Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Stout, OH?

Explicit answer: The sources provided do not indicate any city- or township-specific prohibitions on short-term rentals (STRs) in Stout, Ohio. Short-term lodging operations appear to be allowed in Hocking County subject to standard county lodging (bed) tax rules, state tax obligations, and any applicable local zoning or HOA/POA restrictions. The primary regulatory requirements in the materials provided are tax-related at the county level.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in This Market

• Step 1 — Confirm local rules: While no Stout-specific ban is indicated, confirm with your local township zoning/land use department whether STRs are a permitted use at your property’s address, and review any HOA/POA covenants that could restrict short-term rentals.
• Step 2 — Register for lodging tax: Complete Hocking County’s Lodging Tax Registration and email it to lodgingtax@hocking.oh.gov as required. This registration covers all lodging establishments (hotels, motels, B&Bs, Airbnb/rentals, room rentals) offering sleeping accommodations to transient guests.
• Step 3 — Collect the county bed tax: The Hocking County bed tax rate is 6%. By rule, 3% is remitted to Hocking County and 3% to the local township in which the lodging is located.
• Step 4 — File monthly lodging excise tax returns: File a Monthly Lodging Excise Tax Return each month by the last day of the month following collection. The return must be USPS postmarked (not metered) by the due date to avoid late penalties.
• Step 5 — Make payments and deliver township portions: Pay the county portion online or by check to the County Treasurer; send the township portion (3%) to the applicable township fiscal officer, and include a copy of your return with your township submission.
• Step 6 — Maintain compliance: Keep records, monthly returns, and proof of payment for audits; monitor any local zoning updates or HOA enforcement policies that may affect STR operations.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

• Registration and Tax Forms:
  • Hocking County Lodging Tax Registration (complete and email)
  • Monthly Lodging Excise Tax Return (complete and file monthly)
• Lodging Tax Regulations:
  • Lodging Tax Regulations (as amended 11-7-23) govern collection, filing, penalties, and administration
• Local Zoning/Use Authorization:
  • Zoning approval for STR use, if applicable, is typically township-based; confirm with your township zoning authority
• HOA/POA Review:
  • Review governing documents to ensure short-term rentals are permitted; if restricted, you may need a variance, amendment, or alternative property structure

Specific Regulations and Fees

• Bed Tax Rate and Distribution:
  • 6% total bed tax on transient lodging; 3% to Hocking County, 3% to the local township
• Who Must Collect:
  • All lodging establishments offering sleeping accommodations to transient guests (including STRs such as Airbnb/VRBO and room rentals)
• Filing and Payment:
  • Monthly filing using the Monthly Lodging Excise Tax Return
  • Due date: last day of each month; USPS postmark required (no metered postmarks)
  • Late penalties apply to late filings
• Where to File:
  • County portion: Lodging Tax Office, or pay online (county portion)
  • Township portion: to the appropriate township fiscal officer
• Required Copies:
  • A copy of the tax return must be submitted to the local township as well as the county

State-Level Ohio Requirements

• Sales and Use Tax:
  • Ohio imposes sales and use tax on lodging (transient accommodation). STR operators should register with the Ohio Department of Taxation and collect/remit applicable sales tax. (Details and rates vary; confirm with the Department of Taxation.)
• Business Registration:
  • If operating as a business entity (LLC, corporation), register with the Ohio Secretary of State and obtain any required state business authorizations.

Contact Information and Filing Addresses

• Lodging Tax Administrator (Hocking County):
  • Josh Givens, Lodging Tax Administrator
  • Phone: (740) 380-4100
  • Email: lodgingtax@hocking.oh.gov
  • Office: Hocking County Lodging Tax Office, 93 West Hunter Street, Logan, OH 43138
• Online Payment:
  • Online lodging tax payment portal (for the county portion)
• County General Contacts:
  • Commissioners: (740) 385-5195
  • Auditor: (740) 385-2127
  • Treasurer: (740) 385-3517
  • Sheriff: (740) 385-2131
  • Elections: (740) 380-8683
• Township Filing:
  • Township checks are payable to the corresponding Township Fiscal Officer; submit the monthly return and township portion to the township.

Links to Source Pages

• Hocking County Lodging Tax — Frequently Asked Questions (core STR tax guidance and step-by-step instructions): hocking.oh.gov/lodgingtax/Frequently-Asked-Questions
• Hocking County Lodging Tax — Forms and Regulations (forms and regulations document): hocking.oh.gov/lodgingtax/Forms-and-Regulations

Notes:

• City- or township-specific STR zoning rules for Stout are not provided; operators should verify local land use/zoning with the relevant township zoning authority and confirm HOA/POA covenants before listing.
• For statewide tax registrations (sales and use tax), consult the Ohio Department of Taxation.