's Code Enforcement Division is now accepting applications for the required short-term rental property permit and license, and current operators have 120 days from the effective date to comply with the new ordinance12.

Columbia is not alone among South Carolina communities in regulating short-term rentals. In fact, among the state’s 10 largest cities, the capital was the seventh to get an STR law on the books. Some ordinances are much stricter than in Columbia. In Charleston, which passed its STR law in 2018, all short-term rental operators must live in their properties and be present for guests’ stays. Charleston restricts what types of buildings can be rented out for short terms in different zones of South Carolina. STRs are also subject to state and local sales and lodging taxes, which are administered by the state2.

The new rules also specify that it is unlawful to rent, offer for rent, or advertise for rent a dwelling unit located in unincorporated Columbia County without a permit. The regulations aim to promote tourism and economic development while addressing concerns related to the concentration of short-term rentals in certain areas, which can lead to issues such as noise, parties, and the overall quality of life in neighborhoods2.These regulations reflect a broader trend of increased oversight and regulation in the short-term rental market. It is crucial for individuals interested in operating short-term rentals in Columbia to be aware of and comply with these regulations to avoid potential penalties. The city's efforts to regulate short-term rentals are in line with similar initiatives in other South Carolina communities, indicating a growing trend of oversight and control in the short-term rental industry2.

Does Columbia strictly enforce STR rules?

Columbia, South Carolina, has recently introduced new regulations for short-term rentals (STRs), which are defined as rentals of 30 days or less. The city has passed an ordinance requiring operators to obtain a permit from the city to list or rent out short-term rentals, and the rules aim to balance the interests of long-term residents and the local STR industry2.

While the city has taken steps to regulate short-term rentals, it is essential to note that the enforcement of STR rules in Columbia may vary. Some hosts have expressed concerns about the city's enforcement efforts, but individual experiences may differ. The new regulations are part of a broader trend of increased oversight and regulation in the short-term rental market, and hosts should stay informed about the evolving regulatory landscape to operate their short-term rentals in compliance with the law2.

How to Start a Short Term Rental Business in Columbia?

To start a short-term rental business in Columbia, South Carolina, follow these steps:

Obtain necessary permits and licenses: Apply for a short-term rental permit from the city, which costs $100 per year for owner-occupied units and $250 per year for non-owner-occupied units, with a $50 annual application fee12. You will also need a business license for your property2.

Prepare your property: Ensure your property is clean, well-maintained, and complies with all local regulations, including building and safety standards1.

Draft a comprehensive rental agreement: Outline the terms and conditions of your rental, including payment terms, cancellation policies, and other relevant details2.

Advertise your property: Promote your short-term rental property through various channels, such as online listing platforms, social media, and local marketing2.

Comply with local regulations: Adhere to the city's rules, such as limiting rental reservations to one at a time for each unit4.

By following these steps and ensuring compliance with local regulations, you can successfully launch and operate a short-term rental business in Columbia.

Who to contact in Columbia about Short Term Rental Regulations and Zoning?

For questions about Columbia's short term rental ordinance, permitting, and zoning, contact:Columbia Police Department Short Term Rental Office
Phone: (803) 545-3500
Email: shorttermrental@columbiasc.gov

What do Airbnb hosts in Columbia on Reddit and Bigger Pockets think about local regulations?

Hosts seem moderately satisfied but some feel the $250 non-owner-occupied permit fee is excessive. Most comply but some skirt the rules when possible.

Overall the ordinance is seen as a reasonable compromise between different interests.Copy LinkShareRewrite this answerRewriteInaccurate or unhelpfulView SourcesCopyEdit Query