The Buckeye Institute submitted written testimony to the Columbus City Council regarding a proposed rental registry ordinance, arguing that the measure would increase housing costs for renters in Columbus. The testimony was provided by Greg R. Lawson, a senior research fellow at the organization.
Lawson stated, “improving housing conditions and safety is laudable and understandable,” but said that “the proposed ordinance will be more harmful than beneficial.” He explained that mandated annual registration fees, inspections, and administrative burdens would likely “increase rent prices and negatively affect renters downstream.”
Lawson referred to studies indicating that regulations and compliance costs tend to raise rents because landlords pass these expenses on to tenants. He noted this effect is pronounced for smaller multifamily properties and lower-income households, especially in markets like Columbus where affordable housing supply is limited.
Citing recent U.S. Census Bureau data, Lawson pointed out that median gross rent in the United States increased 2.7 percent between 2023 and 2024, reaching $1,487 per month. Additionally, national utility data show households spend about $4,168 annually on basic utilities such as electricity, gas, water, and sewer—expenses paid in addition to base rent.
Ohio law already requires rental property owners in counties with populations over 200,000—including Franklin County—to register their properties with the county auditor under Ohio Revised Code Section 5323.02. This system collects key information from property owners without city-level duplication.
Rather than establishing a new municipal registry with additional fees and requirements, Lawson urged the council to “strengthen enforcement of the existing state-mandated county registration system and ask the General Assembly to increase penalties for noncompliance,” adding that a higher penalty at the county level “would provide an effective deterrent” without increasing costs for honest property owners or low-income residents.
He concluded by saying that although the intent behind the proposal is commendable, economic evidence suggests it could make living in Columbus less affordable for low-income residents.
The Buckeye Institute is a nonprofit organization based in Columbus focused on advancing free-market public policy through research and analysis. According to its official website (https://www.buckeyeinstitute.org/), it operates with private funding from individuals, corporations, and foundations; maintains offices on Capitol Square; concentrates primarily on Ohio while also promoting free-market ideas nationally; assists policymakers with research; and holds federal tax-exempt status as a section 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
