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Ohio Landlord - Tenant Questions & Answers
2 Answers | Asked in Landlord - Tenant, Civil Litigation and Real Estate Law for Ohio on
Q: How can I legally address excessive noise from a neighbor in Ohio?

I have a noisy neighbor who stomps excessively day and night, even as early as 6 a.m. Despite bringing this issue to the leasing office four times, nothing has changed. I had an altercation with the neighbor a few weeks ago where words were exchanged, and the stomping worsened afterwards. I have... View More

Kelly A Rochotte
Kelly A Rochotte
answered on Jun 19, 2025

This is a very frustrating and unfortunately common complaint of tenants living in multiunit buildings. Unless the other tenant's conduct rises to the level of stalking, harassment, or discrimination, it will be difficult to bring a legal claim against them. You could potentially file for... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Landlord - Tenant and Real Estate Law for Ohio on
Q: How many days to evict non-tenant staying off and on for a year?

I've had someone staying in my home for about a year off and on. They are not on the lease, have not contributed to rent or expenses, and I have provided written notice for them to leave. Despite this, they may refuse to leave voluntarily as they have nowhere else to go. How many days do I... View More

Todd B. Kotler
Todd B. Kotler
answered on Jun 18, 2025

From what you have described the tenant will need to be evicted as if they have a month to month lease. file a single cause of action for forcible entry and detainer (the title of an eviction action) and make sure they are properly served. Give them a 30 day notice to terminate the... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Landlord - Tenant, Public Benefits and Real Estate Law for Ohio on
Q: Help with Section 8 housing and moving in Ashtabula, Ohio

I'm on Section 8 in Ashtabula, Ohio, and I've lived in the same place for 9 years. I'm on disability and have a 16-year-old daughter. My landlord informed me via text message that we have 30 days to vacate because he's selling the house. I haven't received an official... View More

Kelly A Rochotte
Kelly A Rochotte
answered on Jun 11, 2025

Generally, a landlord cannot evict someone simply because they want to sell the home. However, if you are on a month-to-month lease arrangement, or your lease has expired and you're a holdover tenant, a 30 day notice would be sufficient. There is not enough information here to answer your... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Landlord - Tenant, Real Estate Law and Personal Injury for Ohio on
Q: Rental property issues with tax lien and hazardous conditions

I have been renting a home for 12 years and recently discovered that the property has a tax lien that was sold to an investor, but my landlord never informed me. He also doesn't respond to any of my attempts to contact him about multiple issues, including visible mold and cracked ceilings,... View More

Kelly A Rochotte
Kelly A Rochotte
answered on Jun 9, 2025

If you are current in your rent, you should make sure your complaints to the landlord are in writing. Consider escrowing your rent; your local municipal court will have information on the proper procedure for escrow. You should speak with an attorney directly so that they can review your lease and... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Civil Litigation, Landlord - Tenant, Contracts and Real Estate Law for Ohio on
Q: Can I retrieve belongings taken by my grandmother while living in her Ohio home?

I am almost 20 years old and living with my grandmother in her home. Although I have a job, my own money, and room, my grandmother often takes my belongings, such as incense, electronics, and makeup, claiming I don't deserve privacy in her home. Recently, she took a $500 electronic item I... View More

Todd B. Kotler
Todd B. Kotler
answered on May 30, 2025

You have three choices. You could file a criminal complaint for theft. You could file a small claims complaint for conversion which is the civil tort that's similar to theft, where you're asking for a return of an item or its monetary equivalent. Lastly, you could continue to do nothing... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Tax Law, Legal Malpractice, Landlord - Tenant and Real Estate Law for Ohio on
Q: IRS notice for underreported income. H&R Block handling issues and financial hardships seeking legal advice.

In 2020, I received an IRS notice about underreported income. I've consistently used H&R Block for tax filing, along with their worry-free guarantee. After receiving the notice, I provided it to a tax professional at H&R Block before an extended hospitalization and was unable to... View More

Kenneth L. Sheppard Jr.
Kenneth L. Sheppard Jr.
answered on May 23, 2025

If your question pertains to suing or accusing H&R Block for negligence, yes, there are lawyers out there who may take on that matter on your behalf. To the degree of success in such a case is questionable. You are still ultimately responsible for what is on your tax return. If your question... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Landlord - Tenant and Real Estate Law for Ohio on
Q: Can landlord evict me for repairs after paying rent, lease ends in June?

My landlord wants to evict me after giving me a three-day notice stating it's due to repairs. I have already paid rent, but I chose not to renew my lease, which expires in June. Is the landlord allowed to evict me under these circumstances?

