Airbnb & VRBO Performance in Omaha Nebraska.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Omaha, Nebraska for 2024

Licensing and Registration

• Short-Term Rental License: Property owners must obtain a license to operate a short-term rental, which involves complying with zoning regulations, safety standards, and health requirements.
• Business Registration: Hosts must register their business with the Nebraska Department of Revenue.

Zoning and Location

• Zoning Compliance: Hosts must ensure their property complies with local zoning laws, as outlined in Chapter 55 of the municipal code.
• Restricted Areas: Short-term rentals may be prohibited in certain residential areas and historic districts without prior approval.

Safety and Health Standards

• Safety Certifications: Properties must meet safety standards, including the presence of fire extinguishers and smoke detectors.
• Health Certifications: Compliance with health regulations, including cleanliness and waste management standards.

Tax Obligations

• State Sales Tax: Hosts must collect a 5.5% state sales tax on accommodations.
• City Sales Tax: An additional 1.5% city sales tax applies to all taxable transactions within Omaha.
• State Lodging Tax: A 1% state lodging tax must be collected on rental proceeds.
• Douglas County Lodging Tax: Up to a 4% lodging tax imposed by Douglas County.

Operational Standards

• Occupancy Limits: Maximum number of guests determined by the number of sleeping areas, typically capped at 12 persons.
• Parking Regulations: Compliance with local parking regulations.
• Noise Control: Proper noise management to maintain community standards.

Inspections and Compliance

• Regular Inspections: Properties must undergo regular inspections to ensure ongoing compliance with safety, health, and zoning regulations.
• Compliance Enforcement: Rigorous enforcement of regulations, with penalties for non-compliance, including fines and warning notices.

Insurance and Liability

• Insurance Documentation: Proof of general liability insurance coverage is required to protect hosts and guests.

Additional Requirements

• Emergency Contact: Designation of an emergency contact specific to the rental property.
• Signage and Advertising: Compliance with signage and advertising regulations.
• Minimum and Maximum Stay Requirements: Adherence to any minimum and maximum stay requirements set by local regulations.

Top Airbnb Revenue-Generating Neighborhoods in Omaha, Nebraska

1. Old Market

• Average Occupancy Rate: 72%
• Average Daily Rate: $135
• Estimated Annual Revenue: $35,500
• Appeal: The historic Old Market district is a vibrant area with unique shops, popular restaurants, and proximity to major attractions like the Durham Museum and the Heartland of America Park. Its high season from May to September and consistent demand make it an ideal location for Airbnb hosts.

2. Blackstone District

• Average Occupancy Rate: 70%
• Average Daily Rate: $120
• Estimated Annual Revenue: $30,700
• Appeal: This trendy area is known for its thriving food and drink scene, making it attractive to younger guests. It is close to the University of Nebraska Medical Center and the Joslyn Art Museum, and its high season from April to October adds to its appeal.

3. Aksarben Village

• Average Occupancy Rate: 67%
• Average Daily Rate: $125
• Estimated Annual Revenue: $30,600
• Appeal: Aksarben Village is a modern, mixed-use development with easy access to Stinson Park, Baxter Arena, and the University of Nebraska Omaha's Scott Campus. It is popular with business travelers and families due to its consistent demand year-round.

4. Dundee

• Average Occupancy Rate: 68%
• Average Daily Rate: $115
• Estimated Annual Revenue: $28,500
• Appeal: Dundee offers a charming, historic experience with tree-lined streets and proximity to Memorial Park and the University of Nebraska Omaha. It provides a quiet, residential atmosphere that is appealing to guests seeking a more relaxed stay.

5. Benson

• Average Occupancy Rate: 65%
• Average Daily Rate: $100
• Estimated Annual Revenue: $23,700
• Appeal: Benson is an eclectic, artsy neighborhood known for its live music scene, craft breweries, and unique shops. It attracts younger travelers and those seeking a local, authentic experience, with a high season from May to October.

Creating an Inviting Omaha Airbnb: Furnishing and Design Tips

To make your Airbnb in Omaha, Nebraska, stand out and reflect the city's unique style, consider the following tips:

Understand Local Preferences and Amenities

• Incorporate In-Demand Amenities: Focus on amenities like fitness equipment, high-speed Wi-Fi, dedicated workspaces, outdoor entertaining areas with fire pits or grills, and pet-friendly policies. These can justify higher nightly rates and attract more guests.

