Cleveland, OH Short-Term Rentals: Night Caps (2026)

Unlike several coastal cities that cap unhosted short-term rentals at 90 or 120 nights per year, Cleveland does not set an annual night limit in Codified Ordinances Chapter 677A. Instead, the city distinguishes between owner-occupied and non-owner-occupied rentals through the registration and zoning process. Owner-occupied STRs, where the host lives on site and rents rooms or the whole unit while present or during short absences, are permitted in most residential zoning districts with a standard registration. Non-owner-occupied whole-home STRs face stricter scrutiny and may be restricted in certain two-family and multi-family residential districts, but once approved they may operate year-round. This relatively permissive posture reflects Clevelands interest in supporting tourism tied to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Cleveland Clinic medical visitors, FirstEnergy Stadium events, and Playhouse Square. However, operators should monitor proposed amendments: City Council has periodically considered density caps in wards with high STR concentration, particularly Ward 3 (Ohio City, Tremont, downtown). Properties in HOA or condo associations such as those along the Flats or East Bank may face private covenant night limits that operate independently of city law, and state law under ORC 5311 permits condo associations to restrict rentals below 30 days.