Cleveland, OH Rental Regulations Guide 2025

7 Step Guide to Cleveland Short-Term Rental Regulations

1. City Overview: Short-Term Rental Landscape

Cleveland, Ohio, has implemented regulations for short-term rentals (STRs) to balance tourism with neighborhood stability. STRs are subject to licensing, zoning, and tax obligations to ensure compliance with city laws. Non-owner-occupied STRs have additional requirements compared to owner-occupied STRs.

For the most up-to-date short-term rental data, including occupancy rates, average daily rates, and revenue trends, visit the Chalet Market Dashboard.

2. Quick Facts

  • Permit Required? Yes, all STRs must obtain a Non-Owner-Occupied Rental License (if applicable) and a Rental Registration Certificate.
  • Zoning Restrictions? STRs must comply with zoning laws, and non-owner-occupied STRs are limited in some residential areas.
  • Maximum Occupancy: Defined by zoning and property classification.
  • Tax Requirements: STR operators must collect and remit city and state lodging taxes.
  • Renewal Frequency: Annual renewal required for permits and rental licenses.
  • Registration Fees:
    • Rental Registration Certificate: $70 per unit
    • Non-Owner-Occupied STR License: $250 per year
    • Business License (if applicable): Varies based on revenue
  • Insurance Required? Recommended for liability protection.
  • Enforcement Level: Active enforcement, with fines for non-compliance.

3. Getting Started with STRs in Cleveland (Step-by-Step Guide)

Step 1: Verify Zoning Compliance

Before applying for an STR license, property owners must confirm their rental is in an eligible zoning district.

Step 2: Obtain a Rental Registration Certificate & Non-Owner-Occupied Rental License

All STR operators must obtain a Rental Registration Certificate and a Non-Owner-Occupied Rental License (if applicable).

  • Permit Fees:
    • Rental Registration Certificate: $70 per unit (annual renewal required)
    • Non-Owner-Occupied STR License: $250 per year
  • Required Documents:
    • Proof of property ownership
    • Floor plan with designated guest areas
    • Zoning compliance approval
    • Tax registration documentation
    • Compliance with requirements outlined in the Cleveland Landlord Guide

Where to Apply:

Step 3: Register for Tax Collection & Payment

STR hosts must collect and remit applicable local and state lodging taxes.

  • Tax Registration Required With:
    • Cleveland Office of the Treasurer
    • Ohio Department of Taxation
  • Tax Rates:
    • Ohio State Lodging Tax: 5%
    • Cleveland Local Lodging Tax: 3%
    • Total Lodging Tax Rate: 8%
  • Filing and Payment Deadlines:
    • Taxes must be reported and paid monthly.
    • Payments are due by the 20th of each month for the previous month’s rentals.

Where to Register and Pay Taxes:

Failure to collect, report, and remit taxes can result in fines and penalties. Hosts are encouraged to maintain accurate records and consult a tax professional if needed.

4. Regulatory Breakdown

Frequently Asked Questions provide detailed answers to the most common regulatory questions.

Example Questions:

  • Do I need a permit to operate an STR in Cleveland?
    • Yes, all STR operators must obtain a Rental Registration Certificate, and non-owner-occupied STRs require an additional license.
  • What are the tax obligations for STR operators?
    • STRs are subject to city and state lodging taxes.
  • Are there zoning restrictions for STRs?
    • Yes, STRs are limited in some residential zones.

Additional Resources:

5. Key Considerations for Investors

  • Investment Potential: Cleveland’s STR market is growing, with a structured permitting process.
  • Regulatory Trends: The city enforces zoning laws and licensing requirements.
  • Community Compliance: STR operators should verify neighborhood-specific rules and remain updated on legislative changes.
  • More Information: Contact Cleveland Planning Department at (216) 664-2210 or visit the Chalet Market Dashboard.

6. Taxes and Financial Obligations

STR operators must register and remit taxes at both the local and state levels. Failure to comply with tax obligations can result in fines, penalties, and suspension of STR licenses.

Tax Breakdown:

  • Ohio State Lodging Tax: 5%
  • Cleveland Local Lodging Tax: 3%
  • Total Lodging Tax Rate: 8%

Who Must Register for Tax Collection?

  • STR operators must register with both the Cleveland Office of the Treasurer and the Ohio Department of Taxation to collect and remit applicable lodging taxes.
  • STR platforms like Airbnb and VRBO may collect and remit taxes on behalf of hosts, but operators should verify compliance directly with tax authorities.

Filing and Payment Deadlines:

  • Taxes must be reported and paid monthly.
  • Payments are due by the 20th of each month for the previous month’s rentals.
  • Late payments may result in penalties and interest charges.

How to Register and Pay Taxes:

Penalties for Non-Compliance:

  • STR operators who fail to collect or remit taxes may face fines, additional interest charges, and potential suspension of rental registration.
  • The city actively enforces tax compliance and may audit STR operators for accurate reporting.

To ensure compliance, STR operators should maintain detailed financial records and consult with a tax professional if needed.ort-term (Airbnb) rentals in Cleveland, OH. 

7. How Chalet Can Help

  • Local Realtor Partnerships:
    Looking to invest in short-term rental properties? Chalet’s nationwide network of specialized realtors is here to guide you. Our experts understand the nuances of vacation rentals and local markets, helping you identify high-ROI properties and navigate complex regulations with ease. Best of all, their services come at no extra cost to you. Click here to connect for free.
  • Chalet’s Regulation Updates:
    Chalet email subscribers receive updates regarding regulatory changes in cities. Subscribe here!
  • Connect with Local Experts:
    At Chalet, our goal is to enable everyone to create wealth with short-term rentals. We bring the experience and expertise to optimize your rental property. Connect with a STR professional in your area here.

Recommended Tools and Resources

  1. Chalet STR Market Insights Tool
    Chalet offers a free market analytics tool that allows investors to explore detailed data on occupancy rates, average daily rates, revenue estimates, and market trends for specific cities. This tool helps investors make informed decisions based on comprehensive insights. Access the STR Market Insights Tool.
  2. Airbnb Income Guide
    Investors can dive into this guide to better understand how to maximize income from STRs. It covers critical aspects such as dynamic pricing, guest management, and how to boost profitability through effective listing strategies. Read the Comprehensive Guide to Airbnb Income.
  3. Chalet Investor Guides
    These investor guides provide city-specific insights, including tax obligations, regulations, investment potential, and detailed market data. Investors can select from over 200 city guides to find data tailored to their target market. Explore Investor Guides.
  4. AI-Powered Market Comparison Dashboard
    Chalet’s market comparison dashboard offers a powerful tool for comparing different STR markets based on yield, occupancy rates, and other key performance indicators. This tool is particularly useful for investors looking to diversify across different regions. Check out the Market Dashboard.
  5. Chalet STR Calculator
    The free Chalet STR Calculator is a powerful tool designed to help short-term rental investors evaluate potential property performance with ease. It enables users to estimate revenue, analyze expenses, and project profitability for any STR market, streamlining investment decisions. Whether you’re comparing properties or exploring new opportunities, the Chalet STR Calculator simplifies the process with precision. Learn more about the Chalet STR Calculator.

DISCLAIMER: The information provided in these guides is for entertainment and general informational purposes only. It may not reflect the most up-to-date regulations, and Chalet is not responsible for any inaccuracies or changes to the information on third-party sites. These guides are not legal advice. We highly recommend verifying details directly with local authorities and consulting professionals before making any investment decisions. Ultimately, it is your responsibility as an investor to ensure compliance with local laws.

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