WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HR 427

No title provided

136th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Karen Brownlee and 3 co-sponsors

The resolution affirms Ohio tenants have six core rights—fair application, fair lease, freedom from discrimination, habitable homes, reasonable costs, and the right to organize—ali

Introduced and Referred to Committee
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HR 427

Overview

  • Type: House Resolution (Introduced)
  • Bill: HR 427
  • Session: 136th General Assembly (2025-2026)
  • Jurisdiction: Ohio
  • Sponsors: Erika White (primary), Christine Cockley; Co-sponsors: Karen Brownlee, Eric Synenberg
  • Introduced: May 13, 2026
  • Current status: Referred to Committee (as of introduction)

Purpose and intent
- The resolution expresses the Ohio House of Representatives’ intention to affirm an Ohio Tenant’s Bill of Rights that mirrors core protections already found in state law.
- It aims to restate and present key tenant protections in clear, accessible language to reaffirm the State’s commitment to fair housing.

Key provisions and rights (as articulated in the resolution)
The resolution enumerates six tenant rights, each aligned with protections under Ohio law and broader federal fair housing standards:

  1. The Right to a Fair Application

    • Prospective tenants should be evaluated based on information directly relevant to their ability to meet tenancy obligations.
    • Applications should be free from intentional discrimination.

  2. The Right to a Fair Lease

    • Rental agreements must clearly define the rights and duties of both landlord and tenant.
    • Leases must exclude terms that are unconscionable, deceptive, or otherwise prohibited by law.

  3. The Right to Freedom from Discrimination and Harassment

    • Tenants are protected by federal and state fair housing laws.
    • Protections against unlawful discrimination, harassment, and invasion of privacy.
    • Right to quiet enjoyment of their home.

  4. The Right to Habitable Homes

    • Landlords must meet their duty to provide and maintain safe, habitable, and functional premises.
    • This includes meeting health and safety standards and responding to repair requests within a reasonable time.

  5. The Right to Reasonable Rent and Costs

    • Rent and other charges must be clearly disclosed, reasonable, and nonexploitative.
    • Protection against excessive rent increases and hidden fees.

  6. The Right to Organize

    • Tenants may communicate and organize to address housing concerns.
    • Protections against retaliation by landlords, owners, or property managers (including eviction threats or actions).

  7. (Implied) The Right to Safeguards Against Eviction

    • Tenants should receive due process in eviction proceedings.
    • Protection against illegal evictions or removals without good cause.

Impact and implications
- The resolution serves as a formal expression of the House’s support for strong tenant protections and fair housing principles.
- By codifying these rights in accessible language, it aims to raise awareness among tenants and landlords about expected standards and protections.
- As a resolution, it does not itself establish new legal requirements beyond endorsing existing protections; it signals legislative intent and may influence future policy discussions, education efforts, or potential statutory amendments.
- Affected parties include tenants, prospective tenants, landlords, property managers, and housing advocates within Ohio.

Procedural and timeline notes
- Introduced and referred to a committee on May 13, 2026.
- As a resolution, it does not create enforceable new duties but may guide interpretation and enforcement of existing laws.
- If advanced, the resolution could prompt hearings, discussions, or informational campaigns about tenant rights in Ohio.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.