Most states and their respective counties allow rental owners or managers to live anywhere. However, some states and cities require that either a property manager or owner live within a certain distance of the rental property.
If you require a local agent, we may be able to help through our Local Agent service. More information can be found here: How do I connect with local leasing agents and managers?
City-Specific Rental Regulations
Anna, Texas
The City of Anna, Texas has a Rental Registration program aimed at promoting greater compliance with health and safety standards and preserving the quality of the city's neighborhoods and housing. More details can be found here: Rental Registration Program
States and Counties With Residency Requirements
The following are a few examples of states and counties that have laws requiring either a property manager or owner to live within a certain distance of the rental. Please note this list is not exhaustive and other counties or states may have similar requirements.
Illinois
Cook County: Property managers or owners of rental properties with 6 or more units must abide by the RTLO (Residential Tenant Landlord Ordinance) issued June 1, 2021.
Ohio
Cuyahoga County: If the owner is a natural person and a resident of Cuyahoga County or a contiguous county, the Local Agent in Charge may be the owner. Otherwise, the Local Agent in Charge must be a natural person who resides within Cuyahoga County.
Hawaii
City of Honolulu: Property managers or owners of rental properties with 3 or more units must have a representative who lives on the island of Oahu.
California
California law 25 CCR § 42 states that a manager, janitor, housekeeper, or other responsible person shall reside upon the premises and shall have charge of every apartment house in which there are 16 or more apartments.
City of Palm Springs: The City of Palm Springs requires a local, physical property manager or agent in order to complete the mandatory rental registration and pay the associated fees.
Nevada
NRS 118A.260 (b) states that a telephone number at which a responsible person who resides in the county or within 60 miles of where the premises are located may be called in case of emergency.
Georgia
Under Georgia Code § 44-7-25, nonresident owners of single family or duplex rental properties must employ a broker licensed under Georgia law. If the broker is also located outside Georgia, the broker must employ at least one person located in Georgia to handle tenant communications regarding maintenance and other property issues.
If you are a property owner, manager, agent, or representative, it is important to be aware of the residency requirements in your state and county. Taking steps to comply with local law helps ensure your tenants have a safe and well-maintained place to live.
Hemlane takes all available steps to keep the information in our articles as up to date as possible. However, local laws and regulations can change frequently, and we always recommend confirming that the information provided is current for your state or county. Hemlane cannot provide legal advice and the information above should not be perceived as such.
Sources: Ohio (Cuyahoga County), Hawaii, Nevada, California, Illinois (Cook County)
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