Ohio Revised Code 5321.18 requires every landlord of residential premises to file owner contact information with the county auditor, with civil penalties for noncompliance regardless of municipal rental registration programs.
ORC 5321.18 mandates that landlords of residential rental property file the owner's name and address (and contact agent if owner is non-resident or business entity) with the county auditor. This applies statewide independently of any local rental licensing program. Cuyahoga, Franklin, and Hamilton counties maintain searchable registries. Failure to register prevents the landlord from initiating eviction actions under ORC 5321.18(C) until compliance occurs. Local rental inspection or licensing programs are layered on top of this statewide requirement.
Unregistered landlords cannot file evictions; counties may impose civil penalties typically $50-$150 per parcel.
See how Liberty Township's rental registration rules stack up against other locations.
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