Is Airbnb legal in Columbia, SC?
RestrictedThese rules are changing or in active litigation. Verify the current status directly before you rely on it.
Airbnb is restricted in Columbia, SC
Every STR needs a permit and a city business license, with a lower fee for owner-occupied units and a higher one for non-owner-occupied. The owner or a local representative must be within 45 miles. A 2025 moratorium paused new permits in residential zones and the city is reworking how STRs are classified.
Verified July 2026. Not legal advice. Rules change and may be enforced differently than written. Confirm with the city before you list.
Key rules at a glance
Permit or registration
Required
Primary residence only
No
Annual night cap
Not confirmed
Registration fee
See ordinance
How short-term rentals work in Columbia
Every STR needs a permit and a city business license, with a lower fee for owner-occupied units and a higher one for non-owner-occupied. The owner or a local representative must be within 45 miles. A 2025 moratorium paused new permits in residential zones and the city is reworking how STRs are classified.
Non-owner investors can operate in Columbia, but within the city's limits above. Read the ordinance closely before you buy, because permits, caps, or zoning can make a specific property ineligible.
At the state level, South Carolina leaves short-term rental rules to cities and counties.
What it means for investors
An STR can still work in Columbia, but the limits shrink the pool of eligible properties and add compliance cost. Underwrite conservatively and confirm the specific address qualifies before you commit.
Short-term rental rules elsewhere in South Carolina
Last reviewed July 2026. Informational and educational only, not legal advice, and no attorney-client relationship is created. Rules change and may be enforced differently than written. Verify the current ordinance with your local jurisdiction or counsel before acting.
Frequently asked questions
Is Airbnb legal in Columbia?
Every STR needs a permit and a city business license, with a lower fee for owner-occupied units and a higher one for non-owner-occupied. The owner or a local representative must be within 45 miles. A 2025 moratorium paused new permits in residential zones and the city is reworking how STRs are classified. This reflects the rules as of July 2026; confirm the current ordinance with the city before you list.
Do I need a permit to run a short-term rental in Columbia?
Yes. Columbia requires a permit or registration to operate a short-term rental, and platforms increasingly require the permit number on the listing.
Can I run a non-owner-occupied Airbnb in Columbia?
Yes, Columbia does not require you to live in the property, though other limits such as caps, zoning, or licensing may still apply.
Is there a limit on how many nights I can rent in Columbia?
No specific annual night cap was confirmed for Columbia, though minimum-stay rules or license caps may effectively limit operations. Check the ordinance.
What taxes apply to a short-term rental in Columbia?
Short-term rentals in Columbia are generally subject to state and local lodging or occupancy taxes on top of income tax. Airbnb and VRBO collect some of these automatically, but not always all of them, so confirm the current rate and who remits it with South Carolina and the city.