Columbus Rental Registry: What Landlords Need to Do Before 2027

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Written By Blake Park
Blake Park · Reafco Real Estate Blog › Landlords › Columbus
Landlord field guide · No. 01

Columbus Rental Registry: What Landlords Need to Do Before 2027

Every rental inside Columbus city limits gets registered with the city each year. Here is what it costs, what gets inspected, and the five things to do now.

Blake Park
Blake Park
REALTOR® and Columbus landlord · Updated Oct 27, 2026

Short answer: register each Columbus rental with the city every year, at $15 per unit and no more than $1,500 per property, on top of the Franklin County Auditor registration Ohio already requires. City Council passed it on April 20, 2026. I own rentals here too, so this is the version I'd want.

What is the Columbus rental registry?

A yearly city registration for residential rentals. You list your units, parcel numbers, ownership info and an emergency contact. The city says the goal is to find problem properties faster, not to inspect every unit (WOSU).

How much does it cost, and will my units be inspected?

Annual fee
$15 per unit, max $1,500 per property
Routine inspection
Free exterior and common-area check about every 3 years. Units only if requested
Problem properties
Repeat violations can mean "conditional" status and a $250 yearly inspection fee
Late or never registered
Reported at $2 per unit per day

Sources: Scioto Title, Kegler Brown

Do I still have to register with the county?

Yes. Ohio law (ORC 5323.02) already requires rental owners to file with the Franklin County Auditor and update it within 60 days of any change. Skipping it can cost up to $150 per property per tax year. Own from outside Ohio? You also need an in-state contact.

What should Columbus landlords do now?

Make sure your county registration is current, especially if you bought this year.
List each property's parcel number and unit count in one place.
Decide who the city should call in an emergency: you, a manager or a local contact.
Budget the fee. A fourplex is $60 a year.
Watch for the city's registration portal from Building & Zoning Services.

Does this change what I should buy?

Not much for well-run properties. The fee is small, and the inspection covers outside and shared areas. It matters more if you're buying a building with a history of code violations. Ask for the violation history before you make an offer, because that's what lands a property in conditional status.

FAQ

Does it apply to suburbs like Gahanna or Hilliard?
No, only properties inside Columbus city limits. Some suburbs have their own rules. Gahanna, for example, requires rental registration every 2 years.
Are short-term rentals included?
Rentals under 30 days are reported to be exempt, along with hotels, dorms and vacant properties. Confirm when the city posts the final rules.
Is the county registration the same thing?
No. The county one is a state requirement, and you need both.
Want rentals that already pencil out?
Off-market deals, a free rent estimate, or a quick call: 614-762-9232
Blake Park