Rental Registration
Rental Registration Program
City Council passed Ordinance Number 8929 on May 17, 2021 requiring owners of residential rental property units to register each of their rental units (except properties as described in Section 153.03 B and C).
How do I register my rental units?
Residential Rental Property Owner Handout (PDF)
For your convenience, the City has created a Rental Registration On-line Portal. However, please call the City first to ensure the rental is not already registered. You will only be able to register the address on the portal if it is an address that has not been a rental before. If it is a property with several new addresses (an apartment complex, for example), please Email GIS Staff or contact GIS Staff at (419) 354-6227 to submit an Excel spreadsheet of the required information. This is a quicker and more efficient way to register the new units.
Please be aware of the following information needed for the registration:
1. Property owner name, mailing address, email, and phone number
2. Rental property addresses, unit numbers, and number of bedrooms
3. Authorized agent name (if required*), mailing address, email, and phone number
*Please note that if a property owner or manager does not live within 35 miles of the City of Bowling Green, an authorized agent must be reported that is located within 35 miles of the City. The purpose of the authorized agent is to serve as a contact who will be available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to accept service on behalf of the owner.
The ordinance also requires owners to update any changes on ownership, registration information, or agent change as needed. Call the Planning Department at (419) 354-6218 to make these changes.
How long is my rental registration valid for?
The registration is valid indefinitely unless there is a change of ownership, use, or change of information. To submit registration updates, please contact the Planning Department at (419) 354-6218 or Email BG Rental Program.
What if my property is exempted from registration?
The City of Bowling Green still requires that you submit (using the online portal) evidence of why your property is exempted from registration. Exemptions are listed under Section 153.03 (B) and (C).
Rental Inspections
Self-Certification Rental Inspection is the second step of the City's Rental Registration program. Owner(s), agent(s) or person(s) in charge must first register every residential rental unit or structure they are responsible for before completing the Self-Certification Rental Inspection process.
Once a new rental registration is received and approved by City staff, an automatic email will be generated to the property owner or authorized agent with a user name and password to be able to submit the required self-inspections forms. More information about this requirement is available on the Rental Inspection webpage.
Questions?
Contact the Planning Department at (419) 354-6218 or email Jason Westgate, Code Enforcement Officer.