Recent events involving short-term rentals (STRs) have raised understandable concerns in the community about safety and neighborhood stability. It is natural for residents and elected officials to seek solutions when such events occur, especially when they are highly visible or emotionally impactful. However, policy decisions made in response to incidents must be carefully crafted to avoid unintentionally harming the broader housing landscape or restricting private property rights.
Ohio continues to face a significant housing inventory shortage, and this affects communities across Northeast Ohio. Short-term rentals play a role in meeting diverse housing needs by offering temporary and flexible accommodations. STRs can also help homeowners maintain financial stability and remain in their homes, particularly as housing costs continue to rise.
REALTORS® believe that existing nuisance, property maintenance, and safety codes should be enforced consistently across all properties, regardless of whether they are owner-occupied, rented long-term, or rented short-term. We support ensuring properties are maintained, safe, and registered at all times, but we oppose blanket bans and zoning policies that treat these homes differently solely on how long they are occupied. Protecting private property rights while upholding community standards is not only possible, but also essential.
REALTORS® Position
1.) REALTORS® oppose banning short-term rentals, whether citywide or limited in scope, because doing so deprives property owners of their core right to rent their property on a short-term basis.
2.) REALTORS® believe it is incumbent on any property owner to ensure tenants are aware of local regulations, such as nuisance activities and HOA policies. ACAR will work with interested parties to develop helpful resources for public use
3.) REALTORS® support enforcing existing municipal maintenance, nuisance, and safety codes equally across all properties, rather than creating new licensing or inspection systems that limit private property rights or reduce due process for property owners.
4.) REALTORS® support voluntary programs to educate both tenants and landlords about proper property maintenance and code requirements, their rights and recourse in cases where maintenance is necessary or where other disagreements exist.
For more information, contact ACAR at 216-901-0130.
