Airbnb & VRBO Performance in Akron Ohio.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Akron, Ohio for 2024

Registration and Licensing

• Short-term rental operators must obtain an annual registration certificate from the city.
• The registration fee is $250, and registrations must be renewed by January 31st each year.
• The registration certificate must be prominently displayed in the front entryway of the rental unit.

Application and Documentation

• Hosts must submit a completed application form including property address, owner contact information, number of bedrooms, and maximum occupancy.
• Proof of ownership (e.g., deed or property tax statement) is required.
• Liability insurance coverage for the rental property with minimum limits set by the city must be provided.
• A floor plan or sketch of the rental unit, including locations of smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and emergency exits, is necessary.
• Proof that the unit meets building code and safety requirements, including functioning smoke detectors, kitchen and bathroom facilities, and proper electrical outlets and wiring.

Tax Obligations

• Hosts must collect and remit both the 5.75% Ohio sales tax and the 5.5% Akron excise tax on all rental income.
• Owners and operators must remain current on all existing tax liabilities to the city, including payment of the short-term rental excise tax.

Safety and Compliance

• Properties must pass an initial safety inspection to ensure compliance with building, fire, and housing codes.
• Functioning smoke detectors in each bedroom and common areas, a mounted fire extinguisher in the kitchen, and proper stairs and handrails are required.
• Hosts must ensure guests follow all rules and regulations, and maintain a log of all STR stays with contact information for one year.

Operational Rules

• Rentals are limited to stays of less than 30 consecutive days.
• Maximum occupancy limits are 2 adults per bedroom plus 4 additional persons.
• No large events or parties are permitted without a special event permit.
• Guests must be provided with owner contact information and property policies.
• Quiet hours are between 10 PM and 7 AM.
• No signage advertising the STR is permitted on the property.
• STRs must maintain residential character and appearance.

Penalties and Enforcement

• Failure to register or comply with regulations can result in fines: up to $100 for the first offense, up to $500 for the second offense, and up to $1,000 for third and subsequent offenses.
• An appeals process is available through the Akron Board of Housing Appeals.

Miscellaneous Requirements

• Hosts must have a local contact person who can respond to any issues within 1 hour.
• No parking in restricted areas of public streets, and no more than three trash containers stored outside the property.
• Hosts are responsible for ensuring guests comply with all rules and regulations.

Top Neighborhoods for Airbnb Revenue in Akron, Ohio

1. Wallhaven

• Average Revenue: $39.5K per year
• Average Daily Rate: $180.3 per night
• Average Occupancy Rate: 60%
• Average RevPAR: $106.6

Wallhaven is highly appealing due to its strategic location, offering easy access to major highways, public transportation, and downtown Akron. The neighborhood combines residential tranquility with urban amenities, including a diverse range of housing options, grocery stores, restaurants, cafes, and local businesses all within walking distance or a short drive.

2. Highland Square

• Average Revenue: $27.9K per year
• Average Daily Rate: $141.6 per night
• Average Occupancy Rate: 54%
• Average RevPAR: $78.7

Highland Square is a vibrant and eclectic neighborhood known for its unique blend of urban convenience, historic charm, and a thriving arts and culture scene. Guests are drawn to its walkable community, diverse housing options, locally-owned businesses, and strong sense of community. The neighborhood's compact layout ensures that amenities such as grocery stores, restaurants, and shops are easily accessible on foot.

3. Firestone Park

• Average Revenue: $20.5K per year
• Average Daily Rate: $96.9 per night
• Average Occupancy Rate: 58%
• Average RevPAR: $55.9

Firestone Park is a historic neighborhood that offers natural beauty, convenient amenities, and a strong sense of community. Its strategic location provides easy access to major highways, public transportation, and downtown Akron. Guests appreciate the neighborhood's diverse housing options, local economy, and the proximity to various amenities such as grocery stores and restaurants.

4. Ellet

• Average Revenue: $19.6K per year
• Average Daily Rate: $134.1 per night
• Average Occupancy Rate: 40%
• Average RevPAR: $53.4

Ellet is a charming neighborhood that balances suburban tranquility with convenient amenities. Located just off Interstate 76, it offers easy access to downtown Akron and other parts of the city. While it may require a short drive to reach some amenities, the neighborhood's blend of suburban peace and urban accessibility makes it an attractive choice for guests.

