Cleveland City Council proposes ordinance to regulate short-term rentals

CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) - Cleveland City Councilman Kerry McCormack has introduced a new ordinance aimed at increasing safety in residential neighborhoods by regulating short-term rentals like Airbnb.

The ordinance, numbered 588-2024, would require all short-term rentals in residential areas to obtain a license and renew it annually for a fee of $150.

Unlicensed rentals would be prohibited from advertising online or through other channels.

The proposal comes after a series of violent incidents at short-term rentals in Cleveland, most notably a shooting in Slavic Village last October that left one teenager dead and two others injured.

Key provisions of the ordinance include:

• Licensing: All short-term rentals in residential areas must obtain a license and renew it annually.
• Fees: A $150 annual fee would be associated with the licensing process.
• Advertising: Unlicensed rentals would be prohibited from advertising.
• Occupancy Limits: The maximum number of occupants in a short-term rental would be capped at two people per bedroom, plus two additional people.
• Liability Insurance: Each rental would be required to maintain at least $300,000 in liability insurance.
• Fines: Violations of the ordinance would be subject to fines, in addition to any potential civil or criminal penalties.

The ordinance is currently in its proposal stage. Public hearings and discussions will be held before the City Council votes on its passage.