Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Waverly, Ohio?

YES - Short-term rentals are allowed in Waverly, Ohio. Based on the provided content, Pike County (which includes Waverly) has explicitly updated their lodging tax regulations to include short-term rentals, indicating that they are legally permitted to operate. Beginning January 1, 2024, all transient accommodations in Pike County, including Airbnb, VRBO, and other vacation rentals, are required to collect and remit lodging tax, which confirms their legal status in the market.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Waverly, Ohio

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Property Preparation

   • Ensure your property is suitable for short-term rental use
   • Consider properties with unique amenities that appeal to visitors (hot tubs, pools, scenic locations)

2. Registration Requirements

   • Register with Pike County Chamber of Commerce & Tourism (Visit Pike County)
   • Register with the Pike County Auditor's Office

3. Lodging Tax Registration

   • Complete lodging tax registration process (forms available on county websites)
   • Set up system to collect lodging tax from guests

4. Monthly Compliance

   • Submit monthly lodging tax reports to the county
   • Remit previous month's tax collections

5. Marketing and Distribution

   • List property on platforms like Airbnb, VRBO
   • Consider direct booking websites to maximize revenue
   • Market unique features and amenities

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Mandatory Registration:

• Lodging Tax Registration Form (available at www.visitpike.com/lodgingtax)
• County Auditor Registration (forms at www.pikeauditoroh.org)

Ongoing Requirements:

• Monthly Lodging Tax Report Forms (provided after registration)
• Record Keeping System for tracking guest stays and tax collections

Recommended Documentation:

• Property insurance documentation
• Safety certifications and inspections
• Local zoning compliance verification

Note: The provided content doesn't specify additional permits or licenses beyond lodging tax registration. However, investors should verify if any local zoning or building permits are required.

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Pike County (Including Waverly) - County-Level Regulations:

Lodging Tax Compliance (Effective January 1, 2024):

• Lodging tax applies to accommodations with any number of rooms
• Previously limited to "4 or more rooms," now expanded to include all transient accommodations
• Tax applies to stays of 30 days or less
• Monthly remittance required
• Same process used by hotels and motels since 1997

Tax Collection Requirements:

• Collect lodging tax from all guests
• Monthly reporting to Pike County
• Registration with both Tourism office and Auditor's office

Ohio State-Level Regulations:

Ohio Revised Code (ORC) 5739.091:

• State law that allows counties to levy lodging tax on transient accommodations
• Pike County has updated local regulations to be consistent with statewide standards

General Ohio STR Environment:

• Ohio markets are described as "generally less restrictive compared to some other regions"
• Favorable regulatory environment for short-term rental investments
• State supports tourism as economic development

City of Waverly - Local Regulations:

No specific city-level regulations were provided in the content. Waverly operates under Pike County regulations for short-term rentals.

Contact Information for Local Authority

Pike County Chamber of Commerce & Tourism (Visit Pike County)

• Physical Address: 12455 State Route 104, Waverly, Ohio 45690
• Phone: (740) 947-7715
• Tourism Development Director: Chandler Grooms
• Email: chandler@visitpike.com
• Website: www.visitpike.com
• Lodging Tax Information: www.visitpike.com/lodgingtax

Pike County Auditor's Office

• Website: www.pikeauditoroh.org

Social Media and Additional Contacts:

• Facebook: Visit Pike County (www.facebook.com/visitpike)
• Instagram: @visitpike

Source Links

1. Pike County Lodging Tax Regulations: www.visitpike.com/lodgingtax
2. Pike County Chamber & Tourism: www.visitpike.com
3. Pike County Auditor's Office: www.pikeauditoroh.org
4. Lodging Tax FAQ: www.visitpike.com/lodging-tax-faqs
5. Pike County Chamber Members: www.pikechamber.org/chamber-members-by-category
6. Appalachian Ohio Tourism: www.appalachianohio.com

Investment Considerations

Market Opportunities:

• Pike County is positioning for tourism growth following successful changes in neighboring Ross County
• Unique amenities and rural setting appeal to visitors seeking alternatives to urban accommodations
• Tourism funding supports marketing and infrastructure improvements that benefit STR operators

Compliance Reminders:

• Lodging tax registration is mandatory before beginning operations
• Monthly tax remittance is required and should be built into business processes
• Contact Chandler Grooms directly for specific registration questions and guidance

Next Steps:

1. Contact Chandler Grooms at chandler@visitpike.com to begin registration process
2. Register with Pike County Auditor's Office for tax remittance
3. Complete both registrations before accepting guests
4. Set up monthly reporting and tax collection processes

Note: While the provided content confirms that short-term rentals are allowed and provides tax compliance requirements, investors should verify if any additional local permits, zoning approvals, or safety certifications are required by contacting the city of Waverly directly.