Rental Properties

Rental Properties

PLEASE NOTE: The due date for rental registration fees has been extended to May 30, 2024, and Certificates Approving Rental Occupancy must be obtained by September 1, 2024.

  1. Visit the City of Cleveland's Citizens Web Portal
  2. Create or Access Your Account
    • New Users: Create an account.
    • Existing Users: If you forgot your password, click "Forgot Password" and follow the prompts to reset it.
  3. Log In
    • Log into your account using your credentials.
  4. Navigate to the Registration Section
    • Click on the Home tab.
    • Select Building and Housing, then click on Permits and Registrations.
  5. Accept the Disclaimer
    • Read and accept the disclaimer by checking the box, then click Continue Application.
  6. Start Registration
    • Click on Registration.
    • Select the Rental Registration option, then click Continue Application.
  7. Enter Property Details
    • Input the street number, direction (if applicable), street name, and zip code, then click Search.
    • Examples:
      • Enter as “12345 Lakeside” or “12345 E. 45th”.
      • If the street name is a number, enter it as “45th” without a direction.
    • Confirm the information, then click Continue Application.
  8. Select Responsible Party
    • Click Select from Account.
    • Choose the associated contact.
  9. Specify Ownership Type
    • Indicate whether the owner is an individual or a corporation.
  10. Select County of Residency
    • Choose the county where the owner resides, then click Continue Application.
  11. Answer Required Questions
    • Respond to all questions in Step 2, then click Continue Application.
  12. Upload Documents
    • If needed, click Add to upload documents, then follow the prompts. Click Continue Application when finished.
    • Enter invoice number in search field:
      Screenshot of application
    • Select Record Info:
      Screenshot of application
    • Click Add to upload documents:
      Screenshot of application
  13. Complete Registration
    • When you have finish registering your property, click Check Out.
    • To register additional properties, click Continue Shopping to add to the shopping cart.
  14. Payment and Confirmation
    • Once the payment is processed, you will receive a confirmation email indicating your status as pending.
    • Please allow time for the Building and Housing staff to process your registration.

Documentation

The following documentation is required to obtain a certificate of rental occupancy to rent in good standing with the city and be compliant with Residents First:

  • Local Agent-in-Charge: For property owners outside of Cuyahoga or a contiguous county the appointment of a local-agent-in-charge who resides in the county, will now be required. We will provide an affidavit form that will need to be uploaded and signed by both the owner and the local agent acknowledging this relationship. The local agent can be held liable for any violations in place of the owner if the owner is unable to be located. A copy of a valid photo ID for both parties will need to be included.

    Designation of Local Agent in Charge

    Local Agent in Charge - Overview

  • Lead Safe compliance: Compliance with Cleveland’s lead safe ordinance is required for all rental units in the city. Property owners must obtain a 2 year or 20 year certification. Any lead hazard control orders issued against the property must be corrected and closed and a lead safe certificate obtained.
     
  • Violation Free: In order to receive a certificate approving rental occupancy, your property cannot have open code violations.
     
  • Compliant with fees:  Any outstanding fees or bills owed to the city must be paid in full.
     
  • Property taxes current:  You must provide proof that your property taxes are paid in full or that you are on a payment plan with the County in good standing. To speak with the County Taxpayer Services about payment plan options, please call 216-443-7400, Select Option 1. Or visit sit the Cuyahoga County Treasurer's Office.
     
  • LLC properties: If your property is held in an LLC, you will need to submit proof that your LLC is registered in good standing with the Ohio Secretary of State.

For parcels with four or more rental units, the following are additional requirements:

  • Utilities paid for by the owner must be current: If you, as the landlord of a multi-unit building, are paying for any of the utilities for the rental property, you will need to submit a current statement from the utility confirming that the account is paid current.
  • HVAC Certification required annually: Owners of multi-unit buildings are required to have the property’s HVAC system inspected annually by a licensed HVAC contractor. A form will be provided to you for this certification and must be returned each year with your annual registration.

    HVAC Certification Form

 

Questions or concerns regarding property registration and the upcoming changes? Please do not hesitate to contact the Department of Housing, Records Administration at (216) 664-2825 or email the team at Bhrental@clevelandohio.gov.