CITY OF CLEVELAND
FRANK G. JACKSON, MAYOR
CERTIFICATE
OF DISCLOSURE PROCESS
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the Certificate of Disclosure?
The purpose of the Certificate of Disclosure is to provide information to the buyer, seller and Escrow/Transferring Agent in a real estate transaction to make a well informed and intelligent decision in purchasing a single-family home or multi-unit (up to 4) dwelling.
When is a Certificate of Disclosure required?
Any time there is a sale or transfer of 1-4 residential dwelling units. The source of funding, i.e. mortgage lender or cash, has no bearing on the applicability of this requirement.
Who fills out sections “A” and “B” of the Certificate of Disclosure application?
Section “A” must be completed by the Escrow/Transferring Agent. Section “B” must be signed by the seller, then the entire application should be forwarded to the City of Cleveland, Records Administration Section, Room 517, 601 Lakeside Ave., Cleveland, OH 44114.
What is the turnaround time on this process?
As soon as you submit the application with sections “A” and “B” completed, the Department of Building and Housing can begin the process. The turnaround time will be similar to the turnaround time on the Statement of Authorized Use and Code Violation letter.
Is the certificate of disclosure required for re-financing?
No.
Is the certificate of disclosure required for foreclosure homes?
No. The Certificate of Disclosure is only required when the ownership of the property is voluntarily transferred. Foreclosure is not a voluntary transfer of ownership.
Is the certificate of disclosure required for Quitclaims?
Yes. The Certificate of Disclosure is required when the ownership of the property is transferred. Quitclaims require a Certificate of Disclosure prior to transfer.
Is there another process for the sale of 5 or more dwelling units?
Yes, residential structures of 5 or more dwelling units require a Statement of Authorized Use.
Where can I obtain the Certificate of Disclosure Applications?
You may contact The Department of Building and Housing, Records Administration, Cleveland City Hall, Room 517, 601 Lakeside Ave., Cleveland, OH 44114 or by calling (216) 664-2826. We will mail up to 20 copies of the original form. Requests for more copies must be made in advance and must be picked up at the Records Administration Section.
If there’s something I’d like to suggest for improvement to this new process, what should I do?
Write a letter to David Cooper, Deputy Director/CBO, Cleveland City Hall, Room 512, 601 Lakeside Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44114 or contact him at David Cooper
Is there a fee for the filing process?
Yes, the filing fee is $60.00. Either buyer or seller may pay for the fee, as negotiated.
If buyer changes, is an additional $60.00 required?
Yes, anytime there is a change to the application and the City has to make changes, the fee is $60.00.
Is an inspection included in this process?
No, this is not a point of sales inspection. The purpose of this process is merely to inform all parties of the code enforcement history on the subject property.
What does the City do with the application?
Upon receipt, staff of the Records Administration Section will research the code enforcement history on the subject address. If the property has outstanding violations, those violations will be noted on the Certificate of Disclosure. If the violation notices are available, copies of the notices will be attached. Upon completion, the completed application and attachments will be mailed back to the Escrow/Transferring Agent, unless other special instructions are requested upon receipt.
What does the Escrow/Transferring Agent do after the application has been returned?
First, the buyer must review the form, sign it, and have it notarized. Then, the Escrow/Transferring Agent separates the form, retains the pink copy, and forwards the yellow copy to buyer and the white original to City for filing. If the form is retrieved from the Internet, please make sure all of the above parties receive a copy of the completed Certificate of Disclosure Application.
CITY
OF CLEVELAND
DEPARTMENT OF BUILDING & HOUSING
601 LAKESIDE AVE., ROOM 510
CLEVELAND, OHIO 44114
216-664-2282