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Updated almost 4 years ago on . Most recent reply
Columbus passes 3 new LL ordinances: sec 8, deposits, reciepts
The "Housing for All" legislative package containing 3 ordinances affecting rental housing providers was passed by city council:
- Ordinance 0494-2021: Landlords cannot discriminate on housing vouchers, the rent voucher or subsidy must be included in the calculation of income.
- Ordinance 0495-2021: Operators with 5 or more units are required to allow security deposits to be made in monthly installments over up to 6 months
- Ordinance 0496-2021: Landlords are required to give written receipts for all security deposits and rent payments
Thus, no more "no section 8" or "not section 8 approved" listings in your rental ad.
A landlord found guilty of refusing to rent based on source of income would be guilty of a first-degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to 180 days in jail and a $1,000 fine.
As for the security deposits, the legislative text explains that operators are required to provide written notice of security deposit payment alternatives, including a 3 month installment or a 6 month installment. (I am not sure why there are two alternatives) A landlord found guilty of violating this is a misdemeanor of the 4th degree.
The written receipt requirement covers security deposits and rental payments, and the reciept must be provided within 4 business days if otherwise not automatically generated. If payments are through an online portal or service, the tenant has to be able to obtain a written reciept through that service. (I assume a screenshot or printout of a transaction history page would count?) . A violation of this ordinance would also be a 4th degree misdemeanor.
The Columbus Urban League will investigate complaints regarding violations of the new policies.
I don't have more information on how exactly these are to be interpreted, and if services such as Rhino count for the installment ordinance.
Articles:
https://www.dispatch.com/story...
https://abc6onyourside.com/new...
Ordinances: (click "Text" tab and then "click here for full text" at the bottom.
0494: https://columbus.legistar.com/...
0495: https://columbus.legistar.com/...
0496: https://columbus.legistar.com/...
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Thanks for the update, I remember reading about these a few months back, didn't know they had passed.