Furnishing and Design Tips for an Inviting Airbnb in Akron, Ohio

Understanding Your Audience and Location

• Cater to Diverse Guests: Akron attracts a variety of guests, including families, business travelers, and tourists. Ensure your space is versatile and appealing to different tastes.

Budgeting and Planning

• Allocate Budget Wisely: Set a budget and prioritize essential items. For a 1600 sq ft property, consider allocating over $5,000 for furnishing.
• Choose the Right Time: Update furniture during the off-season or between bookings to minimize disruption to guests.

Furniture Selection

• Durable and Easy to Clean: Opt for furniture that is easy to clean and maintain. Avoid materials like real and faux leather for sofas; instead, choose sofas with washable covers.
• Timeless and Sturdy Pieces: Select solid beds, preferably with storage options like beds with drawers, and memory foam mattresses for durability.
• Functional Layout: Measure rooms and arrange furniture to maximize space and natural light. Ensure there is ample space to move around.

Essential Amenities

• Bed and Bath: Provide high-quality, durable towels in neutral colors and ensure enough storage for toiletries and personal items. Include a hairdryer, basic toiletries, and a first-aid kit.
• Kitchen Essentials: Equip the kitchen with a coffee maker, microwave, toaster, and kettle. Consider modern and functional kitchenware.

Design and Aesthetics

• Stick to a Theme: Maintain a consistent theme, but opt for timeless and modern decor. Neutral color palettes with vibrant artwork can create welcoming spaces.
• Use Mirrors: Mirrors can make the space feel bigger and brighter. Include a full-length mirror and ensure there is a power socket nearby for hair dryers/straighteners.

Accessibility and Comfort

• Accessibility Features: Consider adding features for guests with disabilities, such as ramps, wide doorways, and grab bars in bathrooms.
• Comfortable Seating: Choose comfy, lightweight chairs that are sturdy and easy to move around. Darker chairs can hide stains better.

Smart Storage and Space-Saving Solutions

• Opt for Multi-Functional Furniture: Use sofa beds, folding tables, or ottomans with hidden storage compartments to maximize space and functionality.
• Utilize Storage Options: Incorporate beds with drawers, wall hooks, pegboards in the kitchen, and stackable containers to keep the space tidy and organized.

Outdoor and Additional Amenities

• Outdoor Spaces: If possible, include outdoor amenities like BBQ grills, fire pits, and picnic tables to enhance the guest experience.
• Local Touches: Add touches that reflect Akron's local culture and attractions to make the space more inviting and unique.

Local Attractions and Insider Tips for Visiting Akron, Ohio

Historical and Cultural Attractions

• Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens: A must-visit Tudor-style estate built for Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company founder F. A. Seiberling. Explore the 70-acre grounds and luxurious house.
• Insider Tip: Open from April 1 through December 30.
• Hower House: A 28-room home built in 1871 by Akron industrialist John Henry Hower. Admire the unique octagonal rooms and original family furnishings.
• Insider Tip: Check for guided tours and special events.
• Akron Art Museum: Features regional, national, and international art from 1850 to the present. Enjoy free admission on Thursdays from 11am to 8pm.
• Insider Tip: Visit the Bud & Susie Rogers Garden for free and explore the café supporting local businesses.

Outdoor and Family Fun

• Akron Zoo: A 35-acre zoo with close-up animal experiences, a carousel, Farmland, playground, and train ride. Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
• Insider Tip: Check the calendar for special events and hands-on activities.
• Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad: Take a vintage train ride through the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Offers nature excursions and special events year-round.
• Insider Tip: Combine your trip with biking or hiking on the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail.
• Hale Farm and Village: An outdoor living history museum with historic structures, gardens, and farm animals. Self-guided tours take about two hours.
• Insider Tip: Wear comfortable shoes and sun protection, and visit the gift shop and café.

Downtown and Urban Attractions

• Lock 3 Park: A vibrant public space with waterfalls, historic brick facades, and string lights. Perfect for a picnic or evening stroll.
• Insider Tip: Rent a bike from Summit Bike Share and explore the Towpath Trail.
• Lock 4: Another scenic spot along the Ohio & Erie Canal with colorful tables and chairs. Enjoy the lit-up space in the evenings.
• Insider Tip: Bring a deck of cards or a board game for family fun.
• Canal Park: Home to the Akron RubberDucks baseball team. Catch a game or explore the surrounding area.
• Insider Tip: Check the schedule for games and other events.

