Cincinnati Residential Rental Inspection Requirements

Updated October 2026 · 1 min read

Property owners with unresolved code violations, delinquent property tax bills, or a history of health or safety violations are required to participate in the inspection program and pay a $100 fee per unit.

The City of Cincinnati's Department of Buildings and Inspections (B&I) administers the Residential Rental Inspection (RRI) program, which began on September 1, 2020. Property owners who have unresolved code violations, delinquent property tax bills, a history of health and/or safety violations, or meet other similar criteria are required to apply for a Residential Rental Inspection Certificate.

Key facts

Initial inspection fee: $100 per unit
Program start date: September 1, 2020
Administering agency: Buildings and Inspections (B&I)

What happens if violations are found during an inspection?

If violations are identified during an initial inspection, follow-up re-inspections and escalating reinspection fees will be required until the property reaches code compliance.

How do I register my rental property in Cincinnati?

All residential rental units must be registered via the city's website. To register, owners must first create an account and provide unit information including the total number of units, the number of bedrooms per unit, the number of bathrooms by unit type, the average rent for the size and type of unit, and the average gross square footage per unit type. Owners must also provide their own contact information and the name and phone number of a local agent for emergencies.

Frequently asked questions

What is the fee for an initial rental inspection?

The fee is $100 per unit.

Which properties must apply for a Residential Rental Inspection Certificate?

Property owners who have unresolved code violations, delinquent property tax bills, a history of health and/or safety violations, or meet other similar criteria must apply.

What happens if my property fails the initial inspection?

The property will require follow-up re-inspections and the owner will be charged escalating reinspection fees until the property reaches code compliance.

Sources

Figures in this guide come from these official sources. Rules change, so confirm with the source before acting.

cincinnati-oh.gov/buildings/property-maintenance-code-enforcement/r…
- Buildings and Inspections (B&I)
- September 1, 2020
- unresolved code violations, delinquent property tax bills, a history of health and/or safety violations, or meeting other similar criteria
- $100
- follow-up re-inspections and escalating reinspection fees will be required until code compliance is reached
- via this website
cincinnati-oh.gov/buildings/property-maintenance-code-enforcement/r…
- all residential rental units
- create an account
- number of units and how many bedrooms are in the unit
- number of bathrooms by unit type
- average rent charged for the size and type unit
- average gross square footage of the units by type
- Name and phone number of a local agent or contact for emergencies, and owner or other manager contact information

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