Overview: Are short-term rentals allowed in Delaware, OH?

Short-term rentals are allowed in Delaware, Ohio. The city does not have ordinances that prohibit STRs. However, operators must comply with standard housing, building, safety, noise/nuisance, and zoning requirements that apply to all residential properties, and complete county-level registration and state-level tax obligations. The city also provides a short-term rental application form (PDF) through the Planning & Community Development department; investors should consult it and the city’s zoning code to confirm any local conditions and procedures for their specific property.

How to start a short-term rental business in Delaware, OH

1. Confirm zoning and land-use eligibility

• Verify that the property is in a zoning district that allows the proposed use. Contact Planning & Community Development or review the city zoning map and zoning code.
• If the property is in the Downtown Historic District, obtain a Certificate of Appropriateness for exterior work as required. Interior work for STR operations typically does not require the certificate unless exterior changes are proposed.

2. Review city licensing/registration requirements

• Complete the city’s Short-Term Rentals application/form and any related requirements (e.g., zoning approvals, neighbor-notice provisions if applicable). Download the form from the City’s Zoning & Development Forms page or request it from Planning & Community Development.

3. Complete county registration (Delaware County)

• Register the residential rental property with the Delaware County Auditor within 60 days after property transfer, upon receiving the property tax bill, or after any change in the contact information.
• Provide the property’s street address, parcel number, and a contact person who resides in Ohio. If the owner resides out-of-state, designate an Ohio resident as the contact person.
• Submit via mail or email to the Auditor’s Office (contact details below). Note: This is the County’s Residential Rental Property Registration, not a city license.

4. Set up tax collection and remittance

• Register with the Ohio Department of Taxation for sales tax and establish a remittance schedule for the state sales tax (currently 5.75%) on transient lodging.
• Register with Delaware County to collect and remit the county lodging tax (currently 6%).
• Ensure your booking and invoicing systems calculate and collect these taxes on every STR booking.

5. Safety, compliance, and property condition

• Ensure the property meets applicable building, fire, health, and safety standards that apply to residential rentals in the city and state.
• Adhere to noise, nuisance, parking, trash, and occupancy standards.
• If you plan to operate as a business entity, consider forming an LLC and securing appropriate landlord/STR insurance.

6. Listing and operations

• Align with the terms of your mortgage/lien holder, HOA, or lease covenants, as applicable.
• Be prepared to display any required registration/permit numbers on listing platforms if applicable, and keep documentation on-site.
• Maintain transparent guest communications and community standards.

7. Ongoing compliance

• Keep contact and ownership information current with the county; renew/confirm any city forms or approvals if requirements change.
• Continue collecting and remitting state sales tax and county lodging tax; maintain records in case of audit.

Required documents, permits, licenses, and guidelines

City-level

• Short-Term Rentals application/form (PDF) from Planning & Community Development. This may include supplemental approvals depending on zoning or location (e.g., Administrative Approval or Conditional Use for certain districts).
• Certificate of Appropriateness (if in the Downtown Historic District and exterior alterations are proposed).
• Any Zoning & Development workflow documents that apply to the property’s location and use.

County-level (Delaware County)

• Residential Rental Property Registration Form and required information:
  • Street address and parcel number of the rental.
  • Contact person’s name, Ohio address, and phone number (owner must designate an Ohio resident if the owner resides outside Ohio).
  • Submit by mail or email to the Auditor’s Office (see contact info below).

State-level (Ohio)

• Ohio sales tax registration and filing setup for transient lodging (current rate 5.75%).
• Employer withholding and federal compliance if applicable (e.g., if you hire cleaners, contractors, or staff).
• Ohio landlord-tenant code obligations to the extent they apply to short-stay guests under Ohio law.

General obligations

• Adherence to housing, building, fire, health, safety, noise, and nuisance standards.
• Compliance with any lease, HOA, or covenant provisions that govern STR operations.

