Can You Airbnb an Apartment in Oklahoma City? Everything You Need to Know

As Oklahoma City becomes one of the hottest up-and-coming destinations in the Midwest, more renters and investors are asking: Can you Airbnb an apartment in Oklahoma City? The short answer is: sometimes—but it depends. If you’re eyeing the short-term rental game in OKC, there are a few key things you need to know to stay legal, profitable, and smart about your investment. Let’s break it down step by step.

1. Know the Local Short-Term Rental Regulations

Oklahoma City allows short-term rentals, but they require you to register your property with the city if it’s not your primary residence. If you’re planning to Airbnb an apartment that you’re renting or subletting, it’s crucial that you understand the distinction between Type 1 and Type 2 short-term rentals:

• Type 1 STR: The property is owner-occupied (like your home or a guesthouse).

• Type 2 STR: Non-owner-occupied properties (like apartments, investment properties, or vacation homes).

Most apartment Airbnb listings fall into the Type 2 category, which comes with stricter zoning requirements and the need for a conditional use permit. You also must provide proof of insurance and follow city safety regulations like having smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and posted exit routes.

2. Can You Airbnb a Rental Apartment?

The next layer: your lease agreement. Even if the city allows short-term rentals, your apartment’s landlord or property management company may not. Many leases include clauses that strictly prohibit subleasing or short-term rentals like Airbnb, Vrbo, or Booking.com.

If you’re already leasing an apartment and want to Airbnb it, you must get written approval from your landlord. Some landlords may allow it in exchange for a portion of the profits or increased rent. Others may not budge at all. Don’t risk an eviction—it’s better to be upfront and negotiate a mutually beneficial arrangement.

3. Master Leasing or Rental Arbitrage in OKC

If you’re an entrepreneur or investor looking to scale an Airbnb business without buying property, rental arbitrage may be your best move. This involves leasing apartments specifically to list them as short-term rentals—with full landlord approval, of course.

Here’s how it works:

• You sign a long-term lease on an apartment.

• You furnish and design the space to be Airbnb-ready.

• You list it on Airbnb or similar platforms.

• You earn the difference between the Airbnb income and your monthly lease costs.

This model has worked well in growing cities like OKC, especially near Bricktown, Midtown, Uptown 23rd, and the Paseo Arts District. With the right location and management, rental arbitrage can be a lucrative model—just be sure you fully comply with city and property rules.

4. The Best Apartment Locations for Airbnb in OKC

If you’re looking to Airbnb an apartment in Oklahoma City, location is everything. Guests are seeking convenient access to local attractions, nightlife, and walkable areas. Top-performing Airbnb apartments in OKC are typically located in or near:

• Bricktown – Great for concerts, Thunder games, bars, and canal views.

• Downtown OKC – Business travelers and event-goers love this spot.

• Midtown – Trendy restaurants, boutique shopping, and beautiful historic buildings.

• The Paseo Arts District – Creative vibes and colorful charm.

• Automobile Alley – Known for its vibrant murals and buzzing nightlife.

Being close to OU Medical Center, downtown office towers, or even State Fair Park also draws in guests year-round.

5. How to Get Approved and Stay Legal

Here’s a quick checklist to help you Airbnb an apartment in OKC legally and successfully:

Step	Action
✅ 1	Talk to your landlord and get written permission.
✅ 2	Register your property with the City of OKC (Type 2 STR).
✅ 3	Furnish and design your unit to stand out online.
✅ 4	Carry proper insurance (many hosts opt for both Airbnb's insurance + private coverage).
✅ 5	Follow local safety codes and occupancy limits.
✅ 6	Hire a property manager or co-host (like Upventures) to keep everything compliant and profitable.

6. Maximize Profit with the Right Co-Host

Managing an Airbnb can be time-consuming, especially if you’re juggling guest messages, cleanings, and calendar syncs. That’s where a local co-host or property manager comes in. At Upventures, we specialize in Airbnb management across Oklahoma City, from listing optimization to guest communication, professional cleaning, and dynamic pricing.

If you’re a rental arbitrage investor or first-time host, we’ll help you stay compliant and profitable without lifting a finger.

7. Real Numbers: How Much Can You Earn Airbnb-ing an Apartment in OKC?

Let’s run the numbers. Here's an example breakdown of potential Airbnb income from a 1-bedroom apartment in OKC near Midtown or Bricktown:

Occupancy Rate	Avg. Nightly Rate	Monthly Revenue	Lease Cost	Monthly Profit
75% (22 nights)	$110/night	$2,420	$1,100	~$1,320
60% (18 nights)	$105/night	$1,890	$1,100	~$790
50% (15 nights)	$100/night	$1,500	$1,100	~$400

These are estimates—actual profits vary depending on season, reviews, and guest experience.

Should You Airbnb an Apartment in OKC?

Yes—but only if you do it the right way. Oklahoma City offers major potential for Airbnb hosts thanks to its growing tourism, events, and business travel. But don’t skip the fine print. Whether you’re looking to make passive income through rental arbitrage or just want to maximize a property you already lease, make sure you comply with city laws, get landlord approval, and partner with a solid property manager.

At Upventures, we help investors, entrepreneurs, and everyday renters succeed in Oklahoma City’s Airbnb scene. If you're ready to turn an apartment into a consistent income stream, we’re ready to help.