Marion, OH Rental Property Rules: Repairs & Habitability (2026)

Chapter 662 of the Marion Codified Ordinances is the city's hygiene, sanitation and maintenance code for dwellings. Section 662.01 says the chapter establishes minimum standards for the condition of dwellings offered for rent and fixes responsibilities and duties of owners and occupants. Section 662.02 limits the chapter to residential dwellings only and places enforcement authority with the Marion County General Health District, its administrators and employees, in accordance with Sections 3707.01, 3707.02 and 3709.20 of the Ohio Revised Code, while keeping the authority of public officers charged with ensuring compliance with Marion City Codes.

The operative rule is § 662.07, which forbids occupying as owner-occupant, or letting to another for occupancy, any dwelling or dwelling unit that fails its requirements. The owner is responsible for a sewer connection and potable water supply approved by the Health Commissioner (A) and for plumbing and fixtures installed under the Ohio Plumbing Code (B). Every unit needs a kitchen sink, flush water closet, lavatory and bathtub or shower (C), with hot water at a temperature of not less than 120 deg. F (D). Every habitable room except a bathroom needs at least two separate duplex outlets, and each bathroom needs at least one convenience outlet and a light fixture (F). Heating facilities must be capable of heating all rooms to a temperature of at least 65 degrees (K). Handrails are required on steps or stairways that rise higher than three feet (U), every dwelling needs two means of egress (V), and exterior doors and windows need a functioning locking device (T)(2). Subsection (X) divides extermination duties between occupant and owner, and (Z) requires owners of premises with four or more dwelling units to supply containers for garbage and rubbish.

Relief and removal are built in. Section 662.08 lets the Board of Health grant a variance on written application where the person shows unusual and unnecessary hardship, and § 662.09 provides for condemnation and placarding of a dwelling found unfit for human habitation.