City of Cincinnati Tenants Guide (2025)

• Click here for the Spanish language version.

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City of Cincinnati Department of Buildings & Inspections

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• Apply for a Vacant Building Maintenance License (VBML)

  • *Required for all buildings vacant due to code violations.

• File a complaint for:

  • an Abandoned Structure (Hazard Abatement Program) OR a Code Violation (PMCE)

• Find a Registered Contractor or Register as a Contractor*

  • *Required for all contractors performing work in City limits, including crane operators and crane equipment.​

• Learn the Common Property Maintenance Code Violations

• Request a Coordinated Site Review 

• Obtain a Permit

  • Guide & Explanations

  • Cincinnati Permitting Portal (OPENCINCY)

    • *Resource for small businesses, homeowners, contractors, real estate agents, etc.

• ​Read the Community Guide to Property Maintenance Strategies (PMCE) 

• Register:

  • a Residential Rental Property (RRR)

    • ​*Required of all rental property within the City of Cincinnati. 

  • a Vacant, Foreclosed Property (VFPR)

    • *Required for all foreclosed properties within 10 days of vacancy.

• Report or Respond to a Litter, Weeds, Dumping, or Improper Trash (PLAP) complaint 

• Inspect my Residential Rental Property (RRI) or my Future Business Location

• Homeowner Assistance Repairs & Building Order Remission (HARBOR) Program

  • ​*specializing in low-income householders, especially elderly and disabled owners

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City of Cincinnati Department of City Planning & Engagement 

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• Learn about Historic Building Conservation 

• Find my:  

  • Approved Neighborhood Plans

  • Ongoing Neighborhood Plans​

  • Upcoming Community Engagement Meetings 

• ​Review Frequently Requested Maps such as the  zoning map, neighborhood approximations map, neighborhood centers map, land use map, individual neighborhoods map, community council jurisdiction map, and more. Other maps available on CAGIS website.

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City of Cincinnati Department of Transportation & Engineering

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• Learn About the Vision Zero Program 

  • *Traffic Safety in pedestrian crash hotspots throughout the City. ​

• Read about Revocable Street Privilege (RSP) OR Apply for an RSP

• Understand Traffic Calming- Major Streets

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City of Cincinnati Department of Economic Inclusion

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• Find a Certified SBE/MBE/WBE

  • *Businesses certified throughout the City’s Small Business Enterprise and/or Minority and Women Business Enterprise

• ​Become certified or recertified as a SBE/MBE/WBE​

• Receive additional resources through the Resource Guide or the Training Center​