Just like any large sector of the economy, the real estate industry is profoundly affected by legislation and government action. That is why Columbus REALTORS® is committed to keeping you abreast of policy changes and issues that impact your business every day.
DAY TO DAY REPRESENTATION AND GRASSROOTS ACTIVITIES
Your Columbus REALTORS® membership makes you part of one of the most powerful and influential grassroots lobbying efforts in the country. As the only advocacy group in America that fights exclusively for homeownership, real estate investment and strong communities, the REALTOR® party is not focused on the right or left, rather it is focused solely on the issues that matter for homeowners and real estate industry practitioners.
If you don’t have a seat at the table – you’re probably on the menu.
Volunteer leaders and staff work daily with lawmakers, regulators, and affiliated industry organizations to represent the industry, protecting both you and your clients best interests.
Recent achievements include saving local central Ohio commercial REALTOR® members hundreds of thousand of dollars in proposed sign ordinance fees, helping to streamline the Ohio municipality tax structure, and the elimination of proposed sales tax legislation at the state level. However, it is often the proposed legislation that you don’t hear about that is most important.
It’s not just about protecting your bottom line. REALTORS® lead the way in investment in our communities. Helping to build coalitions of leaders from the private, public, and nonprofit sectors, REALTORS® work to address issues and legislation most critical to creating housing affordability, smart growth, fair housing, and educational opportunity.
Active engagement in political activity is the right of every citizen, but is a responsibility for every REALTOR® — get involved and make a difference today.
2025-2026 POLICY PRIORITIES
PROPERTY RIGHTS
Columbus REALTORS® believes everyone should be able to buy, sell and use residential and commercial property, as protected in the Fifth Amendment in the U.S. Constitution. We think our members’ clients should have the freedom to realize the highest and best use of their residential and commercial property, with limited restrictions.
SIGN ORDINANCES
Signage is critical to the real estate industry. The display of “For Sale” or “For Rent” signs, for example but not limited to, are subject to the requirements of local government sign codes, which typically limit the size of signs, where they can be displayed, and the length of time that a temporary sign may be displayed. However, across the region, local government rules for displaying real estate signs are changing—and Columbus REALTORS® is working to protect you from undue burdens.
SHORT-TERM RENTAL RESTRICTIONS
In the past decade, the popularity of short-term rentals has grown at a rate that has far outpaced governmental regulation. This surge in growth is largely attributable to the new sharing economy and the popularity of online hosting platforms, such as Airbnb, VRBO, and others. Some state and local governments have started adopting regulations designed to limit short-term rentals and address their perceived impacts on residential neighborhoods. This regulation has a significant impact on property owners’ right to rent their properties on a short-term basis.
Columbus REALTORS® takes this issue seriously and has worked with countless local governments throughout Central Ohio to strike a careful balance respecting all parties involved and protecting private property rights.
STRATEGIC LAND USE AND ZONING
Columbus REALTORS® believes that Central Ohio will continue to thrive if it is strategically and sustainably developed. We speak up for our community and focus on creating the widest distribution of land ownership so that we continue to maintain enough housing to support our growing region.
Columbus REALTORS® opposes government intervention that places inequitable limits on responsible development and land-use or interference of land-use.
FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYERS
Columbus REALTORS® supports and encourages programs to promote first-time buyers in achieving homeownership. Traditionally, this is one of the best financial decisions someone can make, which benefits communities, creates generational wealth, and builds a stronger economy.
FAIR HOUSING AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
Columbus REALTORS® supports fair housing laws that protect individuals from discrimination in the sale, rental, financing, or advertising of housing. Through our advocacy we support public policies that advance broader property ownership availability, accessibility, and affordability in all communities. We support the REALTOR® Code of Ethics that promotes strong enforcement of anti-discrimination laws.
CONSUMER PROTECTION
Columbus REALTORS® supports policies that put the consumer first. Our members hold the highest standards of ethics and professionalism and hold a strong fiduciary duty to their clients. We support and encourage municipalities to adopt wholesaling regulations.
LANDLORD AND TENANT ISSUES
Columbus REALTORS® supports policies that provide fairness and balance between a landlord and tenant. Tenants should be able to enjoy and use the property within the rights outlined in a lease or other agreement.
REGULATORY ISSUES
Columbus REALTORS® believes in a housing market that consists of safe, diverse, and affordable homes that meet the needs of every buyer. We oppose any policy that would require a property owner to obtain and pass an inspection of any kind, and to make government-mandated repairs prior to transfer of their real property. Point of sale inspections infringe on the rights of a private property owner and require expensive, unnecessary roadblocks to a home sale.
HOUSING SUPPLY
In an effort to boost housing options for all Ohioans, Columbus REALTORS® encourages local municipalities to seek creative and innovative ways that can expand accessibility, affordability, and availability; including but not limited to InFill housing development and accessory dwelling units (ADUS). Special attention should be directed to the shortage of workforce housing and to identify policies that increase this inventory.
Columbus REALTORS® Government Affairs Quarterly Newsletters 2024