Kelly A Rochotte
Kelly A Rochotte
answered on May 20, 2025

There are very limited circumstances under which a landlord can evict you if you have a lease for an amount of time. If you paid rent and did not otherwise violate the lease, they can choose not to renew your lease, but they don't have an action for eviction on this information. You should... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Landlord - Tenant and Real Estate Law for Ohio on
Q: Eviction notice for alleged lease violation in Ohio

I am a tenant in metropolitan housing and facing eviction for allegedly having my boyfriend living with me, which they claim is a lease violation as he is not on the lease. I have a 3-year-old son, and we have no one and nowhere to go. I received a 30-day notice and then a 3-day notice. I wrote a... View More

Kelly A Rochotte
Kelly A Rochotte
answered on May 20, 2025

If you are a voucher holder subject to HUD conditions, there are very specific definitions in HUD leases as to when a landlord can properly evict you re having people over. HUD also has specific definitions for what constitutes a "guest" or "other person under the tenant's... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Landlord - Tenant, Contracts, Gov & Administrative Law and Real Estate Law for Ohio on
Q: Options to stop eviction in Ohio mobile home park after rent delay and breach of Promise to Pay Agreement?

I live in a mobile home park in Ohio and I am currently behind on my rent payments. Previously, I managed to pay off my rent before court dates or paperwork filing. This time, I signed a Promise to Pay Agreement to make three payments; I made the first two but couldn't make the third one. I... View More

Bruce Martin Broyles
Bruce Martin Broyles
answered on May 8, 2025

It sounds as though the promise to pay was signed after the 3 day notice was given. If you made 2 of the 3 payments towards the current month's rent, then the notice to vacate would be invalid and rendered void based upon accepting rent for the future rent period.

However, if the...
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2 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law, Landlord - Tenant and Civil Litigation for Ohio on
Q: How to proceed with land contract default and damages recovery in Ohio?

I have a land contract in Ohio that is expiring at the end of the month. The buyer was unable to secure a loan for the final balloon payment, resulting in a default. The contract references compliance with sections 5313.05 and 5313.09 of the Ohio Revised Code for defaults. A lawyer mentioned that I... View More

Bruce Martin Broyles
Bruce Martin Broyles
answered on Apr 28, 2025

Your options to evict or foreclose are determined based upon the time the land install contract has existed and the amount paid towards the purchase price. If the land installment contract has existed for five (5) years or the Buyer has paid more than 20% of the purchase price, then you must... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Landlord - Tenant, Gov & Administrative Law and Real Estate Law for Ohio on
Q: Can my landlord install cable wiring in my apartment for others without my consent?

I live in a HUD apartment in Cincinnati. My landlord has given me a 72-hour notice that they will be running cable wiring through my apartment on 04/24/2025 to provide other tenants with internet service. I do not have or want cable internet and am concerned about this installation. My lease does... View More

Todd B. Kotler
Todd B. Kotler
answered on Apr 23, 2025

This sounds like a necessity on the part of the landlord to provide a utility to everyone. I would want to look at your lease but as long as the actual time in the apartment is minimally invasive and less than say a few hours, i'd say this is not something the courts would entertain. Refer... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law, Landlord - Tenant and Insurance Defense for Ohio on
Q: Liability for neighbor's tree falling on rental property in Ohio?

I own a rental property and there is a neighbor's tree that is hanging over my property. I've sent a letter to the neighbor about the situation but have not received a response. In the past, a small branch fell, and despite being informed, no action was taken by the neighbor. I have... View More

Kelly A Rochotte
Kelly A Rochotte
answered on Apr 10, 2025

If a tree (or limb) from a neighboring property falls and causes damage—whether to the structure, yard, or a tenant's personal property, liability usually depends on whether the neighbor was negligent. That means if the tree was healthy and fell due to a storm or "Act of God" (high... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law, Contracts and Landlord - Tenant for Ohio on
Q: Lease-to-own issues with unreachable co-owner on deed in Ohio.

I have a lease-to-own contract with my landlord regarding the property. However, my landlord's brother, who is listed on the deed, cannot be reached. The contract does not mention the brother, and I have been paying taxes and doing repairs. How can my landlord proceed with selling the house to... View More

Todd B. Kotler
Todd B. Kotler
answered on Apr 3, 2025

You should invest in the time of an attorney where this property is who practices real estate law regularly. It is imperative that a lawyer review your land instalment contract. Further, you may need to file a quiet title action to settle the status of the property. WIthout a review of the... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law, Contracts and Landlord - Tenant for Ohio on
Q: Lease-to-own issues with unreachable co-owner on deed in Ohio.

