Cleveland, OH Short-Term Rentals: Primary-Residence-Only Rule (2026)

Cleveland Codified Ordinances § 337.251(c) lists the standards a dwelling unit must meet to be used for limited lodging. Standard § 337.251(c)(2) requires that "limited lodging must be accessory and incidental to the use of a dwelling unit for residential household living purposes as a primary residence." That standard works alongside § 337.251(c)(1), which requires the dwelling unit to "remain as a household living unit with housekeeping facilities in common," meaning it can't be converted into separate, self-contained rental suites. Limited lodging is classified as an accessory use under § 337.251(a)(4), the accessory use of all or part of a dwelling unit by rental for temporary occupancy, which by definition cannot become the dwelling's principal use.

Together with the ownership and occupancy definitions in § 337.251(a)(6)-(7), which require the owner or authorized tenant to occupy the unit more than 51% of the year, this confines short-term rental activity in Cleveland's Residence Districts to genuine primary homes rather than dedicated investment or vacation-rental properties. Hosts also must meet the remaining § 337.251(c) standards, maintained smoke detectors under Chapter 392, a carbon monoxide detector near the unit's center, lodger notice of trash/recycling rules, and posted contact information for a person who can resolve complaints, as conditions of keeping the accessory-use status.