Accommodation in Columbus

More and more people from elsewhere in the US and beyond are deciding to put down roots in Ohio's lovely, lively capital. Columbus boasts a vast range of accommodation options to suit just about every taste and budget, and although rising, rental costs in the city are still well below the US average. Most newcomers rent rather than buy, at least initially, as this gives them time to get to know the local areas and suburbs before committing to a long-term solution.

Types of accommodation in Columbus

Columbus has various housing options to suit everyone, from young singles to large families. Here are a few of the types of housing expats will be able to choose from in Columbus.

Standalone houses

The most common type of accommodation in Columbus is standalone homes. These are most commonly found in the suburbs and are generally spacious with a front and backyard, making them perfect for families.

Apartments

Though apartments are primarily concentrated in the city centre, they can be found throughout Columbus. Some apartments are housed in purpose-built buildings, while others are part of a larger house split into smaller units.

Rowhouses and townhouses

Rowhouses are multi-storey homes that share one or more walls with houses on either side, forming a line. These are prevalent in historical areas throughout Columbus, such as Italian Village, German Village, Olde Town East and University District.

Some use the term 'townhouse' interchangeably with 'rowhouse'. Townhouses are largely more spacious, perhaps connected with only one other house. This applies loosely in listings, so expats who specifically want the space of a townhouse should be aware that an ad for a supposed townhouse might, in fact, be for a rowhouse.

Residential complexes

Residential complexes usually house various accommodation types of various sizes. Tenants living in these complexes typically have access to a host of on-site facilities such as pools, fitness centres, clubhouses and media centres.

Finding accommodation in Columbus

The most common way of finding a place to rent in Columbus is to make use of one of the many popular online property portals. It's a good idea to start browsing ahead of the move to get an idea of the various options and general price ranges. We'd advise that prospective residents never agree to rent a property without first seeing it in person.

Those newcomers who prefer not to do too much of the legwork themselves can consider making use of a real estate agent. There are plenty of advantages to doing so, including the benefit of a local agent's knowledge of Columbus's residential market and the pros and cons of various areas.

Useful links

• Zillow
• Realtor.com
• Apartments.com
• Columbus REALTORS

Renting accommodation in Columbus

Making an application

Once a suitable home is found, the next step is making a rental application. Applicants will usually have to undergo a credit check and provide proof of income to show that they're in good financial standing and able to afford the cost of rent. References from previous landlords are often also required.

Expats with no rental or credit history in the US may be able to bypass these requirements by having their employer act as a guarantor instead.

Leases, costs and fees

Most leases are for 12 months by default, but some landlords are fairly flexible on this, offering either shorter or longer options depending on the needs of the tenant.

Before moving in, tenants will be asked to pay a deposit, typically equivalent to one or two months' rent. At the end of the lease, the landlord can make reasonable deductions for past rent due, clearing costs and any damage to the property beyond normal wear and tear. The remainder of the deposit must then be returned to the tenant within 30 days.

Pet policies

Tenants who want to bring their furry friends along will often be able to do so within certain limitations. Most residential complexes allow pets but place restrictions on the size and number of pets. A monthly "pet rent" is generally added to the rental costs, and tenants will often have to pay a pet deposit and non-refundable pet fee upfront.

Utilities in Columbus

Tenants usually bear the cost of home utilities such as water, electricity, gas, sewerage, and rubbish removal. Quoted rental prices usually exclude utilities, so we recommend house-hunters make enquiries about this early on.

Electricity

Residents and businesses in Columbus enjoy the benefit of a deregulated electricity market, which means you have the freedom to choose your electricity supplier from a range of providers including Duke Energy, AEP Energy Inc., and FirstEnergy. This flexibility allows you to shop around for plans that best meet your needs, whether you're looking for short-term flexibility, low early termination fees, or competitive monthly rates. 

Payment for electricity bills is made convenient through various methods offered by these providers. Options typically include online payments, automatic bank drafts, mail-in payments, and in-person payments at authorised locations, ensuring that managing your electricity bills fits seamlessly into your lifestyle.

Gas

In Columbus, your home or business's gas supply is facilitated through a piped network, with Columbia Gas of Ohio serving as the primary provider. This setup ensures a consistent and reliable gas supply, crucial for heating, cooking, and hot water. As a new resident, it’s vital to establish your gas service promptly, ensuring your new home is comfortable and fully operational.

The Northern Loop project by Columbia Gas aims to enhance gas service reliability across Columbus by addressing the growing demand, underscoring the provider's commitment to ensuring uninterrupted gas supply to its customers.

When it comes to managing your gas service, Columbia Gas of Ohio offers various payment options to suit your lifestyle, including online payments, automatic bank drafts, and mail-in or in-person payments at authorised locations.

Water

The City of Columbus Department of Public Utilities ensures that residents and businesses enjoy a consistent supply of high-quality water. Sourced from the Griggs, O'Shaughnessy, or Hoover Reservoirs and supplemented by groundwater from nearby wells, Columbus's water undergoes rigorous testing to surpass Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) standards.

Managing your water bills in Columbus is streamlined through a variety of payment methods, including online payments, automatic bank drafts, mail-in payments, and in-person payments at authorised locations.

Bins and recycling

In Columbus, the city facilitates an efficient recycling service for residents of single-family homes and small buildings with up to four units. Upon joining the program, you'll receive a blue roll-out bin capable of holding 64 gallons (291l) of recyclables. This bin is designed to accommodate two weeks' worth of recyclable materials such as paper, cardboard, aluminium and steel cans, and plastic containers.

Recycling collection occurs bi-weekly. Simply place your filled blue bin at the curb on your designated collection day. The city takes care of sorting and processing, making recycling an effortless part of your routine. 

For residents outside the eligibility of the residential recycling service, Columbus hasn't left you without options. The Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio (SWACO) provides over 200 public recycling drop boxes throughout Columbus, ensuring everyone has access to recycling facilities.

Internet

Columbus is served by a variety of home internet providers, including T-Mobile, EarthLink, AT&T, Spectrum, Windstream, and Viasat. Among these, AT&T Fiber and EarthLink Fiber offer cutting-edge fibre internet plans, and with the advent of 5G, nearly all of Columbus now also has access to 5G home internet.

Useful links

• OH Energy Ratings: Columbus Electricity Rates
• Columbia Gas of Ohio’s Northern Loop Project – PUCO
• City of Columbus – Trash, Recycling and Bulk Collection
• SWACO Recycling Drop-Off Program
• AT&T Internet Plans in Columbus
• EarthLink Internet Plans
• T-Mobile Home Internet