Leasing Permit & Residential Rental Property

Overview

Berea City Council passed legislation requiring that owners of all one and two family residential dwellings in all zoning districts obtain a Leasing Permit prior to allowing occupancy of a dwelling unit by a non-owner when the owner does not live in the dwelling. This is effective as of October 1, 2018.

This legislation was passed into Codified Ordinance 1331 to help preserve the housing stock and ensure safe living conditions, adequate parking areas, upkeep of residential structures and to avoid over-crowding.

When Leasing Permits are Required

Property owners who do not live in a dwelling unit and rent, lease or otherwise allow non-owners to occupy a dwelling unit must obtain a Leasing Permit. This includes an owner who does not live in the dwelling unit and rents or leases the dwelling unit for cash or other consideration.

Non-Owners

Additionally, this includes an owner who does not live in a dwelling unit and allows non-owners, such as family members, friends or other people, to reside in the dwelling unit free of charge. 

Anyone Not on Deed

Any dwelling unit in the R-SF-A or R-SF-B zoning districts that is occupied by someone not on the deed must have a Leasing Permit.

Other Resources

Chapter 1331 - Residential Rental Permits 

2022-2023 RENTAL APPLICATION

Off Campus Housing Handbook

Landlord-Tenant basics:

https://www.ohiobar.org/public-resources/commonly-asked-law-questions-results/law-facts/law-facts-tenant--landlord-rights-and-obligations/


Tenant specific links:

https://lasclev.org/get-help/housing/tenants-rights/

https://www.ohiobar.org/public-resources/commonly-asked-law-questions-results/housing-and-real-estate/ohio-law-gives-tenants-security-deposit-rights/



The following activities are nuisance activities:

  • Any violation of Part Nine “General Offenses” of the Codified Ordinance of the City of Berea or similar Ohio Revised Code provision, except any offense against a family member or a person in a dating relationship
  • Any violation of Chapter 321 “Garbage and Rubbish” of the Codified Ordinance of the City of Berea or similar Ohio Revised Code provision
  • Any violation of Chapter 327 “Trees and Weeds” of the Codified Ordinance of the City of Berea or similar Ohio Revised Code provision
  • Any violation of Chapter 1329 “Exterior Maintenance” of the Codified Ordinance of the City of Berea or similar Ohio Revised Code provision
  • Any act that would constitute a felony under the Ohio Revised Code, except any offense against a family member or a person in a dating relationship

 

If within a 24-month period, three or more violations occur at the same premises, that property can be declared a criminal nuisance. If your property is declared a nuisance and the City has to respond to the premises, the City may abate the nuisance and the assess the cost to the nuisance property. The minimum cost of abatement is $750.

Fair Housing Ordinance

The fair housing ordinance is continuing policy of the City to do all things necessary and proper to secure for all citizens their rights to equal housing opportunities regardless of their race, color, national origin, sex, handicap or disability, religious beliefs, ancestry, familial status or military status.

Click on the link to read more about this ordinance.