Boardman police removed dozens of people from a rental home on Hitchcock Road late New Year's Eve after the owner reported an unauthorized party. The property owner told officers she believed she had rented the home to only four people through a short-term rental website.

When the owner checked the property around 11:00 p.m., she discovered a gathering of between 20 and 30 people. Officers spoke with an 18-year-old man who was listed as one of the original people on the rental agreement. Everyone inside the residence left without further incident after being told of the owner's request.

This isn’t the first time Boardman has experienced rental property being used for partying. In 2023, a Mahoning County judge ruled that pool parties at a Boardman home violated zoning policies.

In that case, the court determined that renting out a residential pool for profit created a public nuisance due to noise, lights, and traffic. The judge eventually prohibited the homeowners from hosting or promoting future social gatherings at that location.

To avoid similar situations, experts from the American Apartment Owners Association suggest that landlords take specific steps when renting out property:

  • Screen all guests: Use rental platforms that verify identities and check for a history of positive reviews from other hosts.
  • Install noise monitors: Use devices that alert the owner if noise levels stay above a certain decibel for too long without recording private conversations.
  • Set clear house rules: Explicitly ban parties and set a maximum number of guests in the written contract.
  • Communicate with neighbors: Provide neighbors with a way to contact the owner directly if they notice large crowds or excessive noise.