STR in Cleveland, OH

Cleveland, Ohio
Short-Term & Vacation Rental Discussions
2yFollow

STR in Cleveland, OH

Fred Bagirov
Member since 2024 · 5 posts · 6 votes

I am new to Cleveland and trying to understand the market, rules, regulations (and loopholes, if any) with STR properties. 

What are the areas that are the best to search for an STR for, and which ones are not? Which house types (single family? multi family? condos?) What amenities are the most popular? 

It is my understanding that the STR rules in Cleveland are as follows:

- Density limits: In residential districts, STRs can't make up more than 15% of the total homes on a block or units in a multi-unit building. How do I know if the potential property is in the area that does not have 15% of total homes on the block as STR? 

- Guest limits: Guests can't stay for more than 30 consecutive days or less than 24 hours. The maximum number of guests is two per bedroom, plus two additional guests. Does that mean that 4 guest is the maximum for an STR, even if there are rooms to accommodate more guests? Are there any loopholes for guests to stay for more than 30 days (can they start a new booking?)

- Property owner residency: Property owners must live on the property for more than 51% of the calendar year. Does that mean I can not live outside the property? Are there any loopholes around it? 


    Any feedback and/or discussion is appreciated!

    6Reply
    49 views

    Most Popular Reply

    Joshua JanusBusiness Member
    Realtor · Cleveland, OH · Member since 2021 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    2y
    Quote from @Fred Bagirov:

    I am new to Cleveland and trying to understand the market, rules, regulations (and loopholes, if any) with STR properties. 

    What are the areas that are the best to search for an STR for, and which ones are not? Which house types (single family? multi family? condos?) What amenities are the most popular? 

    It is my understanding that the STR rules in Cleveland are as follows:

    - Density limits: In residential districts, STRs can't make up more than 15% of the total homes on a block or units in a multi-unit building. How do I know if the potential property is in the area that does not have 15% of total homes on the block as STR? 

    - Guest limits: Guests can't stay for more than 30 consecutive days or less than 24 hours. The maximum number of guests is two per bedroom, plus two additional guests. Does that mean that 4 guest is the maximum for an STR, even if there are rooms to accommodate more guests? Are there any loopholes for guests to stay for more than 30 days (can they start a new booking?)

    - Property owner residency: Property owners must live on the property for more than 51% of the calendar year. Does that mean I can not live outside the property? Are there any loopholes around it? 


      Any feedback and/or discussion is appreciated!


       Hey what's up Fred! I'm glad you are getting into the Cleveland market.

      I have clients running short term rentals in these areas

      East side - University Circle, Shaker Heights, Cleveland Heights

      West side - Ohio City, Tremont, Edgewater, Lakewood

      Here is a recent article on a bill passed "House committee passes bill to block cities from regulating Airbnbs, other short-term rentals"

       https://ohiocapitaljournal.com/2022/05/11/house-committee-pa...

      [email protected]614-502-5316Podcast Guest on Show #1
      5Reply
      See this reply in the discussion

      6 Replies

      Jump to latestLatest
      • Joshua JanusBusiness Member
        Realtor · Cleveland, OH · Member since 2021 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
        2y
        Quote from @Fred Bagirov:

        I am new to Cleveland and trying to understand the market, rules, regulations (and loopholes, if any) with STR properties. 

        What are the areas that are the best to search for an STR for, and which ones are not? Which house types (single family? multi family? condos?) What amenities are the most popular? 

        It is my understanding that the STR rules in Cleveland are as follows:

        - Density limits: In residential districts, STRs can't make up more than 15% of the total homes on a block or units in a multi-unit building. How do I know if the potential property is in the area that does not have 15% of total homes on the block as STR? 

        - Guest limits: Guests can't stay for more than 30 consecutive days or less than 24 hours. The maximum number of guests is two per bedroom, plus two additional guests. Does that mean that 4 guest is the maximum for an STR, even if there are rooms to accommodate more guests? Are there any loopholes for guests to stay for more than 30 days (can they start a new booking?)

        - Property owner residency: Property owners must live on the property for more than 51% of the calendar year. Does that mean I can not live outside the property? Are there any loopholes around it? 


          Any feedback and/or discussion is appreciated!


           Hey what's up Fred! I'm glad you are getting into the Cleveland market.

