Ohio's Laws on Becoming a Landlord
Rental properties can be a lucrative investment for prospective landlords; however, the journey of becoming a landlord can be complicated if the person is not knowledgeable about the laws regarding landlords and tenants. Landlords have many responsibilities to their tenants that are codified into law and may face legal consequences if they are not upheld.
Other People Are Reading
-
Discrimination
-
Discrimination is not permitted by landlords in Ohio, including discrimination based upon disability, race, religion or sexual preference. While largely considered taboo to discriminate against people, Ohio law touches on this subject to ensure that minorities are protected against such landlords. Stricter local laws regarding discrimination may be found in scattered communities around the state.
Retalitory Action
-
Landlords may not act in a retaliatory manner against their tenants for complaining to governmental agencies about the landlord or attempting to collectively negotiate rental agreements with the landlord. According to Ohio law, retaliatory action includes increasing rent, decreasing rental services or threatening the tenant with various types of physical or legal action. Ohio law provides tenants with the ability to terminate the rental agreement if the landlord acts in such a way.
-
Physical Condition of the Premises
-
Ohio landlords are required to to maintain their rental properties to at least a minimum standard. They must comply with all safety and health codes and ensure that the property is safe for habitation. Repairs must be made when a condition becomes present that would violate these ordinances. In addition to living areas, all common areas, such as laundry facilities, must be in working order and meet safety and health codes.
Sexual Offenders
-
Those landlords who own rental properties that are within 1,000 feet of a school or daycare facility must ensure that registered sex offenders are not permitted to reside in these properties. Ohio law stipulates that sex offenders are not permitted to visit a person who resides in a rental property within 1,000 feet of such a facility. Landlords are permitted to terminate the rental agreement of the property occupant if one of these situations arise.
-
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
