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🏠 Short-Term Rentals/Permit Requirements

Permit Requirements: Cleveland vs Lakewood

How do permit requirements rules compare between Cleveland, OH and Lakewood, OH?

Cleveland has fewer restrictions than Lakewood.

Cleveland, OH

Cuyahoga County

Some Restrictions

Cleveland requires rental property registration with the Department of Building & Housing at $70/unit annually. A proposed 2024 ordinance (No. 588-2024) would create a dedicated STR license at $150/year with density caps and insurance requirements.

View full Cleveland rules β†’

Lakewood, OH

Cuyahoga County

Heavy Restrictions

Lakewood requires short-term rental operators to register annually with the city and obtain a rental dwelling license under Codified Ordinance Chapter 1333. STR operators must also comply with point-of-sale inspection requirements when the property changes use to STR.

View full Lakewood rules β†’

Key Facts Comparison

FactClevelandLakewood
Current Fee$70/unit annual registration-
Proposed License$150/year (Ord. 588-2024)-
Occupancy RuleOwner must reside 51%+ of year-
InspectionsInterior and exterior required-
Code-Lakewood C.O. 1333
License-Annual rental dwelling license
Fee-$75-$150 per unit
Local Contact-24/7 required
Inspection-Periodic housing inspection

Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.

Cleveland FAQ

Do I need a permit to list my property on Airbnb in Cleveland?

Cleveland requires rental property registration with the Department of Building & Housing at $70/unit annually. A proposed 2024 ordinance (No. 588-2024) would create a dedicated STR license at $150/year with density caps and insurance requirements.

What are the short-term rental registration requirements in Cleveland?

Current Fee: $70/unit annual registration. Proposed License: $150/year (Ord. 588-2024). Occupancy Rule: Owner must reside 51%+ of year. Inspections: Interior and exterior required.

Lakewood FAQ

Can I list my Lakewood home on Airbnb without registering?

No. Lakewood requires a rental dwelling license under C.O. 1333. Operating without one is a first-degree misdemeanor.

Who enforces this in Lakewood?

Lakewood at (216) 529-4000 handles most complaints.

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