Are short-term rentals allowed in Columbia, SC?

Yes, short-term rentals are allowed in Columbia, subject to licensing and regulatory requirements.

Do I need a license to operate a short-term rental in Columbia, SC?

Yes, Columbia requires an STR license or permit to operate a short-term rental. The license fee is 100.

How often must I renew my Columbia short-term rental license?

STR licenses in Columbia renew annual.

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Columbia, SC STR Regulations 2026 | HostReady

Columbia, SC

Q: How strictly does Columbia enforce short-term rental regulations?

Columbia has medium enforcement of STR regulations.

Short-Term Rental Regulations

Medium EnforcementModerate Risk Market

Risk Score

Short-term rentals

Allowed

License

Required

License fee

$100

The Columbia City Council has approved new regulations for short-term rentals, including raising the minimum age for booking.
A moratorium on new rental permits is currently in place due to safety concerns.

We watch Columbia's short-term rental rules and alert you the moment they change. Check your address free, then $8.25/month, billed annually to keep it monitored.

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At a Glance

Last verified todayVerified from 13 sources

STR License

Yes

Parking Required

Yes

Enforcement

Medium

Potential Fines

From $500

Permit Status

Moratorium

License Fee

$100

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We recorded 1 rule change in Columbia in the last 30 days.

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9 verified answers for Columbia, each backed by a citation

Are short-term rentals allowed
License required
License fee
Enforcement level
Insurance required
Local contact required
Neighbor notification
Permit transferable
Parking requirement

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Columbia, SC Regulations Guide

Licensing and Permits

Columbia requires hosts to obtain an STR license or permit before listing their property on platforms like Airbnb or VRBO.

Enforcement

Columbia has medium enforcement of STR regulations. Operating without proper licensing or failing to comply with local regulations can result in citations, fines, and potential loss of your permit.

Get the full Columbia compliance guide

Tax rates, platform collection details, occupancy limits, operational requirements, and more.

Compiled from 13 official government sources and continuously monitored for changes. Always verify current requirements with your local municipality before making investment or operational decisions.

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. STR regulations change frequently. Always verify current requirements with your local municipality before making investment or operational decisions.

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Citation receipts

9 cited facts for Columbia4 confirmed by 3+ sources · 1 cross-checked

Every fact below is taken from the issuing authority's own text. Open a quote to read it verbatim, or follow the source to read it on their page.

Licensing

4 facts

License requiredYes
columbiasc.gov
checked 3 days ago
›Read the wording
“All short term rentals operating within Columbia city limits are required to register annually with the city.”
License fee3 sources$100
Columbia municipal code
checked 3 months ago
›Read the wording
“For an owner-occupied STR, a non-refundable STR permit registration fee of $100.00; or For a non-owner-occupied STR, a non-refundable STR permit registration fee of $250.00 per dwelling unit.”
What the license is calledShort-Term Rental Permit
Columbia municipal code
checked 3 months ago
›Read the wording
“No dwelling unit in the city shall be operated as a short-term rental without a current STR permit issued by the City of Columbia.”
Where to applyplanninganddevelopment.columbiasc.gov ↗
planninganddevelopment.columbiasc.gov
checked 3 months ago
›Read the wording
“to operate an STR within the City of Columbia, you will also need an STR Permit and a Business License”

Taxes

1 fact

Local lodging tax5%
Columbia official source
checked 3 months ago
›Read the wording
“Local Accommodations Fee: 2% of the listing price including any cleaning fees and guest fees, for reservations 29 nights and shorter. Tourism Development Fee: 3% of the listing price including any cleaning fees and guest fees, for reservations 29 nights and shorter.”

Limits on how you rent

1 fact

Minimum stay4 sources1 night
Columbia municipal code
checked 3 months ago
›Read the wording
“The short-term rental shall not be available for occupancy for a period of less than one night.”

What you have to provide

2 facts

Local contact requiredCorroboratedYes
Columbia municipal code
checked 3 months ago
›Read the wording
“The property owner must be willing to take phone calls at all times to address issues with the short-term rental; or the owner must provide the name, mailing address, and telephone number of a designated responsible local representative.”
Off-street parking required3 sourcesYes
Columbia municipal code
checked 3 months ago
›Read the wording
“Two parking spaces per dwelling unit must be made available and designated on an STR property, within residential districts, as defined in section 17-3.2.”

Enforcement

1 fact

Minimum fine3 sources$500
Columbia municipal code
checked 3 months ago
›Read the wording
“The failure of a STR owner to obtain a permit in accordance to the provisions of this section, within 15 days after notice of noncompliance, shall result in an administrative penalty of $500.00.”