Rental Registration FAQ's

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What is the rental registration and permitting ordinance?

This ordinance establishes:

Registration and Permitting Requirement for renting single-family homes for a period longer than 30-days

Rental Permit Cap that limits available rental permits granted to less than 10% of dwellings in a subdivision of ten or more lots. Legacy dwellings (prior to the ordinance’s effective date of January 1, 2026) shall count toward the 10% cap.

How do I register my rental?

Do I have to pay for this permit? Do I need to renew my permit annually?

Do I need to register all of my rental properties in Carmel?

What documents will I need when registering my rental?

Are condos included in this ordinance?

Are short-term rentals (like Airbnb) affected by this ordinance?

What is a legacy dwelling? Is my property considered one?

Does my HOA “veto” my ability to receive a permit from the City if they deem my property “not in good standing” with the HOA?

How long is my registration valid?

Does selling my property affect its permit status and ability to be rented?

Are there inspections associated with this permit?

What are the exemptions included in the ordinance?

The following situations are exempt from the cap but properties falling under these exemptions are still required to register:

A. The owner resides in the dwelling and rents property while they are absent for a period up to six (6) months

B. The owner has been relocated by their employer in excess of fifty (50) miles from the location in the last year;

C. The owner who resides in the dwelling is active military and has been deployed;

D. Rental of the dwelling where the owner experienced a death, divorce, or other life situation which necessitated them to vacate the dwelling in the last year

E. Rental of the dwelling to a legal dependent or immediate family

F. Rental of the dwelling where the owner received the dwelling as an inheritance following the death of the previous owner.

When do I have to have my rental property registered by?

I am in a subdivision with over 10% rentals. Can I keep my current rental?

Can a Residential Rental permit be revoked?

A permit can be revoked for reasons like failing to correct violations, continued delinquency on utility bills, or if the HOA implements rules that now prohibit renting.

A. Nuisance: A property rented without a permit is declared a common nuisance and can be legally shut down.

B. Enforcement: The City can issue a Notice of Violation and, if the violation isn't corrected or appealed, take the owner to court to seek fines and an injunction (court order) to stop the rental activity.

C. Appeal Process: Owners can appeal a permit denial or revocation to the Board of Public Works and Safety, and further appeal to the County courts.

Are there fees or penalties for properties not registered?