Entertainment and Nightlife

• Ingy’s Piano Bar: Enjoy live piano karaoke every Sunday evening. A welcoming space for singing and socializing.
• Insider Tip: Arrive early to secure a spot.
• Jilly’s Music Room: A live music venue hosting local, regional, and national artists. Offers a gluten-free menu and over 100 beers.
• Insider Tip: There is a $5 cover charge on Friday and Saturday nights unless otherwise noted.
• Nightlight Cinema: An independent, nonprofit movie theater showing independent films. Enjoy delicious popcorn and a bar inside the theater.
• Insider Tip: Tickets cost $10, and the theater is open every day of the week.

Indoor Activities

• Urban Air Adventure Park: An indoor adventure park with trampolines, ninja courses, zip lines, and more. Suitable for all ages.
• Insider Tip: Check for deals, memberships, and special events.
• The Great Escape Room Akron: Challenge yourself with escape rooms. Great for groups and families.
• Insider Tip: Book in advance to ensure availability.
• MGM Northfield Park: Offers entertainment, dining, live harness racing, and live performances. A great spot for a variety of activities.
• Insider Tip: Explore the dining options and live events schedule.

By sharing these attractions and insider tips, you can help your Airbnb guests make the most of their visit to Akron, Ohio.

Practical Tips to Run a Successful Short-Term Rental Business in Akron, Ohio

To ensure a smooth and successful short-term rental business in Akron, Ohio, several practical tips can be implemented. First, it is crucial to adhere to the city's noise regulations by informing guests about quiet hours between 10pm and 7am. This can be done through a clear communication in the rental listing and a digital or physical house manual that outlines all house rules and regulations.

Creating a comprehensive house manual is essential. This manual should include instructions on how to use appliances, Wi-Fi passwords, and other important details about the property. Both digital and physical versions can be provided to cater to different guest preferences.

Simplifying the check-in process is also vital. Utilizing smart locks can eliminate the need for physical key exchanges, making the arrival process more convenient for guests. Additionally, providing detailed parking instructions accompanied by photos can help avoid any confusion and ensure a smooth start to the guest's stay.

By following these tips, hosts can enhance guest satisfaction, reduce potential issues, and maintain a positive relationship with the local community, all of which are key to running a successful short-term rental business in Akron.

Here is a brief list of house cleaning providers in Akron, Ohio:

House Cleaning Services

Petal Sweet Cleaning

• Offers residential and commercial cleaning services, including recurring cleaning, deep cleaning, and move cleaning services.
• Screened, fully trained cleaning staff and flexible scheduling.
• Located in Medina, OH, but serves Akron and surrounding areas.

CottageCare

• Provides eco-friendly residential house cleaning, maid services, move-outs, and more.
• Covers entire house including kitchens, bathrooms, furniture, dusting, carpet vacuuming, and hard floor cleaning.
• Located in Cuyahoga Falls, OH, serving Akron.

Merry Maids of Akron

• Offers comprehensive cleaning services with 40 years of experience.
• Services include home cleaning to re-energize and simplify your life.
• Provides free estimates.

MOLLY MAID of Greater Akron and Canton

• Part of a larger network providing professional house cleaning services.
• Listed among top house cleaning services in Akron.

LE Prestige Cleaning, LLC

• Offers various house cleaning services and is listed on Angie's List.
• Located in Akron, OH.

Your Dream Clean

• Another listed house cleaning service in Akron, OH.

T & T Enterprises

• Provides house cleaning services and is included in the list of top services in Akron.

Maids from Love

• Offers house cleaning services in the Akron area.

Marie&LaRae's Cleaning

• Listed as one of the house cleaning services available in Akron, OH.

Short-Term Rental Management Fees in Akron, Ohio: A Guide to Service Levels and Costs

In Akron, Ohio, managing a short-term rental property can involve a range of fees, typically ranging from 10% to 30% of the rental revenue, depending on the level of service provided. Full-service management, which includes comprehensive tasks such as guest communication, marketing, pricing optimization, and maintenance, tends to be on the higher end of this scale, often starting at around 15% to 20% of the revenue.

Basic or half-service management, which may only cover some of these tasks, such as booking management and guest screening, can be less expensive, starting at around 10%. Additional fees may apply for services like cleaning, repairs, or design and furnishing, which can further impact the overall cost. It is crucial for property owners to understand these fee structures and the specific services included to ensure they are getting the best value for their investment.