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Housing Inspections FAQ

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1. What is the charge for a Certificate of Occupancy?

The Certificate of Occupancy costs $200 for the first unit you are renting, $50 for the second unit and $25 for each additional rental unit with a maximum fee of $1,225.

2. What does a Point-of-Sale Inspection cost?

The cost is $200 for the first unit and $50 for each additional unit.

3. How do I obtain a Point-of-Sale Inspection?

You or your real estate agent may also come into the office at Cleveland Heights City Hall, 40 Severance Circle and fill out the application form or applications can be mailed to you. If you fill out the application in the office, a date and time for the inspection will be scheduled. If you mail in the application, you must call the office at 216-291-5900 to schedule the date and time.

Point of Sale Application Inspection (PDF)

4. How long does it take to get a Point-of-Sale Inspection?

We are normally scheduling two weeks in advance.

5. What if I need an appointment sooner?

You may be placed on a cancellation list. We try to make every effort to schedule.

6. My landlord has refused to make repairs to my apartment. Can I withhold my rent?

No. In Ohio, a tenant whose landlord refuses or fails to make repairs cannot simply withhold their rent. However, the tenant may deliver to the landlord written notice of the defective conditions or repairs requested. Then, if the landlord does not make the repairs in a reasonable amount of time, the tenant may deposit the rent with the Court.

Rent in Escrow Info (PDF)

7. What are the hours of inspection?

New Point-of-Sale Inspections are scheduled at 9:15 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Reinspections are scheduled between the hours of 9:15 a.m. and 4:15 p.m.

8. How soon will I receive my inspection report?

You normally will receive your report within 5 working days.

9. Do all the violations have to be done before I sell the house?

No. Violations may be assumed by the buyer. However, if 'Class A' violations remain, monies must be placed in escrow and verification supplied to the Housing Inspection Office prior to title transfer.

10. I've fixed the violations - now what?

Call the Housing Inspections office at 216-291-5900 to schedule a reinspection.

11. What has to be done so I can transfer?

Inspectional Services must have a copy of the Acknowledgement Form signed by the buyer on file, the information for the title company and a letter from the title company of 'Class A' violations are noted stating they are holding funds in escrow.

12. I just bought a property in Cleveland Heights and I have completed the violations. How do I get my money out of escrow?

Call Housing Inspections at 216-291-5900 and schedule a reinspection. If the violations pass inspection, the department will send a letter to the title company holding the funds and let them know how much to release.

13. I would like to rent out my property, what must I do?

You must register with Housing Inspections. A Certificate of Occupancy is required each year and you must have a new interior/exterior inspection every three years.

14. How many people can I rent to?

The number of occupants is determined by the allowable occupancy for the unit. However, no more than three unrelated persons may occupy any unit.

15. My neighbor has trash/junk car on his property. What can I do?

Call Inspectional Services at 216-291-5900 and an inspector will investigate the problem. If a violation exists, the neighbor will be cited to take care of the problem.

16. Who do I call about tall grass and weeds?

Call the Inspectional Services office at 216-291-5900.  An inspector will investigate.

17. Have a Housing complaint?

Leave a message any time at 216-291-5921 or email and an Inspector will get back to you.

The Housing Inspections staff is available for questions. Call 216-291-5900, Monday through Friday, 8:30 to 9 a.m.
11:30 a.m. to noon, and 4:30 to 5 p.m.

Department Main Number: 216-291-5900
Fax: 216-291-4881