The Maple Heights City Council approved new legislation continuing relief for homebuyers impacted by the city’s point-of-sale inspection escrow requirement. Ordinance 2026-01, introduced by Mayor Annette Blackwell, passed by a 5–1 vote on February 19, 2026, and is retroactive to January 1, 2026.
The legislation extends the point-of-sale inspection escrow waiver for qualifying owner-occupant purchasers, continuing the City’s effort to reduce barriers to homeownership while maintaining property maintenance standards.
The Akron Cleveland Association of REALTORS (ACAR) has long advocated for reforms to point-of-sale inspection policies — particularly those requiring escrow deposits — because they can create significant financial obstacles for low- to moderate-income buyers. ACAR has worked collaboratively with the Maple Heights City Council and city leadership over several years to support solutions that promote sustainable homeownership opportunities.
Important for REALTORS® and their clients:
Because Ordinance 2026-01 applies retroactively to January 1, agents representing transactions that qualify for the waiver should contact Maple Heights City Hall to request release of any escrow funds associated with eligible sales.
The escrow waiver for owner-occupant buyers requires a signed affidavit confirming the purchaser will occupy the property as their primary residence for a minimum of two years. Any cited violations must still be corrected in accordance with city requirements.
For additional details about eligibility and compliance requirements, agents and residents should contact Maple Heights City Hall.
Vote Recap:
Support: Councilmembers Stafford Shenett, Sr., Toni Jones, Timothy Tatum, Deonte Abrams, Shirley Merritt
Oppose: Edwina Agee
Absent: Tina Stafford-Marbury
