OKC Council Approves Rules for Properties Rented Through Services Like Air BnB

The Oklahoma City Council voted Tuesday to approve new rules for people who rent houses, apartments and bedrooms to guests using home sharing services like Airbnb. The new rules for home sharing will require people offering rentals to get a $24 annual license. The rules will also require the properties to have working smoke detectors, fire extinguishers and carbon monoxide detectors.

Hosts whose property for rent is not their primary residence must also get a special exception from the Board of Adjustment. The filing fee is $300, and the exceptions may be granted for up to 10 years. All hosts in Historic Preservation (HP) districts must also get the special exception from the Board of Adjustment and pay the $300 filing fee. Hosts in HP districts must occupy the property as their primary residence, and be on site at the time of the rental. Hosts citywide who as of Jan. 15 have already rented a property to a guest don’t have to get the special exception for that property, including hosts for HP district properties. The new $24 annual license will still be required. Everyone who rents a home, apartment or bedroom to guests using a home sharing site must also pay applicable hotel taxes to the City and sales taxes to the Oklahoma Tax Commission.

Hosts may not rent the home, apartment or bedroom to guests for more than 30 consecutive days to each renter, and must comply with all applicable City building and fire codes.

Required forms and other information will be available when the rules take effect Feb. 14, 2019.