Specific regulations for short-term rentals (city, county, and state)

City of Delaware, Ohio (local)

• Allowed: No specific city ban on STRs. Standard residential codes and city ordinances apply.
• Licensing/Registration: The city provides a Short-Term Rentals application form (PDF) on its Zoning & Development Forms page; confirm current requirements and any renewals with Planning & Community Development.
• Historic District: A Certificate of Appropriateness is required for exterior alterations in the Downtown Historic District.
• Zoning: Confirm zoning allowance and whether any administrative approvals, conditional use permits, or variances are required for STR operation at your property.

Delaware County (county-level)

• Residential Rental Property Registration (Ohio Revised Code § 5323.02): Owners must file specified property and contact information with the County Auditor within 60 days after property transfer, upon receipt of the property tax bill, or upon changes in the information.
• Contact Person Requirement: If the owner resides outside Ohio, a designated Ohio resident contact person is required.

State of Ohio (state-level)

• Taxes: State sales tax (currently 5.75%) applies to transient lodging; Delaware County lodging tax is 6% and must be collected and remitted to the county.
• Landlord-Tenant Obligations: Short-term rentals are subject to Ohio’s Residential Landlord-Tenant Code where applicable (e.g., habitability, maintenance, and remedies). Hosts should be prepared to address guest-related disputes and safety/maintenance obligations in a manner consistent with Ohio law.
• General Compliance: Building, fire, health, and safety codes applicable to residential dwellings apply to STRs.

Note: Some resources cover Ohio cities with separate permit regimes (e.g., Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati). Those city-specific rules do not apply to Delaware, Ohio unless expressly adopted here.

Local contacts and authorities

City of Delaware – Planning & Community Development

• Phone: (740) 203-1000
• Address: 140 S Sandusky St., Delaware, OH 43015
• Page: Zoning & Development Forms & Procedures (includes Short-Term Rentals form): www.delawareohio.net/government/departments/planning-community-development/forms-applications/zoning-development-forms
• Short-Term Rentals PDF direct link: www.delawareohio.net/home/showpublisheddocument/4806/638907655322370000

Delaware County Auditor’s Office – Residential Rental Property Registration

• Phone: (740) 833-2900
• Email: auditor@co.delaware.oh.us
• Mailing Address:
  • Delaware County Auditor’s Office
  • Rental Registration
  • 145 N Union St, 1st Floor
  • Delaware, OH 43015
• Registration FAQ: auditor.co.delaware.oh.us/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2020/05/RentalRegistration.pdf

City general contact

• City Hall: (740) 203-1000
• Website: www.delawareohio.net/

Links to source pages (and documents)

• City of Delaware Zoning & Development Forms & Procedures: www.delawareohio.net/government/departments/planning-community-development/forms-applications/zoning-development-forms
• City Short-Term Rentals Application PDF: www.delawareohio.net/home/showpublisheddocument/4806/638907655322370000
• City Planning & Community Development (Department page): www.delawareohio.net/government/departments/planning-community-development
• Delaware County Auditor – Residential Rental Property Registration FAQ and Form: auditor.co.delaware.oh.us/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2020/05/RentalRegistration.pdf
• GoSummer – Delaware, Ohio STR market overview and local tax notes (state sales tax 5.75%; county lodging tax 6%): www.gosummer.com/vacation-rental-management/delaware-ohio
• Steadily – Ohio STR laws summary (state-level): www.steadily.com/blog/airbnb-short-term-rental-laws-and-regulations-in-ohio

Practical guidance

• Begin with the city’s Short-Term Rentals form to confirm local expectations and any zoning or procedural nuances.
• Complete the county registration promptly after acquisition or when the property becomes a rental; designate an Ohio contact if you’re an out-of-state owner.
• Register to collect and remit Ohio state sales tax and Delaware County lodging tax before listing.
• Align your operations with housing and safety standards, noise/nuisance rules, and any HOA/lease covenants; consider forming an LLC and securing appropriate insurance to protect your investment.