Columbia, SC

When deciding whether to become an Airbnb host, it is important for you to understand the laws in your region or city. As a platform and online marketplace we do not provide legal advice, but we want to provide resources that may help you better understand applicable laws and regulations. This list is not exhaustive, but it may give you a good start in understanding your local laws. If you have questions, visit the short-term rental homepage or other government agencies directly, or consult a local lawyer or tax professional.

Short-term rental regulations

The City of Columbia requires that all short-term rentals have a Short-Term Rental Permit and a Business License prior to allowing occupancy.

For questions about Business Licenses, please contact the City at 803-545-3345 or email businesslicensemail@columbiasc.gov.

In addition to the Business License and STR permit requirements, the City requires all Hosts to:

• Designate a responsible local representative if the Owner does not have their place of residence or business office within 45 miles of the STR property.
  • A responsible local representative is a person who has their place of residence or business office within 45 miles of the short-term rental property and designated by the property owner as the agent responsible for operating such property in compliance with the City’s ordinances and having been authorized by appointment to accept service of process on behalf of the owner pursuant to Rule 4(d)(l) of the South Carolina Rules of Civil Procedure.
• Designate two parking spaces for each dwelling unit.
• Submit a separate application for an STR permit for each STR unit. 

Additional information

Payment

The cost of the permit is $100 a year per unit for owner-occupied and $250 a year per unit for non-owner-occupied. There is also an annual application fee of $50.

Renewals

Permits are effective from July 1st to June 30th each year. Renewal applications must be received on or prior to July 1st. Any renewal applications received after July 1st will incur a $100 late fee.

Other contracts and rules 

It's also important to understand and abide by other contracts or rules that bind you, such as leases, condo board or co-op rules, HOA rules, or rules established by tenant organizations. Please read your lease agreement and check with your landlord if applicable.

Our commitment to your community

We are committed to working with local officials to clarify how local rules impact the community. We will continue to advocate for changes that will enable people to rent out their homes.