Bill > HB553

This bill amends Ohio's landlord-tenant law to require landlords to provide more comprehensive notification and negotiation procedures before initiating eviction proceedings for rent defaults. Specifically, landlords must notify tenants in writing about rent defaults within sixty days of the default occurring, and before filing an eviction action, must provide a written notice of the default amount and wait at least ninety days. During this ninety-day period, the landlord must also offer to negotiate a payment plan with the tenant to recover the defaulted rent. If a payment plan is successfully negotiated, the landlord cannot proceed with eviction as long as the tenant adheres to the agreed-upon terms. If no payment plan is reached after the ninety-day period, the landlord may then commence eviction proceedings. This legislation aims to provide tenants with additional time and opportunities to address rent arrears and potentially avoid eviction, while also giving landlords a structured process for addressing payment defaults. The bill modifies existing sections of the Ohio Revised Code related to landlord responsibilities and tenant protections.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/136/hb553