Cleveland Cracks Down on Nuisance Properties with New Laws

Officials say the city has been able to aggressively target more problem properties since overhauling its nuisance laws last year.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 10:07am

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Cleveland has seen a spike in nuisance property violations since overhauling its laws in 2025, with the city issuing more nuisance notices in the past 8 months than in the previous 4 years combined. The new laws allow the city to fine property owners after 3 complaints, from $100 per day up to $1,000, if they don't address the issues. Officials say the wide-ranging scope of the new laws, which cover everything from loud music to stunt driving, has enabled them to crack down on problem properties like Airbnbs, car washes hosting late-night parties, and businesses with frequent disturbances.

Why it matters

Cleveland has grappled with an increase in nuisance properties in recent years, including issues with Airbnbs and other properties that have become havens for criminal activity and disturbances. The new nuisance laws give the city more tools to hold property owners accountable and address these problems, which have been a source of frustration for many residents.

The details

Under the new laws passed in 2025, the city's Public Safety department can now fine property owners $100 per day up to $1,000 if they don't address nuisance issues at their properties after 3 complaints. No conviction or arrest is required - just probable cause that the activity occurred. Issues that can qualify a property as a nuisance range from riots and drunk fights to exotic animal keeping, false fire alarms, and even playing loud music. Since the laws went into effect last July, the city has issued 71 nuisance notices, leading to 14 properties being declared full-on nuisances - more than in the previous 4 years combined.

  • The new nuisance laws went into effect in July 2025.
  • Since June 2025, the city has issued 71 nuisance notices, more than in the previous 4 years combined.

The players

Cleveland Public Safety Department

The city agency responsible for enforcing the new nuisance property laws and issuing fines to property owners.

Michael Polensek

A Cleveland City Council member who has been a leading proponent of the new nuisance laws.

Wayne Drummond

The Cleveland Public Safety Director who announced the success of the new nuisance laws.

Jason Shachner

The Assistant Cleveland Public Safety Director who provided details on the increase in nuisance property enforcement.

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What they’re saying

“Because we all know we are dealing with the neighbors from hell at some times. And we're dealing with [bad] landlords from the same location.”

— Michael Polensek, Cleveland City Council Member (clevescene.com)

“If you want to terrorize your neighbors, if you want to terrorize your street, there's gonna be a price to pay.”

— Michael Polensek, Cleveland City Council Member (clevescene.com)

What’s next

The city plans to continue aggressive enforcement of the new nuisance property laws, with officials saying they will not hesitate to fine property owners who fail to address issues affecting their neighbors and the community.

The takeaway

Cleveland's overhaul of its nuisance property laws has empowered the city to crack down on a wide range of disruptive and criminal activities at problem properties, demonstrating how targeted legislation can give municipalities more tools to address quality-of-life issues that impact residents.