Parma's Rental Property Rules: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles rental property rules a little differently. In Parma, Ohio, there are 3 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Rental Registration

Parma requires rental registration and interior/exterior inspections for residential rental properties under Codified Ordinances Chapter 1345. Owners must register units annually with the Building Department and pass housing inspections before occupancy.

Key details: Ordinance: Parma CO Ch. 1345. Registration: Annual, all rentals. Inspections: Required before occupancy. Agent: Local agent for absentee owners. Point of Sale: CO Ch. 1343 inspection.

Operating unregistered rental: minor misdemeanor, up to 150 dollars fine per Parma Codified Ordinance 501.99. Continuing violations charged daily. Failure to correct code violations can result in condemnation.

Just Cause Eviction

Parma follows Ohio landlord-tenant law (ORC Chapter 5321) with no local just-cause eviction ordinance. Landlords may terminate month-to-month tenancies with 30 days written notice without stating cause. Standard 3-day notice required before filing eviction.

Key details: Just Cause: Not required in Parma. Month-to-Month Notice: 30 days (ORC 5321.17). Eviction Notice: 3-day (ORC 1923.04). Court: Parma Municipal Court. State Law: ORC Chapter 5321.

Improper notice results in dismissal of eviction. Self-help evictions (lockouts, utility shutoffs) prohibited under ORC §5321.15 with tenant damages available.

Parma is more permissive than most cities when it comes to just cause eviction. That said, there are still limits.

Rent Control

Ohio prohibits rent control statewide under ORC 5321.19, preempting Parma from enacting any rent stabilization. Landlords may raise rent to any amount at lease end with 30-day notice for month-to-month tenancies.

Key details: State Law: ORC 5321.19 preempts. Notice: 30 days month-to-month. Local Authority: None. Section 8: HUD FMR.

Cities attempting rent control face state preemption lawsuits. Parma has not attempted to enact rent control.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Parma gives residents more flexibility on rent control.

The Bottom Line

Compared to many U.S. cities, Parma gives residents more room on rental property rules. 2 of the 3 rules here are rated permissive. But permissive does not mean unregulated. There are still requirements, and the city does enforce them when violations are reported.

These rules come from Parma's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.