Reflect Omaha's Style and History

• Rustic-Chic Decor: Celebrate Omaha's pioneer history and agricultural roots with rustic-chic decor. This can include locally-sourced artwork and furnishings that showcase the city's creative scene.

Enhance Living Areas

• Lighting Control: Invest in lamps and dimmer switches to create a welcoming atmosphere. Soft, clean blankets and pillows with down inserts can add a luxurious touch.
• Comfortable Seating: Ensure there are places for guests to put their feet up, such as poufs, and provide occasional tables for drinks and conversation.

Optimize Bedrooms

• Luxurious Bedding: Offer high-quality bedding options and extra layers stored in the closet for guest convenience. Use different fill options for pillows, such as foam-filled or down alternative.
• Temperature and Lighting Control: Install ceiling fans and provide bedside tables with lamps, including options with USB ports or wireless charging features. Blackout shades are essential for catering to different sleep preferences.

Utilize Outdoor Spaces

• Outdoor Entertaining: Create inviting outdoor spaces with patios, balconies, or yards equipped with comfortable seating and BBQ grills. These areas can significantly enhance the guest experience.

Modern and Functional Kitchens

• Well-Equipped Kitchens: Ensure kitchens are modern and well-equipped with high-quality appliances and cooking essentials. This allows guests to dine in comfortably and adds to the overall luxury feel.

Attention to Detail

• Cleanliness and Maintenance: Maintain a spotless and well-maintained property. Guests notice the little things, so ensure everything is in good condition and clean.

Highlight Local Attractions

• Proximity to Attractions: Highlight your property's proximity to popular attractions like the Old Market, Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, and the College World Series in your listing description and photos.

Guest Experience

• Detailed Recommendations: Provide detailed recommendations for local activities, dining, and transportation to help guests make the most of their stay. Maintain a strong online presence and respond promptly to guest inquiries and reviews.

By focusing on these areas, you can create an inviting and unique Airbnb space in Omaha that reflects the city's style and appeals to a diverse range of guests.

Discover Omaha: Top Attractions and Insider Tips for Your Visit

Must-Visit Attractions

1. Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium

• Frequently ranked as one of the top zoos in the world, featuring the largest cat complex in North America, the world’s largest nocturnal exhibit, indoor swamp, and the world’s largest indoor desert and rainforest.

2. Joslyn Art Museum

• A fine arts museum with a stunning exterior made of Georgia Pink marble and an interior featuring 38 different types of marble. The museum boasts a beautiful sculpture garden and notable collections including works by Rembrandt, Monet, and Pollock. Admission is free.

3. The Durham Museum

• Located in the historic Union Station building, this museum offers a glimpse into Omaha's past with historic train cars and various exhibits. Don't miss the seasonal exhibits like "The Lost World of Dragons".

4. Old Market

• A historic and charming area with brick roads, boutiques, pubs, street musicians, and horse-drawn carriages. It's a great place to experience Omaha's rich history and vibrant culture.

5. Gene Leahy Mall and The Riverfront

• A renovated area in downtown Omaha featuring a sculpture garden, playgrounds, a performance pavilion, and a dog park. It's perfect for a day out in the sun and offers nostalgic features for locals.

6. Kiewit Luminarium

• An interactive science facility with over 100 exhibits focusing on biology, environmental science, and engineering. Ideal for families and those looking to engage in hands-on learning.

7. Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge

• A 3,000-foot-long bridge crossing the Missouri River, offering spectacular views of Omaha. It's a great spot for walking, biking, or jogging.

8. Lauritzen Gardens

• Spanning over 100 acres, these botanical gardens are a marvel of beauty. Don't miss the "Bright Nights" event during the holiday season.

9. Omaha Children’s Museum

• A unique museum designed for children, featuring hands-on exhibits, workshops, and a creative arts center. Perfect for families looking for educational and fun activities.

10. Boys Town

- A historic village that was once the headquarters for Father Flanagan’s Boys’ Home. It offers multiple tours, including a visit to the world’s largest ball of stamps.

Insider Tips

• Local Eats:
• Visit The Surfside Club for famous fried catfish and corn fritters.
• Enjoy unique ice cream flavors at eCreamery where you can create your own flavors.

• Stop by The Donut Shop for late-night donuts and coffee.