          I have clients running short term rentals in these areas

          East side - University Circle, Shaker Heights, Cleveland Heights

          West side - Ohio City, Tremont, Edgewater, Lakewood

          Here is a recent article on a bill passed "House committee passes bill to block cities from regulating Airbnbs, other short-term rentals"

           https://ohiocapitaljournal.com/2022/05/11/house-committee-pa...

          [email protected]614-502-5316Podcast Guest on Show #1
          5Reply
        • Sarah KensingerPro Member
          Real Estate Consultant · OH · Member since 2023 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
          2y

          Would definitely recommend reaching out to Bernie Cesareo or David Stokley. They have run STR in Cleveland for years and know the area very well!

          [email protected]330-557-3021
          1Reply
        • Fred Bagirov
          OP
          Member since 2024 · 5 posts · 6 votes
          2y
          Quote from @Joshua Janus:
          Quote from @Fred Bagirov:

          I am new to Cleveland and trying to understand the market, rules, regulations (and loopholes, if any) with STR properties. 

          What are the areas that are the best to search for an STR for, and which ones are not? Which house types (single family? multi family? condos?) What amenities are the most popular? 

          It is my understanding that the STR rules in Cleveland are as follows:

          - Density limits: In residential districts, STRs can't make up more than 15% of the total homes on a block or units in a multi-unit building. How do I know if the potential property is in the area that does not have 15% of total homes on the block as STR? 

          - Guest limits: Guests can't stay for more than 30 consecutive days or less than 24 hours. The maximum number of guests is two per bedroom, plus two additional guests. Does that mean that 4 guest is the maximum for an STR, even if there are rooms to accommodate more guests? Are there any loopholes for guests to stay for more than 30 days (can they start a new booking?)

          - Property owner residency: Property owners must live on the property for more than 51% of the calendar year. Does that mean I can not live outside the property? Are there any loopholes around it? 


            Any feedback and/or discussion is appreciated!


             Hey what's up Fred! I'm glad you are getting into the Cleveland market.

            I have clients running short term rentals in these areas

            East side - University Circle, Shaker Heights, Cleveland Heights

            West side - Ohio City, Tremont, Edgewater, Lakewood

            Here is a recent article on a bill passed "House committee passes bill to block cities from regulating Airbnbs, other short-term rentals"

             https://ohiocapitaljournal.com/2022/05/11/house-committee-pa...


             Hi Joshua, thanks for the link, very helpful! What are your thoughts on the University Heights? Is it a safe area? Are multifamily frequently put on the market? What is the median price for a single family? Thanks!

            0Reply
          • David Leggett
            Real Estate Broker · Cleveland, OH · Member since 2018 · 227 posts · 133 votes
            2y
            University Heights is a solid area, and I think with the rapid development that is going on in University Circle, I think it's a great time to invest in that area.  The single families sell between 200-400k, but there are a decent amount of them on the market at any given time.  The multi-families are a bit harder to find, there are only 2 currently on the MLS, but they're available.  

            The downside with University Heights is the taxes are generally pretty high and their Point of Sale process can be a little brutal, just depends on the property.  But I like that area and think property values will be worth a lot more in that neighborhood 10-20 years from.
            0Reply
          • Cameron GreenPro Member
            Real Estate Agent · Cleveland, OH · Member since 2023 · 73 posts · 46 votes
            2y

            Hi Fred,

            To be fully approved, you need to register the property specifically as a short-term rental in addition to the regular rental registration. This step ensures compliance with local regulations.

            From my experience, when I had an STR in Cleveland, I only did the regular rental registration, so make sure you complete both registrations to avoid any issues.

            Cleveland is a popular spot for STRs, especially for visitors coming for sporting events and medical purposes. University Circle is a solid area, and homes in the Edgewater neighborhood are also desirable. Currently, Tremont and Ohio City are top destinations due to their walkability to shops and restaurants.

            Keep in mind that if you get approval, you can't have more than 15% of STRs in a building. Also, for advertising, you must follow the rule of no more than 2 people per bedroom plus 2 additional guests on couches.

            If you need more information or help with the registration process, just let me know—I’d be glad to assist!

            Best,

            [email protected]216-644-9728
            2Reply
          • Account Closed
            Realtor · Cleveland, OH · Member since 2023 · 340 posts · 215 votes
            2y

            Hi, welcome to the BP family! 

            Yes, all of this is great information. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions. Good Luck!

            1Reply
          Join the conversationCreate a free account to reply, vote on answers and follow this thread.
          Log InJoin for Free