Airbnb & VRBO Performance in Columbia South Carolina.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Columbia, South Carolina for 2024

Licensing and Permits

• All short-term rentals must obtain a Short-Term Rental Permit from the City of Columbia. The permit costs $100 per year for owner-occupied properties and $250 per year for non-owner-occupied properties, with a non-refundable $50 annual application fee.
• A separate permit is required for each short-term rental unit.
• Operators must also obtain a Business License prior to getting an STR permit.

Compliance and Enforcement

• Short-term rental properties must comply with all city ordinances and codes related to safety and other issues. Properties may need to pass a safety inspection if required.
• Operators must keep records demonstrating compliance with city provisions for two years, including the name and phone number of all guests.

Operational Requirements

• Owners or a designated representative must live within 45 miles of the city to respond quickly to any issues. If the owner does not live within this radius, a responsible local representative must be designated.
• Each dwelling unit must have at least two parking spaces available.

Guest and Booking Regulations

• Rentals must not be available for occupancy for less than one night.
• Bookings and reservations must be made by guests who are at least 18 years of age.
• The maximum overnight occupancy is two persons per bedroom, excluding minor children, plus two additional persons.

Advertising and Notification

• The STR permit number must be included in all online advertising.
• All advertising must clearly indicate the short-term rental offering.
• Adjacent households and neighborhood associations must be notified that the property is being operated as a short-term rental.

Documentation and Records

• A house manual must be made available to each guest, including emergency contact numbers, owner's or responsible local representative's name and contact information, instructions or diagram of parking spaces, and house rules.
• Records of guest bookings and compliance must be kept for two years.

Renewals and Penalties

• Permits are valid from July 1 to June 30 each year. Renewal applications must be received on or prior to July 1 to avoid a $100 late fee.
• Enforcement measures include fines or STR permit revocation for violations, using a point system for tracking infractions.

Taxes

• Short-term rental hosts are required to collect and remit state and local sales and lodging taxes. Exceptions apply for certain conditions, such as renting out a unit for less than 15 days during the taxable year or using a short-term rental marketplace that handles tax collection.

Top Airbnb Neighborhoods in Columbia, South Carolina: Revenue and Appeal

1. Earlewood

• Revenue Potential: Earlewood stands out with an average occupancy rate of 71% and an average daily rate of $109, making it one of the most profitable neighborhoods for Airbnb hosts in Columbia.
• Appeal: Guests are drawn to Earlewood due to its proximity to downtown Columbia, USC, Colonial Life Arena, and other major attractions. The neighborhood offers a cozy and quiet atmosphere, with properties often featuring bohemian-inspired decor and convenient access to historic Elmwood Park.

2. Downtown Columbia

• Revenue Potential: Downtown Columbia is highly sought after, with many properties boasting high occupancy rates and attractive daily rates. Neighborhoods like the Five Points area and The Vista are particularly lucrative.
• Appeal: Guests love the central location, which provides easy access to restaurants, coffee shops, museums, and entertainment venues. Properties in this area often include modern amenities, historic charm, and stunning city views.

3. Five Points

• Revenue Potential: As a part of downtown Columbia, Five Points benefits from the high demand for central locations, with properties often achieving high occupancy rates and daily rates.
• Appeal: This vibrant area is known for its nightlife, dining options, and proximity to the University of South Carolina (USC) and Fort Jackson. Guests appreciate the sleek, modern accommodations and the lively atmosphere.

4. The Vista

• Revenue Potential: Similar to Five Points, The Vista area in downtown Columbia is highly profitable due to its central location and high demand.
• Appeal: Guests are attracted to The Vista's mix of fine and casual dining, coffee shops, and entertainment options. Properties here often offer historic charm and modern conveniences, making them ideal for both short and long-term stays.

5. Rosewood

• Revenue Potential: Rosewood is another neighborhood with strong revenue potential, thanks to its proximity to downtown Columbia and major attractions.
• Appeal: Guests enjoy the renovated homes in this area, which offer a blend of historic charm and modern amenities. The neighborhood is close to Williams Brice Stadium, USC campus, and other key spots, making it a convenient and comfortable choice.

These neighborhoods in Columbia, South Carolina, are highly appealing to guests due to their central locations, access to major attractions, and the combination of historic charm and modern amenities.

Practical Tips to Run a Successful Short Term Rental Business in Columbia, South Carolina

To ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for both you and your guests, here are some practical tips for running a successful short-term rental business in Columbia, South Carolina:

Noise Regulations and Quiet Hours

Inform your guests about quiet hours and noise regulations to maintain a respectful environment for the neighborhood. Include clear guidelines in your rental agreement and house manual to avoid any misunderstandings.

Creating a Comprehensive House Manual

Develop both digital and physical house manuals that include essential instructions, such as Wi-Fi passwords, appliance usage, and emergency contact information. This will help guests navigate your property easily and reduce the number of inquiries you receive.

Simplified Check-in Process

Utilize smart locks to streamline the check-in process, eliminating the need for physical key exchanges. Provide guests with detailed check-in instructions, including photos of the property and parking areas, to ensure a hassle-free arrival.

Parking Instructions

Include parking instructions with photos in your house manual to help guests identify designated parking spaces. This is particularly important, as Columbia requires hosts to designate two parking spaces for each dwelling unit.

By implementing these tips, you can enhance the guest experience, reduce potential issues, and maintain compliance with local regulations, ultimately contributing to the success of your short-term rental business in Columbia, South Carolina.

Here is a brief list of house cleaning providers in Columbia, South Carolina:

House Cleaning Providers in Columbia, SC

The Cleaning Authority - West Columbia

• Offers house cleaning, office cleaning, apartment cleaning, move in/move out cleaning, and commercial cleaning.
• Uses a Detail-Clean Rotation System for thorough cleaning.
• Serves Columbia, Lexington, Cayce, Irmo, and surrounding areas.
• Fully bonded and insured, with a focus on environmentally responsible products.

Maria's House Cleaning

• A family-owned business providing residential cleaning in Lexington County and Richland County.
• Offers regularly scheduled maintenance cleaning, top-to-bottom deep cleaning, move in/out cleaning, and customized cleaning packages.
• Ensures 100% satisfaction guarantee and supplies all cleaning supplies and equipment.

CottageCare

• Provides professional house cleaning services with eco-friendly products.
• Offers weekly, bi-weekly, and customized housekeeping schedules.
• Serves Columbia, Irmo, Dentsville, Lexington, and surrounding areas.
• Features a money-back guarantee and no in-home estimates required.

Olga's Magic Cleaners

• Offers reliable house cleaning services with no contracts.
• Provides weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly cleaning options and deep cleaning services.
• Also offers home organization services and add-on cleaning services.
• Serves Columbia, Dentsville, Lexington, and the Midlands area.

Managing Short-Term Rentals in Columbia, South Carolina: Understanding Management Fees

In Columbia, South Carolina, managing short-term rentals can be streamlined through various property management services, with 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, booking management, cleaning, and maintenance, tends to be on the higher end of this spectrum, often starting at around 15% to 20% of the revenue.

Basic or half-service management, which may only cover essential tasks like booking management and guest communication, can be more affordable, starting at around 10% of the revenue. Additionally, hosts may incur extra fees for services such as professional cleaning, repairs, and design enhancements. These fees can vary based on the specific needs of the property and the level of service required. By choosing the right management service, hosts can balance their costs with the level of support they need to maximize their rental income and ensure compliance with local regulations.