I have a lease-to-own contract with my landlord regarding the property. However, my landlord's brother, who is listed on the deed, cannot be reached. The contract does not mention the brother, and I have been paying taxes and doing repairs. How can my landlord proceed with selling the house to... View More

Kelly A Rochotte
Kelly A Rochotte
answered on Apr 3, 2025

Your landlord would need to either buy out his brother's interest in the property or file a partition action to have the court order him as the rightful owner (100% interest). Then he can sell it to you without his brother's permission. Otherwise, as long as someone else is a co-owner of... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Landlord - Tenant, Contracts, Banking and Real Estate Law for Ohio on
Q: Overpayment issue with rental company & bank endorsement requirements in Ohio

I accidentally made an overpayment of approximately $2,000 from my bank account to the rental company for last month’s rent. Approximately $500 of that amount was used to pay for my ex's portion of the rent, even though he had agreed to cover his share. The rental company sent a check with... View More

Todd B. Kotler
Todd B. Kotler
answered on Mar 28, 2025

Many more facts are needed to answer this question. When you refer to your ex, are you referring to an ex boyfriend or an ex husband? If it is an ex husband, is there a final divorce decree including a separation agreement, or is this a pending matter? When you say that your ex agreed to cover... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Landlord - Tenant and Real Estate Law for Ohio on
Q: Can apartment management legally tow my car if there's no parking agreement or signage?

I live in an apartment building, and my car was out of service and parked in the building's parking lot for a month. I informed management via email that it was my car and that I was saving for repairs. Despite this, they towed my vehicle. There is no signage about towing or parking limits,... View More

Todd B. Kotler
Todd B. Kotler
answered on Mar 28, 2025

Sadly, more information is needed to fully answer the question. You stated "no formal lease agreement". What does that mean exactly? What kind of agreement is there? Are you paying the landlord directly? Are you a tenant? A subtenant? Your relationship to the building and parking... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Cannabis & Marijuana Law and Landlord - Tenant for Ohio on
Q: Can I be evicted for medical marijuana use in my apartment?

I have a medical marijuana license and live in an apartment where I recently received a verbal complaint from the maintenance man about the smell of marijuana. Can I be evicted from my apartment for smoking marijuana under these circumstances?

Nicholas P. Weiss
Nicholas P. Weiss pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Mar 4, 2025

Yes, for two reasons.

1) Under Ohio's medical marijuana law, the marijuana may not be smoked, so you would be using the medical marijuana in violation of statute.

2) Ohio's medical marijuana law makes explicit exemptions for employment and other discrimination actions....
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1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant, Contracts and Gov & Administrative Law for Ohio on
Q: Can unofficial agent demand rent and threaten eviction?

I have lived in my home in Ohio for 2.5 years without a formal lease. Recently, a woman claiming to have power of attorney for my landlord, and identifying herself as his niece, demanded rent payment and threatened eviction if I don't provide proof of payment to her. She has not shown any... View More

Joseph Jaap
Joseph Jaap
answered on Mar 3, 2025

Without a written lease, a tenant is a month-to-month tenant whose tenancy can be terminated by giving a 30 day written notice. If the tenant does not leave, then the landlord can file an eviction action. A person can execute a power of attorney (POA) to appoint an agent who can take legal... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant, Civil Litigation and Family Law for Ohio on
Q: Can my ex sue me for covering an eviction if I was the only one on the lease?

In 2019, my ex-partner and I rented a townhouse apartment together, but only I signed the lease. She left after we broke up, and I was left to cover the bills. A roommate I found took the money meant for the last month's rent, leading to an eviction on the record. My ex is now demanding that I... View More

Nicholas P. Weiss
Nicholas P. Weiss pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Feb 28, 2025

If she had already vacated then there shouldn't have been an eviction against her. She could file a motion to overturn or seal it. It is unlikely that she would have a case against you.

If the landlord sought money damages against her, then she at least was on a month to month lease...
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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation and Landlord - Tenant for Ohio on
Q: How to address harassment from a condo-neighbor with odors and noise?

I live in a condo and share a wall with a neighbor who is harassing me with unpleasant odors and noise. The odors are foul smells, seemingly from his bathroom, that wake me up in the morning. The noise consists of a loud, intermittent boom occurring every morning until I can no longer sleep. This... View More

Bruce Martin Broyles
Bruce Martin Broyles
answered on Feb 27, 2025

To make certain that the Board does not get involved you should review the Condominium Owners Associations bylaws, rules and regulations, and the Declarations for the Planned united Development that established the condominium development. Once you have assured yourself that those do not apply you... View More

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