Akron Cleveland Association of REALTORS® Secure Important Advocacy Win for Members in Cleveland
By: Veronica Cardello, Assistant Vice President of External Engagement
Ohio REALTORS® congratulates the Akron Cleveland Association of REALTORS® (ACAR) on their recent advocacy success in Cleveland, marking a significant victory for property owners, real estate professionals, and housing opportunity in the region.
On February 6, 2026, the City of Cleveland announced it would cease the mandatory pre-sale exterior inspection requirement for vacant one- to three-family residential properties, a provision previously included within the Residents First program. The city cited the limited utility of exterior-only inspections as a key reason for discontinuing the requirement while maintaining existing vacant property registration and enforcement measures.
This decision represents a meaningful outcome following sustained advocacy efforts by ACAR and REALTOR® members who raised concerns about the practical impacts of the policy on property transfers, housing availability, and neighborhood reinvestment. While REALTORS® supported the broader goal of improving housing conditions, members worked diligently to ensure that implementation of the Residents First legislation did not unintentionally create barriers to investment, rehabilitation, or the efficient transfer of housing stock.
Throughout the process, REALTORS® emphasized the importance of balanced policy — one that protects neighborhoods while also encouraging responsible ownership, redevelopment, and housing supply. The exterior point-of-sale inspection requirement created delays and uncertainty for sellers and buyers without necessarily improving property outcomes, particularly for vacant properties already subject to registration and enforcement mechanisms.
The City’s decision to discontinue this component reflects the value of constructive engagement between local government and the real estate community. ACAR’s leadership ensured that the voices of REALTORS®, property owners, and housing stakeholders were heard, demonstrating how local advocacy can lead to practical policy improvements that benefit both residents and communities.
For Ohio REALTORS® members, this outcome represents more than a regulatory change. It reinforces the importance of remaining engaged in local policy discussions and highlights how REALTOR® advocacy helps shape housing policies that support attainable homeownership, neighborhood stability, and economic vitality. The effort also underscores the continued importance of advocacy work surrounding the Residents First legislation, where REALTORS® were actively involved in efforts to repeal or amend provisions that created unintended consequences for housing transactions.
This win serves as a strong example of how local associations and members working together can achieve meaningful results.
Ohio REALTORS® applauds the Akron Cleveland Association and its members for their leadership, persistence, and commitment to advocacy that delivers real results for REALTORS® and the communities they serve. To read the Akron Cleveland Association of REALTORS®’ full advocacy update, visit their article here.
Veronica Cardello, AHWD, C2EX,MPAP
Veronica Cardello leads local advocacy, community engagement, and global business initiatives for Ohio REALTORS®. She works closely with local associations to identify key issues affecting the real estate industry and directs support through the Issues Mobilization Campaign. Veronica strengthens REALTOR®-policymaker relationships, expands global partnerships, and promotes sustainability in real estate. She also oversees local government and community engagement programs, ensuring REALTORS® have the resources to advocate for homeownership and property rights while advancing Ohio REALTORS®’ international outreach.
