State Rep. Ted Celeste Introduces Ohio Renter's Protection Act
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State Rep. Ted Celeste wants to help keep renters from becoming innocent victims of the housing crisis.The Grandview Heights Democrat, joined by Rep. Mike Foley, D-Cleveland, introduced what they are calling the Ohio Render’s Protection Act, which would force landlords to quickly notify current and potential tenants if the property goes into foreclosure.
This legislation, which carries bipartisan support, would:
- Require landlords to notify potential tenants if the property they are renting out is currently in foreclosure.
- Require landlords to notify all current tenants residing in any property if that property goes into foreclosure.
- Require judgment creditors and landlords to notify tenants if a foreclosure is not remedied and a sheriff's sale date is set (30-day notice before sale date). This gives the tenant an equal opportunity to bid on the property at the sheriff's sale.
- Stipulate that all residential rental agreements convert to a month-to-month rental agreement upon court approval of the sale of the property, unless the agreement was entered into after the initiation of foreclosure proceedings and notice of the sale was not given. In this case, within 14 days after purchasing the home, the new owner must give tenant a written offer to honor tenant's current rental agreement. If tenant does not accept offer, rental agreement becomes month-to-month.
- Create penalties for a landlord who violates the bill's provisions.
