Airbnb Rental Laws and Regulations Cleveland, OH

How does Cleveland, OH define a short-term (Airbnb) rental (STR)?

• Any owner-occupied residential unit that is designed to serve living quarters or a residence for more than 91 days each year. 
• A public lodging option that hosts guests for less than 30 days at a time. 

Please note that the phrases “Vacation Rental” and “Short-term Rental” are used interchangeably. 

Source: Cleveland.com

Can investor own moCity of Clevelandre than one vacation rental property in Cleveland, Ohio? 

No, off-site investors in Cleveland, Ohio are not allowed to operate full-time Airbnb properties in residential areas without obtaining a zoning change and other regulatory approvals. The city aims to discourage bulk purchases of properties for short-term (Airbnb) rentals in residential neighborhoods. Compliance with local regulations is necessary for investors to operate vacation rental properties within the designated zoning and maintain the integrity of residential communities.

Source: Cleveland.com

Does the Cleveland, OH market have any zoning restrictions for STRs?

Yes, in Cleveland, Ohio, the city’s zoning code permits short-term (Airbnb) rentals in residentially zoned areas, but with a specific condition: each rental unit may only be booked for a maximum of 91 days per year.

Source: City of Cleveland Zoning Division

In Cleveland, OH can an investor own and operate their Airbnb property as a business entity? 

Yes, in Cleveland, Ohio, it is permissible for an investor to own and operate their Airbnb property as a business entity. As always, it’s essential to ensure compliance with all relevant laws and regulations, including business registration requirements, zoning restrictions, and any specific requirements related to operating a short-term (Airbnb) rental.

Source: The City of Cleveland Short Term Rentals

In Cleveland, Ohio, can investors register accessory dwelling units (ADU), duplexes, and multifamily homes as Vacation Rentals?

Yes, investors can register any type of residential building as a vacation rental in Cleveland. However, they must ensure that the neighborhood is zoned correctly. So, in some cases, this requires the investor to change the zoning for the property. 

Source: The City of Cleveland Short Term Rentals

What is Cleveland, OH requirement for obtaining a Vacation Rental License?

To obtain a Vacation Rental License in Cleveland, Ohio, you must adhere to the requirements set forth by the Cleveland Codified Ordinance section 365. This includes:

• All owners, agents, or those in charge of dwellings designed or intended for use as rental units within the city must register these properties.
• The registration process entails paying a non-refundable rental registration fee per unit.
• A Certificate of Rental Registration must be obtained annually from the Department of Building & Housing for each property.

Source: The City of Cleveland Short Term Rentals

What are the costs associated with a Vacation Rental License in Cleveland, OH?

In Cleveland, Ohio, the financial requirement associated with securing a Vacation Rental License involves a mandatory, non-refundable registration fee of $70 per rental unit. This fee is an annual obligation for the owner or responsible agent.

Source: The City of Cleveland Short Term Rentals

Does Cleveland, Ohio have Vacation Rental occupancy limits?

Yes, Cleveland, Ohio does enforce vacation rental occupancy limits, which are dependent on the size of the home. For the most accurate information, please refer to this resource.

Source: Cleveland Ohio Ordinance 

Does Cleveland, OH require an inspection for investors to obtain an STR license? What are the physical and structural requirements for a vacation rental?

Yes, in Cleveland, Ohio, both interior and exterior inspections are mandatory for investors to obtain a short-term (Airbnb) rental license. This process involves a city code official identifying potential problems, with a focus on life safety issues. If any deficiencies are found, the property owner must rectify these to align with all applicable codes. A re-inspection is then arranged. Upon the property meeting compliance standards, the Rental Registration Certificate will be renewed. 

Source: Cleveland Ohio Ordinance 

Does Cleveland, OH have any responsible agent requirements?

No, Cleveland has no requirements that a responsible agent be assigned to manage vacation rentals. However, it’s generally a good practice for property owners to have a designated person to handle operational matters and emergencies.

Source: Cleveland Ohio Ordinance 

Does Cleveland, Ohio have specific insurance requirements for a Vacation Rental?

No, Cleveland does not have any specific insurance requirements for vacation rentals. Nevertheless, as an investor, it’s advisable to consider obtaining a suitable insurance policy that covers vacation rentals specifically. Such a policy would typically offer more extensive coverage than a regular homeowner’s policy, particularly in relation to potential liabilities arising from guests’ stays. 

Source: Cleveland Ohio Ordinance 

What are the duration and renewal terms of a Cleveland, OH Vacation Rental license?

The Vacation Rental license in Cleveland, Ohio, is typically valid for a year and needs to be renewed annually. The renewal process often includes payment of the renewal fee and potentially an inspection of the property to ensure it adheres to local housing and safety standards. 

Source: The City of Cleveland Short Term Rentals

In Cleveland, OH, do Airbnb and VRBO remit taxes on the host’s behalf? Are there any taxes that the host must track and pay directly to Cleveland, Ohio?

In Cleveland, OH, hosts are subject to a 3% Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) and a separate 5.5% bed tax imposed by Cuyahoga County. Notably, Airbnb automatically collects and remits the county bed tax. However, the Transient Occupancy Tax must be paid directly to Cleveland by the owner. 

Source: Airbnb.com

Who should I contact if I have questions regarding Cleveland, OH Vacation Rentals?

You should contact the Cleveland Division of Records at 216.664.2825, or in person at Cleveland City Hall, Room 517, 601 Lakeside Avenue, 44114.

Are there any new laws and regulations that the city is requiring?

No, at the time of writing this, Get Chalet did not find any new regulations or laws pertaining to short-term (Airbnb) rentals in Cleveland, OH.