Ohio City Council seeks lien on property for short term rental violations

Ojai City Council has taken a significant step towards enforcing its short-term rental regulations by approving a resolution to place a lien on a property at 414 Buena Vista Drive due to unpaid penalties totaling $100,633. This decision, made during the council's regular meeting on March 11, 2025, stems from 19 verified violations of the city's short-term rental laws, which prohibit rentals of less than 30 days.

The penalties include both fines and disgorgement of profits from illegal rentals, as outlined in the city's municipal code. The property owner, who has faced multiple citations since July 2024, failed to agree to a proposed payment plan, prompting the city to secure its financial interests through the lien.

During the meeting, city staff detailed the extensive efforts made to communicate with the property owner, including sending certified letters to nine different addresses, all of which were returned unclaimed. The owner’s attorney argued that his client was unaware of the rental regulations and had not received any notifications until a collection agency contacted him. The attorney requested leniency, citing the owner's financial difficulties and the fact that this was his first violation.

Despite these arguments, the council emphasized the importance of enforcing the regulations to maintain compliance and protect the community. After discussions, the council proposed a modified payment plan, allowing the owner to pay the reduced amount of $69.09 monthly over 12 months, while still imposing the lien to ensure the city recovers the owed funds.

The council's decision reflects a commitment to uphold local laws while also considering the circumstances of individual property owners. As the city moves forward, the lien will remain in place until the obligations are met, ensuring that the city can collect the penalties before any potential sale of the property.