FROM FACEBOOK__The Village of Ada is reminding landlords that Ohio law provides certain protections when it comes to the condition and maintenance of rental properties.

Under Ohio Revised Code 5321.04, landlords have certain responsibilities for maintaining rental properties. These guidelines generally include:

• Making necessary repairs to keep the property fit and habitable
• Providing running water and reasonable amounts of hot water

Providing reasonable heat when required
Keep landlord-supplied electrical, plumbing, sanitary, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning fixtures and appliances in safe working order.

Keeping common areas safe and sanitary
Complying with applicable building, housing, health and safety codes that materially affect health and safety.

What should you do if something needs repair?
Whenever possible, tenants should put repair requests in writing. Clearly describe the problem, notify your landlord or property manager, and keep a copy for your records.

Document the condition
Take photographs of the problem and keep copies of texts, emails, letters, work orders and other communication regarding your repair request.

Give your landlord a reasonable opportunity to make the repair
What is considered a reasonable amount of time can depend on the seriousness of the problem. A lack of heat during cold weather, for example, would require much more immediate attention versus a non-emergency repair.

What if the problem isn’t fixed?
Ohio law provides certain remedies when a landlord fails to meet applicable obligations, and the tenant has followed the required procedures. Depending on the circumstances, those remedies may include depositing rent with the appropriate court through the rent escrow process, asking a court to order repairs or other relief, or terminating the rental agreement.

It’s important to not stop paying your rent
Rent escrow is a formal court process. Ohio law has specific requirements that must be followed, including requirements concerning written notice and being current on rent. Simply withholding rent from your landlord is not the same as placing rent in escrow and could put you at risk of an eviction action for nonpayment.

When should you contact law enforcement?
If you live within the Village of Ada and believe conditions at your rental property may violate applicable property or housing codes, you may contact the Village of Ada Code Enforcement Office.

This office may be able to:

• Inspect the property for applicable code violations
• Document conditions observed during an inspection
• Notify the property owner of identified violations

Village of Ada
115 West Buckeye Ave.
https://www.adaoh.gov/

Michele Chambers
Administrative Assistant, Zoning Inspector & Code Enforcement Officer
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 419-634-4045 ext. 212