House Bill 553 Introduced to Change Eviction Notice Rules in Ohio

Ohio Eviction Notice Requirements Proposed

Ohio House Democrats have introduced legislation that would change how and when landlords can initiate eviction proceedings. House Bill 553, introduced in October by Rep. Ismail Mohamed of Columbus and Rep. Terrence Upchurch of Cleveland, would require landlords to notify tenants of rent defaults before filing for eviction in Ohio.

The bill mandates that landlords provide written notice of a rent default within 60 days of the missed payment. The notice must include the amount owed. Under the proposal, landlords would be prohibited from filing for eviction until at least 90 days after issuing the notice and offering the tenant an opportunity to enter a payment plan.

Payment Plan Option Included in the Proposal

House Bill 553 would prevent landlords from pursuing eviction if a tenant complies with an agreed-upon payment plan. Lawmakers stated in testimony that the intent is to ensure tenants have a chance to address rent issues before facing possible removal.

During testimony before the House Development Committee on Nov. 5, Mohamed said the bill ensures tenants receive written notice and an opportunity to resolve nonpayment issues. Upchurch told the committee that the bill is designed to give families time to recover from financial setbacks while enabling landlords to recoup missed payments.

Eviction Trends Highlight Need for Review

Mohamed cited statewide increases in eviction filings as support for the proposal. Franklin County recorded more than 25,000 eviction filings in 2024, compared with a pre-pandemic average of about 18,000, according to the Franklin County Municipal Court Clerk’s Office.

Upchurch stated that the bill aims to reduce the reliance on emergency rental assistance and provide a structured process for managing rent defaults.

Next Steps in the Legislative Process

House Bill 553 remains under consideration by the House Development Committee. Lawmakers continue reviewing the proposal as part of broader discussions on housing stability and eviction procedures in Ohio.