In September 2007,  Ohio Revised Code Sec. 5323.02 went into effect; requiring all Ohio residential rental property owners in counties with a population of more than 200,000 residents to register their properties with the County Auditor.  At the end of this month this requirement will be receiving a small but important addition.

As of October 24, 2024, any agent designated to manage the residential rental property on the owner’s behalf my file, update, or do anything otherwise required by the residential registration. The remainder of ORC Sec. 5323.02, however, remains the same.

According to the law, a “residential rental property” is defined as:

• A real property parcel on which at least one dwelling unit that is leased or otherwise rented to tenants solely for residential purposes is located.
• A real property parcel that is in a mobile home park or other permanent or semi-permanent site at which lots are leased or otherwise rented to tenants for parking a manufactured home, a mobile home, or a recreational vehicle that is used solely for residential purposes.

Failure to comply with the law may result in a fine or penalty and could hinder eviction efforts, depending on the county’s and/or municipality’s local regulations and ordinances.

If you aren’t sure whether your county falls above the 200,000-population threshold, recent census information can be found at the United States Census Bureau Website.

(This blog, prepared by Campanella Law Office, is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to convey specific legal advice, nor is it intended to create or constitute an attorney-client relationship.)