The Rental Tenant Information Form is required for single family, duplex, and condo rental properties. This form must be submitted yearly with rental registration renewal, new rental properties or when tenant information changes.

• Rental Tenant Information Form

What type of certificate do I need to rent my property?

Property is considered a rental property when rented or leased in part or in whole to an individual who is not the owner of the property, whether or not such individual is paying consideration in the form of money or other valuable consideration. Prior to renting out any residential property in the City of Parma Heights, a Rental Certificate must be obtained. Rental registration can be completed online by click the link on the Rental Department main page. Once a property owner has submitted a Rental Certificate application and the $200.00 inspection fee, the City of Parma Heights will conduct an exterior property inspection at the rental property to ensure compliance with various exterior maintenance, building, and safety codes. If violations are found after inspection, please be aware certain permits must be obtained through the Building Department before repairs can be made and all contractors must register with the City of Parma Heights. A re-inspection fee shall be assessed for any additional inspections needed if violations are not corrected.

I own a duplex and I live in one dwelling unit but rent out the other dwelling unit. Do I need a Rental Certificate? 

Yes. A duplex, whether it’s an up or down or a side by side, has two dwelling units. Accordingly, when one owner lives in one dwelling unit and rent out the other dwelling unit, the owner must obtain a Rental Certificate.

As a property owner, what responsibilities do I have regarding upkeep? 

To obtain the required certificate, the property owner is responsible for the exterior maintenance of the following items including but not limited to fences, railings, chimneys, floors, roofs, decks, foundations, shed, doors, garages, steps, driveways, public sidewalks, gutters, windows, window frames, exterior walls, porches, proper storage of refuse and the landscaping and maintenance of the yard area.  Further information regarding exterior property maintenance codes may be obtained from Parma heights City Ordinance 1363.

Can I assign the grass cutting and yard maintenance duties to my tenant? 

Yes. Even though the property owner and tenant may have an agreement that the tenant will maintain the yard areas of the property, it is still the sole responsibility of the homeowner to ensure the yard is kept clean and landscaped. For example, if a citation is issued for overgrown vegetation or high grass, and the property violation is not rectified, the homeowner of the property, not the tenant, will receive the final notice.

The tenant moved out and the property is vacant. Do I need a Rental Certificate? 

Yes. Although the property is vacant, if the homeowner has the intention to continue to rent the property in the near future, a Rental Certificate must be obtained. The Rental Certificate enables the homeowner to rent the property during the entire calendar year it is certified. Whenever there is a change of tenants’ information must be forwarded to the Rental Department.

If I do not plan to continue to rent the property, what is the procedure? 

If there is a change in status of the property, the homeowner must notify the Rental Department as soon as possible. Property is not considered a rental property if it is vacant, for sale or if its owner occupied. It is not necessary to re-register the with the city if these changes occur.

I have a rental contract through the HCVP- Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority. Do I need a Rental Certificate with the City of Parma Heights? 

Yes. It is a requirement of the HCVP contract to obtain a Rental Certificate with the City of Parma Heights before renting the property through the County program.

All vacant property must be registered with the City. An owner, agent or party in control of vacant property shall register the vacant property with the Director of Public Service on on City forms and pay the fee, as set in Chapter 634 of Parma Heights Codified Ordinances.

Vacant Property Registration Application

• Rental Housing Properties Ordinances
• Ohio Tenant Landlord Law- Ordinance 5321

Guidance for Multi-Family Housing

Apartment buildings are commercial properties. Generally, municipalities do not provide curbside recycling services to commercial properties including apartment buildings and other multi-family housing units. The responsibility of setting up a recycling program typically rests with property managers, property owners or the boards of condominium and homeowners’ associations.

A Guide to Recycle and Composting for Multi-Family Housing