The city of Cleveland may soon update its laws to apply the three-percent hotel tax to short-term rentals like those found on Airbnb.com, city spokesperson Dan Ball told the Northeast Ohio Media Group.

Cleveland would have to redefine what is classified as a “hotel” in order to apply the tax to short-term rentals that will become increasingly more expensive and rare as the Republican National Convention approaches.

In an email to the Northeast Ohio Media Group, Ball said Cleveland will “assess whether or not application of the excise tax to those hotel lodgings accommodating less than five guests has merit here in Cleveland.”

The Republican National Convention will bring tens of thousands of visitors and potential customers to Cleveland for homeowners seeking to generate income from their homes. If Cleveland makes these changes, the three-percent tax would fall on the homeowners. Again, it’s best to consult with a tax adviser when considering renting out your home during the convention.

This change to the city’s hotel tax scope would mimic legislation recently passed in Philadelphia as this city prepares for a visit from Pope Francis and the Democratic National Convention.

City officials have little over a year to make a decision, so stay tuned here as more information becomes available.

This article appears in Jul 8-14, 2015.

By day, Tyler Singleton studies journalism at Kent State University. By night, he pledges to serve and protect the public as a Geek Squad Agent. Tyler has been “waiting for next year” his entire life and even this love for Cleveland sports led to his name: Tyler as in Ty Detmer, another mediocre Browns quarterback. Tyler’s work has been published by the Kent Stater, Kent State’s newspaper and KSUbuzz.com, Kent State’s arts and entertainment website.

One reply on “The Taxman May Take His Cut If You Rent Your Home During the Republican National Convention”

  1. This is so stupid. The city, county, state and federal government already tax income. Monies received for the rental of your home will be taxable as income. Taxing them AGAIN as hotel revenues probably means the family has zero benefit from this and will reduce the inventory, thus eliminating the source of tax of any kind.

    I swear to God, I think the Democrats who run this town just need to SAY the word “tax” for shits and giggles. I presume the Plain Dealer endorses this, too?

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