• Hidden Gems:

• Explore the Molecule Man sculpture, a 50-foot tall piece of art representing molecular structures.

• Visit the Malcolm X birthplace monument, a significant site for Civil Rights history.

• Seasonal Events:

• Check out the "Zoolightful Holiday Event" at the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium during the holiday season.

• Enjoy the "Midtown Crossing Season of Lights" and "Bright Nights at Lauritzen Gardens" for festive atmosphere.

• Outdoor Activities:

• Visit Eugene T. Mahoney State Park for paddleboat rentals, mini golf, frisbee golf, and various other activities.
• Explore the hiking trails and scenic views at the Ponca Hills and Loess Hills.

By sharing these attractions and insider tips, you can help your Airbnb guests have a memorable and enriching experience in Omaha, Nebraska.

Practical Tips to Run a Successful Short-Term Rental Business in Omaha, Nebraska

To ensure a smooth and successful short-term rental business in Omaha, Nebraska, several practical tips can be implemented to enhance the guest experience and comply with local regulations.

Noise Regulations and Guest Communication

Inform your guests about quiet hours and noise regulations to maintain neighborhood integrity. Include this information in both digital and physical house manuals to avoid any misunderstandings. This helps in respecting the community and preventing potential complaints.

Comprehensive House Manual

Create a detailed digital and physical house manual that includes essential instructions, Wi-Fi passwords, and other important details about the property. This manual should cover everything from appliance usage to emergency contact information, ensuring guests have all the necessary information at their fingertips.

Simplified Check-in Process

Utilize smart locks to streamline the check-in process, eliminating the need for physical key exchanges. Provide guests with clear instructions on how to access the property, along with photos of the entrance and any specific steps they need to follow. This not only enhances convenience but also reduces the likelihood of check-in issues.

Clear Parking Instructions

Include detailed parking instructions in your house manual, accompanied by photos to help guests understand where and how to park. This is particularly important in areas with limited parking or specific parking regulations, ensuring that guests do not inadvertently violate local rules.

By implementing these tips, you can create a welcoming, well-organized, and compliant short-term rental environment that satisfies both your guests and the local community, ultimately contributing to the success of your business.

Here is a brief list of house cleaning providers in Omaha, Nebraska:

House Cleaning Services in Omaha, NE

Nebraska Elite Cleaning

• Offers residential and commercial cleaning services, including deep cleaning, recurring cleaning, move-in/move-out cleaning, and office cleaning.
• Serves Omaha, Lincoln, Bellevue, Ralston, La Vista, Papillion, Elkhorn, Gretna, and surrounding areas.

Molly Maid of Omaha, Council Bluffs

• Provides customized house cleaning services, move-out cleaning, and recurring cleaning.
• Serves Central Omaha, Council Bluffs, Gretna, Fremont, and surrounding areas.
• Offers flexible scheduling and a Neighborly Done Right Promise®.

The Maids

• Offers various cleaning services including one-time, recurring, spring and fall cleaning, and special cleaning services like window and carpet cleaning.
• Serves Omaha, Papillion, La Vista, Fort Calhoun, Waterloo, Blair, and other communities across Sarpy County.
• Partners with Mr.Clean for healthy cleaning services.

MaidPro Omaha

• Provides customized house cleaning services using a 49-Point Checklist™.
• Offers weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, or one-time cleaning services.
• Serves the entire Omaha area with trained and background-checked professionals.

Local House Cleaning Services (via Care.com)

• Lists various individual and small business house cleaning services in Omaha, with options starting at $19.31/hr.
• Allows users to search by rates, reviews, and experience.

Omaha, Nebraska Short-Term Rental Management Fees: A Breakdown of Costs and Services

In Omaha, Nebraska, short-term rental management fees can vary significantly, 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, and maintenance, tends to be on the higher end of this spectrum. These services often encompass a wide range of activities, including property advertising, tenant screening, and ongoing property maintenance, which can justify the higher fees.

On the other hand, basic services that may only include rent collection and minimal maintenance can cost less. Additionally, property owners may incur extra fees for specific services like cleaning, repairs, or design enhancements. These additional costs can add up, but they are often necessary to maintain the property's appeal and ensure smooth operations. Understanding these fee structures is crucial for property owners to make informed decisions about their short-term rental investments in Omaha.