How to get a short-term rental permit in Cleveland, OH (2026)
Cleveland requires Short-Term Rental License — the fee is $150, renewed annual. Here's how to get and keep it.
Permit at a glance
| Permit required | Yes |
|---|---|
| Permit name | Short-Term Rental License |
| Permit fee | $150 |
| Renewal | Annual |
Step by step
- 1
Confirm your property is eligible
Confirm the property's zoning allows short-term rentals. From November 28, 2026: short-term rentals are a permitted use in residential districts, including One-Family Districts (amended CO 337.02(f)), but subject to a density cap - in any residential district STRs are limited to the greater of one unit or 10% of the total residential units on the city block or in a multi-unit building (3+ units) (CO 686B.07). Exceeding the cap requires a variance from the Board of Zoning Appeals. Dwellings that operated as compliant 'limited lodging' for at least one year before the effective date, with no recorded complaints, are exempt from the density cap. Occupancy is capped at 2 overnight guests per bedroom plus 2 additional persons; rentals over 30 consecutive days are not STRs. Until November 28, 2026, the prior rule (CO 337.251, being repealed) still governs residence districts: 'limited lodging' is allowed only as an accessory use of a dwelling used as a primary residence, for fewer than 91 days per calendar year and no more than 30 consecutive days per lodger.
- 2
Apply for the Short-Term Rental License
Submit the Short-Term Rental License application to Cleveland and pay the $150 fee. Application fee is $150.00 and the annual renewal fee is also $150.00 (CO 686B.03(d)-(e), enacted by Ord. No. 561-2026). Licenses run on a fixed licensing year of December 1 through November 30; initial-year fees are prorated from the month of issuance. Renewal applications must be filed between September 1 and November 1. Licenses are non-transferable between persons or properties. The license requirement itself takes effect November 28, 2026 (180 days after the June 1, 2026 passage) - before that date no city STR license exists. Booking agents (platforms) must also register annually with the Commissioner of Assessments and Licenses (686B.08). Licensed STRs are exempt from the separate Chapter 365 residential rental registration ($70/unit) while they remain short-term rentals, and STR units are not eligible for property tax abatement (686B.05).
- 3
Register for occupancy taxes
Register to collect and remit the applicable lodging/occupancy taxes for Cleveland. Some are collected automatically by the booking platform and some you may need to remit yourself.
- 4
Renew on schedule
The permit renews annual — set a reminder so it never lapses, since operating on an expired permit typically triggers fines.
STR rules change without warning.
Get an email the moment Cleveland changes its short-term rental rules — plus renewal reminders before your permit expires.
Watch Cleveland for changes →Free monthly digest · same-day alerts from $5/mo · cancel anytime
Keep going
Verified July 21, 2026. Informational only — not legal, tax, or financial advice. Permit requirements and fees change; confirm current requirements with Cleveland before applying.