Ohio REALTORS® Testify on Short-Term Rental Bills in House Committee
By Anastasia Kotkovskaya, Director of Advocacy & Research
Ohio REALTORS® provided testimony this week before the House Development Committee on two bills that would significantly impact short-term rentals across the state: House Bill 109 and House Bill 161.
As communities across Ohio continue to debate how short-term rentals should be regulated and taxed, these proposals reflect two different approaches to balancing private property rights and local control.
House Bill 109: Supporting Property Rights, Raising Tax Concerns
In interested party testimony on HB 109, Ohio REALTORS® expressed support for provisions that protect private property rights, particularly language that would limit the ability of local governments to ban or severely restrict short-term rentals.
These protections come at a time when more and more communities are adopting regulations that can limit how homeowners use their property:
These private property protections are needed now more than ever as we have seen an uptick in local ordinances infringing on private property rights by limiting or outright banning the use of their residences as short-term rentals. It is important to note, HB 109 ensures that local governments can continue to have control over public nuisance and safety requirements of these properties. Every Ohioan should be able to use and enjoy their property as they wish, without excessive government intrusions and this legislation attempts to protect those private property rights.
Ohio REALTORS® also raised concerns about provisions expanding the sales and use tax to short-term rentals. Increasing the tax burden could make these properties less attractive to visitors and reduce their viability for homeowners.
House Bill 161: Opposing New Tax Burdens on Short-Term Rentals
Ohio REALTORS® submitted opponent testimony on HB 161, which would expand the sales tax to short-term rentals more broadly.
In testimony, Ohio REALTORS® emphasized that short-term rentals play a key role in supporting tourism, small businesses, and local economies. Adding significant new taxes could make Ohio less competitive and reduce lodging options for visitors.
According to fiscal analysis, the proposal could add up to $90 million in additional tax burden to short-term rental operators. Ohio REALTORS® expressed this concern in their testimony:
This policy would disproportionately affect Ohio homeowners who rely on short-term rentals as a source of supplemental income. By making this model financially unviable, HB 161 could result in the closure of countless rental operations, thereby reducing available lodging options, eliminating entrepreneurial opportunities, and undermining economic activity in tourism-dependent communities.
Why This Matters
Short-term rentals continue to be an important tool for homeowners and communities across Ohio. They:
- Provide supplemental income for property owners
- Support local tourism and small businesses
- Expand lodging options in areas with limited hotel capacity
Ohio REALTORS® will continue working with lawmakers to support policies that protect private property rights while ensuring fair and balanced approaches to taxation and regulation.
Anastasia Kotkovskaya
Director, Advocacy & Research
Supports Ohio REALTORS®’ legislative, regulatory, and political initiatives at the Ohio Statehouse, conducting public policy research, collaborating with stakeholders, and developing advocacy resources to keep members informed of advocacy efforts. She provides regular legislative updates through Capitol Connections and The Latest Political Buzz, and hosts the Policy Talks podcast to provide insights on key political developments. She also serves as the staff liaison for the Political Advocacy Fund Committee.
Learn more about Anastasia & her role.
