Short-Term Rentals in Lakewood, OH (2026)
8 verified short-term rentals rules for Lakewood, Ohio, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Permit Requirements
Lakewood's short-term rental ordinance requires a Short Term Rental Permit from the Building Department before any unit may be rented for 30 days or less, and in residential districts an STR is only allowed as a conditional use on an owner's primary residence.
Short Term Rental Permit Required (LCO 783)
Heavy RestrictionsLakewood Codified Ordinances Sec. 783(a)-(d) (enacted by Ordinance 23-2025)
(a) "Short Term Rentals" is hereby defined as any rental unit that is not classified as a motel or hotel use and is rented for a period of 30 days or less. (b) No person shall operate a Short Term Rental in the City of Lakewood without first obtaining a Short Term Rental Permit issued by the Lakewood Building Department. (c) The application for a Short Term Rental Permit shall include: 1. Proof...
Noise Rules
Lakewood short-term rental guests must comply with the city noise ordinance under Codified Ordinance 509.08. Quiet hours 10 PM to 7 AM apply citywide. STR operators are held responsible for guest noise violations.
Short Term Rentals: Noise Rules
Heavy RestrictionsTaxes & Fees
Lakewood STRs are subject to Cuyahoga County 5.5% lodging tax and Lakewood municipal income tax at 1.5% on rental income. Ohio has no state-level lodging tax. Airbnb and Vrbo auto-collect county lodging tax on most bookings.
Short Term Rentals: Taxes Fees
Some RestrictionsParking Rules
Lakewood STR guests must park on-site or follow residential street parking rules under Codified Ordinance Chapter 351. Overnight street parking is restricted 3 AM to 5 AM citywide; STR guests must have off-street parking or obtain temporary permits.
Short Term Rentals: Parking Rules
Some RestrictionsOccupancy Limits
Lakewood limits short-term rental occupancy to two persons per bedroom plus two additional persons, and allows no more than one STR listing per parcel.
STR Occupancy Capped at 2 Per Bedroom Plus 2
Some RestrictionsLakewood Codified Ordinances Sec. 783(e) (enacted by Ordinance 23-2025)
(e) The following operating requirements shall apply: 1. Maximum occupancy shall not exceed two (2) persons per bedroom, plus two (2) additional persons; 2. The responsible party must respond to complaints within one (1) hour; 3. No more than one (1) Short Term Rental listing shall be permitted per parcel; 4. A copy of the permit and summary of applicable rules must be posted visibly within the...
Insurance Requirements
Lakewood rental dwelling license under Codified Ordinance 1333 requires proof of liability insurance. STR operators should carry at least $1,000,000 liability coverage and verify homeowners policy covers short-term rentals or obtain a commercial rider.
Short Term Rentals: Insurance Requirements
Some RestrictionsNight Caps
Lakewood does not currently impose a per-year night cap on short-term rentals. STRs may operate year-round subject to rental licensing under Codified Ordinance 1333 and compliance with zoning rules. City Council has periodically discussed STR limits.
Short Term Rentals: Night Caps
Few RestrictionsRegistration Rules
Lakewood STR operators must register through the Division of Housing and Building under Codified Ordinance 1333. Registration includes property details, 24/7 local contact, proof of insurance, and initial housing inspection. Annual renewal required.
Short Term Rentals: Registration Rules
Heavy RestrictionsLooking for Cuyahoga County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Lakewood city rules.
Short-Term Rentals in Cuyahoga County →