Cleveland Contractor Registration Bond

What Is the Cleveland Contractor Registration Bond?

To build or remodel in Cleveland, a contractor must be registered, bonded, and insured with the Department of Building & Housing. The bond is $25,000. It protects the City and the public if your work breaks the building code or causes harm. If a valid claim is paid, you repay the surety.

The same $25,000 bond applies to general (building), HVAC, plumbing, and electrical contractors. Demolition, sewer, and sidewalk contractors file separate bond forms.

Who Needs It?

• General and building contractors working in Cleveland must register and post the $25,000 bond.
• HVAC, plumbing, and electrical contractors post the same bond and must hold an Ohio (OCILB) state license.
• Owner-occupants of one- or two-family homes may do their own work without registering.

City vs. State

Ohio has no statewide general-contractor license, so for general contractors the Cleveland registration and bond are the main requirement. The trades (electrical, plumbing, HVAC) must first be licensed by the Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board.

How to Get Bonded

1. Click “Get Your Bond Now” and enter a few details plus your ZIP code.
2. Buy your bond online at secure checkout.
3. File the bond with the City of Cleveland Department of Building & Housing and pull your permits.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is the Cleveland contractor bond?

$25,000 for general, HVAC, plumbing, and electrical contractors, filed with the Department of Building & Housing.

Is it a license or a registration?

Cleveland uses a contractor registration model. You must be bonded, insured, and registered to build in the city.

When does it renew?

The bond and registration run annually and expire December 31. Renew before then to avoid a gap.

Amounts and rules are set by Cleveland and can change. Confirm the current requirement with the city before you buy.

Related: All local bonds in Ohio · All Ohio surety bonds